Shawn Rae Olley
Owner
Midwest Paralegal Services Inc. and Midwest Imaging
7625 S. Howell Ave., Oak Creek
Industry: Temporary paralegal support for attorneys
Number of employees: 35
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
“Midwest hired a full-time professional sales and marketing representative. Our solutions advisor has guided our clients through the expanse of services we provide.”
What’s new at your company?
“Due to the explosion of data that is produced in our electronic age, Midwest has implemented predictable pricing to work with our clients in managing paper scanning or e-data retrieval needs. Whether it is time to convert paper to easily retrievable images, or processing of computer data for purposes of litigation, being able to set a more reliable budget has profoundly impacted the choices our clients are making.”
Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
“The major costs related to working in an industry that is forever evolving, is the research on upcoming products, the investments in the proven technology and the training to integrate the hardware and software we maintain.”
What will be your company’s main challenges in the next year?
“Many firms that need the technology we offer do not maintain an in-house IT staff that is available 24/7. Midwest has expanded our service pool to allow coverage regardless of time zone.”
What’s the hottest trend in your industry?
“Corporations are moving to digitize (paper to PDF) repetitively used resources to include compliance related materials, contracts, brief banks, etc. Clients are much more agreeable to using a third party host vehicle such as Midwest supplies. This allows multiple parties within the same company to have web based access while someone else manages it.”
Do you have a business mantra?
“You have to bet big to win big. Risk is an element with any business. I enjoy the process of taking managed, thoughtful risks throughout my career. To date, it has served Midwest Paralegal very well in keeping us ahead of the demands of our clients.”
From a business standpoint, who do you look up to?
“I read as much as I can about other entrepreneurs regardless of industry. I love the marketing scheme of the American Girl Doll product line. All entities in that business feed to other elements within the business. I find it brilliant.”
What was the best advice you ever received?
“Apply for a business loan or LOC when you’re in a position not to need them.”
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you in your career?
“In the past 21 years of running Midwest, I have had such a good time working with the best and brightest paralegals, lawyers and corporate legal teams. I don’t have one instance that jumps to mind as an example from all that time. I have enjoyed working with clients that have really challenged the field to keep it improving. It is never dull.”
What do you like to do in your spare time?
“I love to travel with friends, spend time with my four German Shepherds, trap shoot with my cousins, and perennial gardening.”
