Carolina Rose
Business Name: Legislative Research & Intent LLC
Website URL: http://www.lrihistory.com/
E-mail : carolina.rose@lrihistory.cm
Year Founded : 1983
Number of Employees: 4
What does your company do? When the meaning and purpose of a law is at issue in a case, most courts will try to apply the original intent of the Legislature if at all possible. Legislative history research can provide needed clarity in this area. LRI has specialized in providing this type of research to attorneys and the courts since 1983 (all states and federal). LRI’s Founder and President, Carolina Rose, is also available for related consulting and expert witness services.
Was there a specific turning point when you realized your business was moving to the next level? Yes. When scanning technology was first launched in the late 1990’s, I realized that my company would have to keep up with that particular branch of the information age if we were to remain vital and relevant. Not long afterward, we dispensed with hard copy reports and switched to digital instead. Today we have loaded our entire digital archives of California legislative history research reports onto our Online Store.
What processes or procedures have you implemented that have helped grow your company? #1. Our company recreates the historical setting that accompanies the enactment of codes, statutes, constitutions and regulations. Not surprisingly, we have a strong, ongoing commitment to the development and implementation of outstanding research methodologies. Our excellent reputation in this area is key to our success.
#2. We are known for having the best customer service in our field. In particular, we take pains to help our clients narrow the scope of research at no extra cost. This helps them save money and obtain targeted information. Repeat business and referrals provide us with welcome feedback that we are doing the right thing by putting our clients first.
#3. The scanning of our research reports and their digital transmission has been instrumental to our growth and success. It has also reduced overall costs and helped us to become far more environmentally friendly.
What is most rewarding about running your business? Hands down, the most rewarding aspect of running my business is the difference we make in our client’s lives. We help them to be more successful at what they do. They tell us over and over again how much they appreciate our help. That feels really good at the end of a workday.
What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them? Two employees left and started competing businesses. We just kept on providing the best research we possibly could at competitive prices. We remain leaders in our field.
If you were starting over today, what would you do differently? I would take bookkeeping and marketing classes.
What advice do you have for other business owners? My primary advice it is to treat your employees the way you would want to be treated, with dignity and respect. People first, profits second. Provide the best pays scales and benefits you can afford. Not only will you reduce turnover and training costs, but your clients/customers will benefit from the continuity and service from people who actually enjoy their jobs.
Please list any favorite books, tools or resources (software, website, etc.) you would recommend for others: Definitely use QuickBooks Pro accounting system and take a good class on it. I also recommend shopping around for a good tech support team for help with much needed computer software and hardware expertise. In the Sacramento California area I can recommend http://www.cns-service.com/
What is something that people might be surprised to learn about you? Not really. Most of my time is taken up wearing a lot of the same hats that most people do, especially family member, co-worker, friend and neighbor. I have been known to take on the cause of the underdog even if it might seem a tad strange or inconvenient; like the time a light rail train conductor refused to let a man back onboard to help his mentally disabled wife exit safely. I just stood in front of the train until the conductor finally gave up and let the poor man rescue his spouse.
