January Focus: Diane Emery

Each month we’ll focus on a valued employee of Executive Reporting Service (ERS) for you to get to know us better!

We feel that it’s only fitting to start off with the woman behind the award-winning reporting firm – the founder, president and CEO, Diane Emery.  Some 30+ years ago, Diane took a leap – a big leap – when she quit her court reporting job and decided to start her own company at the ripe old age of 21.  With no savings account, she rented a storefront for $300 and started her business.

Jump ahead a few decades and Diane now runs a full service reporting company with a staff of about 25, and offices in seven locations in five counties and credits the success of her business to customer satisfaction with repeat business and their focus on emerging technology and staying ahead of the curve.  In 2006, ERS was honored as being the Outstanding Business of the Year by the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce; has been ranked among the top 75 women-owned-businesses in the area by the Tampa Bay Business Journal four times; and was featured in Maddux Business Report as a growth profile in their business series.

Diane is a huge proponent of the arts and two of ERS’ Pinellas offices have become art galleries.  In addition to creating a creative workplace, the artwork gracing the conference room walls welcomes clients and adds to the atmosphere during depositions.  “It’s not your grandfather’s legal environment,” says Emery.  She adds, “some of the artwork is sold right off of the walls.  It’s a win/win situation.”