After 27 years as the welcoming voice of RLPS, Beth Lorah looks back on the relationships, memories, and moments that made her career so meaningful.
For many, Beth’s voice has become synonymous with RLPS. She and her husband, Perry, recently retired and we took the opportunity to ask her to reflect on her time here at RLPS.
- "The Voice of RLPS"
You’ve likely been one of the first people clients spoke with when they called RLPS. What has that meant to you?
Beth: Being the first impression for RLPS is so important. My goal, each day, was to make EVERY caller feel like they were my first call. I have found such joy in the relationships I made via the phone.
What have you enjoyed most about welcoming clients and visitors over the years?
Beth: Welcoming clients and guests was pure joy for me! I loved meeting and greeting them. Learning about them and their families was especially ‘special’ to me. I’ve made many friends over the years through meaningful conversations. I miss that.
“Beth represented our firm so well, providing a positive and professional first impression to everyone who called or walked through our doors. She connected with people on a personal level, making them feel seen, heard, and genuinely welcomed by RLPS.”
– Jodi Kreider, Partner
How has the firm changed during your time here?
Beth: Changes – where do I start? Obviously, technology has changed the most. Watching people carry their laptops to meetings didn’t happen at the beginning of my career. We had those BIG BULKY computers. You used to have to come to my desk to sign out when you were leaving the office and when you returned. Although admittedly not a great use of time, it allowed me to get to know my fellow staff members as we chatted about their comings and goings. Dress code changed as well. We used to only wear jeans on certain Fridays, and we had to PAY to wear them as a fundraiser for Relay for Life. The COVID-19 pandemic changed things as far as working from home.
What has remained the same?
Beth: I think the foundation and principles this firm started with still remain the same. There is a lot to be said about honor and integrity. It goes a long way not just with clients but with staff as well. You knew what was expected from you. You also knew you were appreciated for the work you did.
What are some of your favorite memories of working at RLPS?
Beth: I have so many fond memories of working here at RLPS. I loved going to Jim and Sandy Reese’s house when they hosted holiday parties and having valet parking! 9/11 was a hard day for America and in our office as well. I was so impressed with how the partners reacted to this event and took the consideration of the staff before the ‘profit’ of making money that day. Friendships made with staff, clients, and consultants will stick with me. I loved working hard but also having fun doing it. I love laughter and there always seemed to be joy in the office.
What will you miss most?
Beth: I will miss the relationships. I’ve made so many wonderful friendships through the years. I had to say goodbye to some of them as they moved on to new careers or life’s journey ended for some. But each life that touched mine impacted me in some way. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to have worked at RLPS and my prayers will always be with RLPS staff as you continue this journey. My goal was to be a positive influence on all I came in contact with.
“She truly has a heart of gold, and her kindness, friendship, and dedication have touched so many lives.”
– Kelli Harlan, Clerical
“When my brother died, Beth sent the most heartfelt card to me letting me know that she was there for me if I wanted to talk and that she had been through similar loss in her life. It was so sincere and relatable – I will never forget how it made me feel like I was not alone in my grief.”
– Margaret Yu, Associate Partner
What are you looking forward to in retirement?
Beth: I’m looking forward to spending more time with Perry. Retirement will be similar to what our life has been, just at our pace and under our terms. Doing what we want to do when we want to do it will be amazing. We will be traveling and supporting our younger nieces in their respected sport endeavors. Just slowing down to smell the roses. God has blessed us over the years, and His goodness and grace will watch over us in this next journey of life.
“Beth has long been the voice of RLPS and we will miss her but are also so very happy for her to be living her best life with Perry in retirement!”
– Craig Kimmel, Managing Partner
Thank you to each voice heard over the phone, each person who walked through the door of RLPS and each coworker I’ve had the privilege to work with!! God bless!! – Beth
