story by Heather Page | photos by Jonathan Boatwright
If driving down Second Loop Road in Florence is somewhere you travel often, it’s easy to catch yourself gazing at the large brick building and Crepe Myrtle decorated landscape that makes up WebsterRogers. The expansive size and neat facade leave an impression in your memory. While we are aware that WebsterRogers (WR) deals in tax, and financial advisory services, what most don’t know is the creative and community inspired personalities that are considered the bones of the second largest accounting firm in the state. Over the next few months, Vip Magazine will visit WR to find out what keeps their company ahead of competitors and their employees building a career and climbing the ladder of success within the firm. In addition to their tax and financial advisory services, the firm also audits and provides consulting for their clients. This month we sat down with Amy Fisher Urquhart, President and Chief Executive Officer, local Florentine, mother of two, and wife of an equally driven spouse.
As one could imagine, being the CEO of a historically 35-year-old male dominant company would certainly have its challenges. These challenges are something Amy has learned to thoughtfully process and execute superior solutions for in order to be named CEO in January of this year. For nearly 15 years, Amy has worked heavily in areas related to Personal Tax Compliance and Consulting. She has served numerous roles at WR. Being a CPA and CFP® helps as she specializes in high net worth clients. Her expertise in financial planning and investments is critical as she also carries the role of Managing Member of WRFA (WebsterRogers Financial Advisors). Over the years she has served on the Executive Committee and most recently as Managing Partner – a resumé that directly represents how WR is committed to the growth of its employees.
With the numerous responsibilities Amy holds at WR, her commitment to family is what keeps her balanced. “My children and family always come first,” she says. “Work takes a lot of time, energy and commitment, but my priorities don’t change. I decided long ago that it would be better for my children to see me work long hours and return from work happy, rather than work fewer hours and be unhappy for not accomplishing or achieving personal goals, or making a difference in our organization and client’s lives.” One of Amy’s favorite quotes comes from Emily Dickinson, “That it will never come again is what makes life sweet.” Amy incorporates this quote into balancing life’s commitments. “When you know what is truly important, decisions about where and when to be somewhere are easier. Family milestones, support in times of turmoil, celebrating important achievements – those are moments that define relationships and you make them a priority,” she says. Her parents, owners of Fisher Jewelers & Silversmiths of Florence, and husband Derick, despite his demanding career, are particularly beneficial in helping maintain these priorities.
This spring Amy’s family celebrates an important milestone as Cate, her nine-year-old daughter, is named Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Champions Ambassador of McLeod Hospital. Despite setbacks at birth, Cate’s spirit and strength have far outweighed her disadvantages of being born six weeks premature. “Cate has found her niche in life through riding her horse MerryLegs and spending any extra time with her family on the water,” says Amy.
Chasing her active two-year-old little boy Fisher also keeps Amy busy. While her husband Derick, also a Florence native, serves as a Physician Liaison at McLeod Health, Head Coach of Florence’s American Legion baseball team, and is the Assistant Coach for Trinity Byrnes, he is instrumental in keeping the household balance. He is in his 16th season with American Legion and counts multiple state championships to his team’s credit. Not only is he an accomplished coach, Derick still holds uncontested records as a USC standout player. The pair have become conditioned in splitting their priorities between work and home life. Amy credits their partnership and support for each other for enabling them to be at their best. Fisher spends his mornings getting one on one time with his mom and weekends at the baseball field with his dad preparing for the upcoming season.
When asked how she does it all, Amy simply says, “It’s all about blocking time and setting boundaries so my time aligns with my personal priorities and corporate expectations.” Amy gives much credit to her extremely talented management team and leaders at WR that have set the resources in place to make meaningful impacts for their associates, clients, and community. “It’s an exciting time for WebsterRogers,” she says. “We have added new technology and embraced different roles as we continue to invest and grow in an increasingly competitive marketplace. We are focused on initiatives designed to develop our associates and new ways to continue to add value to our clients.”
So, if you are in need of a company who will share in the success of your future, whether through employment or as a client, consider visiting the solid structured, family and business friendly corporation, WebsterRogers. A company founded on the principles of quality, integrity, and dedication to their people and their clients.
Serving our community since 1984, WebsterRogers knows the value of hard work and a long term vision. We are excited to see Amy take the reins and look forward to seeing the firm under her leadership!
As you might imagine, WR is working at full capacity now in the heat of tax season. Given the new tax laws, they have been planning with many of their clients since late last year as there is a myriad of changes impacting individuals and businesses. Taxpayers are impacted in different ways. Fortunately, WR has the expertise and experience to navigate the most complex issues.
www.websterrogers.com