Today we’d like to introduce you to Laurie-Leigh White.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I first started working for BVA in 2008, right after grad school, in the firm’s Dallas (and at the time only) office. In 2010, the firm decided to open a Houston office, and my mentor was the partner tasked with coming down and getting the office started, so I was asked to join him in starting the office. It was crazy scary – I was 25 years old, a newly promoted VP at an extremely young age, asked to come to create something out of nothing essentially.
As an accountant by training, the idea of going out into a market and selling work was insanely intimidating, but I’m extremely stubborn and was unwilling to fail. So I did what anyone in my shoes would do, and I worked long hours with little sleep and was relentless about getting the BVA name into the Houston market. There were certainly a lot of blood, sweat and tears shed, but by 2013, the two employees had grown into 10, and today we have nearly 30 employees in our Houston office alone.
The people of the Houston business community were overwhelmingly accepting of one of their own, as I was a local gal. Everyone I met was willing to introduce me to others and help in any way he/she could, which was so refreshing.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Not always a smooth road. I was thrown into a leadership and market facing position very early in my career, and I needed to find a way early on to get taken seriously. So, I cut my hair and started shedding extra pounds so I could be taken more seriously. It sounds crazy I know but in my head, that was part of what it took. I was very proud (and still am) of VBA’s work product, so I knew if I could get my foot into the door we’d have a legitimate shot at future success.
There were certainly long hours, and we definitely did not win (and still don’t) all the projects we bid on, but over time, our name became more and more well known throughout the market. In a lot of ways, I set everything aside to focus on my career and growing this office.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with BVA Group – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
BVA Group is a nationally recognized litigation, valuation, and financial advisory firm with a reputation for providing valuable insight and responsive service to clients seeking guidance regarding complex financial issues. The firm was founded in 1974 to pursue a simple but powerful purpose: to empower others through its expertise in valuation, economic damages, and corporate finance issues.
Today, BVA’s professionals offer a broad collection of experience including Big Four accounting, investment banking, and strategy consulting. BVA has valued business interests ranging from small family-owned businesses to multinational corporations valued in the billions and evaluated damages in litigation matters ranging from small commercial disputes to conflicts with over $25 billion at stake. In addition, BVA professionals have testifying experience in a wide variety of jurisdictions including federal district courts, bankruptcy courts, state courts, and domestic and international arbitration.
Our clients include Fortune 100 companies, private equity firms and other privately funded enterprises, family-owned businesses, accounting firms, and law firms. Our clients seek our help in resolving issues in diverse industries and circumstances, both nationally and globally.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’d like to help take BVA to its next stage… whatever that may be. When I started at the firm, there were about 20 employees in one office, and now we have over 60 employees across 3 offices. I see myself staying as the leader of the firm’s Houston office for many years, so I am here to support the growth initiatives of the firm overall.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1000 Louisiana Suite 6925
Houston, TX 77002 - Website: bvagroup.com
- Phone: 7134573132
- Email: lwhite@bvagroup.com
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
