We started GEWllc shortly after our Son Michael was born.  Betsy wanted to stay home with Mick, with Betsy’s back ground and degree in Accounting we were able to do that with Betsy managing our Payroll, invoicing, and accounts receivable.  As we grew Betsy took on HR, 401K, benefits, managing state license, accounts payable, licensing in the different jurisdictions, State Reporting, etc.

Initially GEWllc was based out of a small bedroom in our first house, where Betsy and I worked.  My desk was on one side of the room while Betsy’s was on the other.  We could not work in the office at the same time as their simply was not enough room (our chairs hit if we were both working…).  I miss that room.

As GEWllc grew, Betsy’s work load and responsibilities grew not just in number of staff and Partners but with increasing client’s in multiple different States and Territories.  We could not have grew to where we are today without Betsy’s attention to detail, non-stop commitment to our staff and most importantly with her “just always being there”.

One funny story.  I picked up an Expert Witness case that required a fast turnaround.  I asked the attorney’s involved if ok for Betsy to help me.  They agreed.  I asked what I should invoice Betsy’s hours at, they agree to same rate as their Paralegals at $75 per hour (this was of few years ago…).  Coming home I informed Betsy of the new weekend project, needing her help over weekend…  She agreed than asked ‘… well what do I get paid?…’  So I asked her what she was making per hour while she worked at City of Camus.  She said $35 per hour.  I asked if that works, she agreed and I let a little smile out.  Betsy asked me ‘What’s so funny?’.  I then told her I was charging $75 per hour; making a $40 per hour profit on her.  She called me an “ass”…  Yes I did tell the attorney’s involved who LOL.   A few months later we did enjoy our first trip to Hawaii; partly paid for by this weekend working together.

In Betsy’s desk I found a Thank You note written to Betsy from our Partner Bill Wood.  It simple said “Thank you Betsy, we could not do this without you.  You are the glue that holds us together”.

I do miss us hitting the back of our chairs when we worked together in our first little office.  The Michael and Katie running into the office wanting to play…