Aimee Goldberg, partner, Benchmark Reporting Agency
Aimee Goldberg, partner at Benchmark Reporting Agency, a Minneapolis-based court reporting firm, has received a national industry award for her support of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999, Goldberg received the community service award from the Journal of Court Reporting, published by the National Court Reporters Association.
Goldberg, joined by employees, clients and supporters, has raised more than $130,000 through the yearly MS Walk: Twin Cities, the journal reported.
Goldberg's team raised more than $17,000 in April's Walk MS, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
"It feels good to be doing something to fight back, to have hope and to encourage others to do the same," said Goldberg, who also volunteers with Simpson Housing Services, a nonprofit that supports people experiencing homelessness.
Benchmark Reporting Agency is marking its 50th anniversary. Goldberg's stepfather, Chuck Lehman, opened what was then Southwest Reporters in 1967 in Marshall.
Goldberg, who had worked as a trial technology specialist, bought the agency in 1996, changed the name to Benchmark Reporting Agency the next year and moved it to the Twin Cities. Goldberg's husband, Eric Goldberg, has been a partner in the business since 2000.
The agency offers court reporting services, litigation support and videotaped and streaming video of depositions and arbitration and other proceedings throughout the state and nationally through affiliates. Services include producing "real-time" transcriptions with text streaming to attorneys in the same room or in remote locations.
Q: What's been the key to the agency's longevity?
A: You'll hit an issue with technology, you'll hit an issue with employees, you'll hit an issue with reporters and you'll hit an issue with clients. But you have to keep putting each foot in front of the other and moving forward and making progress. I've always felt that if you're standing still you're getting ready to die, and that is not the way to be with the business or life.
Q: Who are your clients and what kinds of cases do you handle?
A: Our clients typically are law firms, attorneys themselves or paralegals. We handle very large cases but also medical malpractice or slip-and-falls. The diversity of work has kept our firm strong because we're not relying on one law firm or one type of case.
Q: What's it like running a business with your husband?
A: We have a great relationship and he brings to the table things that I lack and vice versa. He works with sales and with clients in terms of gaining new accounts. I'm very business oriented, sticking my nose in the books, looking at new opportunities. He probably gives in to me too much, but that's probably why we get along so well.
Todd Nelson
