After 30+ years as a court reporter and 13 years running my own firm, I was surprised to find myself seeking out a new role at this stage of my career. Yet here I am, two months into my position as Market Development Manager at Steno, and I couldn't be more excited about this new chapter. Let me tell you why.

My Journey

When I started court reporting three decades ago, we were using early computerized steno machines with floppy disks to store our transcripts. Since then, I've witnessed technological revolutions, evolving client expectations, and a lot of industry consolidation. Through it all, one thing remained constant: my commitment to exceptional service for the attorneys and legal teams who relied on my work.

In 2007, I took the leap and founded my own court reporting agency in Kansas City. For 13 years, my team and I built a reputation based on reliability, accuracy, and personal attention. We took pride in knowing our clients by name, understanding their preferences, and delivering transcripts that met their exacting standards.

The Transition

In 2020, I made the difficult decision to sell my agency to Veritext. At the time, it seemed like the right move. The industry was consolidating, technology investments were becoming increasingly expensive, and joining forces with a larger company offered certain advantages both for me and my team of exceptional court reporters.

However, something was lost in the transition. The personalized approach that had been the cornerstone of my business wasn’t there anymore. I watched as relationships built over decades became account numbers. Efficiency metrics replaced quality service as the primary measure of success. Most concerning, I observed attorneys and court reporters alike expressing growing frustration with standardized processes that didn't accommodate their unique needs.

Finding Steno

At the same time, I began hearing about Steno and their refreshing approach to court reporting services. Initially skeptical (we've all heard promises of "revolutionary" services before), I decided to investigate.

What I discovered was a company that had thoughtfully addressed the pain points I'd been observing firsthand. Steno has managed to harness cutting-edge technology while maintaining the human touch that makes our profession special. Their platform isn't just advanced—it's designed with actual court reporters and legal professionals in mind.

Why I Made the Move

I joined Steno in March 2025 because I wanted to be part of a company that's getting it right. After just two months, I can confidently say that Steno represents the best of both worlds: technological innovation and white-glove service.

Steno’s platform is intuitive and powerful—streamlining everything from scheduling to transcript delivery—yet it never feels impersonal or automated. The technology works behind the scenes to enhance efficiency while human expertise remains at the forefront of every interaction.

Every client works with dedicated professionals who take the time to understand your specific needs, preferences, and case requirements. This isn't about standardized processes or one-size-fits-all solutions, it's about building relationships and delivering customized service that adapts to how you work. The technology supports this personalized approach rather than replacing it.

The difference is immediately apparent. When you call Steno, you speak with someone who knows your account, remembers your preferences, and genuinely cares about your success. This level of attention and care, enhanced by smart technology, reflects the same standards I maintained when running my own firm, the kind of service that builds trust and long-term partnerships rather than transactional relationships.

Bridging the Gap

I see my role at Steno as bridging a gap. Between old-school dedication to craft and new-school technological capabilities. Between what court reporting has been and what it can become. Between the needs of legal professionals and the skills of exceptional court reporters.

After 30 years in this industry, I wouldn't stake my reputation on a company I didn't truly believe in. Steno has rekindled my enthusiasm for this profession by proving that technology can enhance rather than replace the human elements that make court reporting so valuable.

I'm energized by the opportunity to introduce Steno to both the attorneys I've served for decades and the court reporters who, like me, are looking for a company that values their expertise. This isn't just another job for me—it's a chance to help shape the future of a profession I love.

If you're a legal professional frustrated by declining service quality, or a court reporter seeking a more supportive environment, I'd welcome the opportunity to connect. After all, bridging gaps is what I do best.