Emily Erskine is President & CEO of ART Payroll, a company that provides payroll and business support services to advertisers, advertising agencies, in-house creative teams, and production companies in the production of digital content, TV and radio commercials, print, in-house corporate films, and video.
Each year, WBENC presents 14 women business owners with the prestigious Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) Star Award, the nation’s premier recognition for excellence among certified women-owned businesses, honoring female owners for their leadership skills, business success, and ability to serve as an inspiration to others.
Meet Emily Erskine, President & CEO of ART Payroll
Emily graduated from the University of Vermont in 1984 with a BA in Liberal Arts. Two years later, she was hired by ART Payroll in an entry level position. Little did she know, by 2012 she’d become the owner, president, and CEO of the company. Emily’s optimism and forethought influenced her decision to start acquiring stock in the company in 2000.
By 2010, she was one of two shareholders in the company and became president and CEO, and in 2012 she bought out her business partner and became sole owner of ART Payroll. Since acquiring the company, Emily has expanded it by establishing satellite offices in New York and California.
Emily says the primary factor influencing all of her decisions regarding ART Payroll’s operations is providing outstanding, reliable, smart, and friendly service to their clients.
This service-minded attitude extends to her employees, also. She believes that a business can only succeed by working hard to support both employees and clients in their own success. She credits this belief with establishing long-term client relationships, valuable referrals, and a very low employee turnover rate.
Emily also believes in helping other women find success by guiding them and providing them with beneficial contacts. Recently, she helped a producer who had been let go from her ad agency job by giving her ongoing business advice. Within a year, the woman started her own business and successfully procured her first client. Emily is now talking with her about WBENC opportunities to strengthen her business.
Emily is “The Optimist” because she doesn’t let inevitable obstacles discourage her from moving forward and achieving success. Through her contagious positivity, she also influences those around her to be the best they can be.
Today, Emily shares guiding words for newly certified WBEs, her advice for new entrepreneurs, and how her company has grown and changed since its beginnings and since becoming WBENC-Certified.
What guiding words would you like to share with a newly certified WBE who is looking to get involved in the WBENC community?
Get involved right away, but give yourself time to understand all the many, varied opportunities that exist within the WBENC community. Take the webinars before the conferences. Talk to other WBEs if you can.
What advice do you have for a new entrepreneur?
My advice to a new entrepreneur is to face apparent impasses with flexibility and optimism. I believe that all businesses will encounter “brick walls” in the normal course of business and that these brick walls are often more prevalent for women- and minority-owned businesses. If your current path is not helping you get over that brick wall, then take a step back, think, consult with others and try another route.
How has your company grown and changed since its inception and since becoming certified?
The company’s revenues have increased and I am more prepared to handle whatever may come way in the course of business! I have learned to trust my leadership style and have become a better leader through my participation in events and educational opportunities provided by WBENC.
ART Payroll’s approach has always been to customize our business affairs and talent payment services to meet the unique needs of each of our clients and each of their clients. As different needs arise and develop, we step in to give guidance. With our responsive, reliable services, you will find that you have the support that you need when you need it.
