Meet Billy Robinson, CCIFP, Partner and Construction Practice Leader of Brown, Edwards and Company, LLP in Kingsport, TN. He took some time to sit down with us and share more about his life in and out of the office. Check it out: 

Q1: What was your first job? 

A1: I mowed grass at 13 years old and started bagging groceries at 16 years old when I could drive.

Q2: Where did you grow up at? 

A2: I grew up in Dickenson County, Virginia, which is a rural area in the Southwestern tip of Virginia.

Q3: What is something you can never over-invest in? 

A3: You can never over-invest in yourself. I think it is important to get know who you are as a person and what drives you. Keep learning and keep achieving, but learn what really motivates your goals and harness them.

Q4: What energizes you at work? 

A4: I absolutely love the construction industry and have always been in awe of the ability to build something out of nothing with the combination of hands and equipment, knowledge and talent, and guts and determination. I grew up the son of a coal miner and being able to support an industry that supports millions of blue collar families energizes me.

Q5: What do you collect? 

A5: Things with a motor. Boat, motorcycle, golf cart, etc. If it makes a noise and I can drive it or ride it, I like it.

Q6: How did you get into accounting? 

A6: I was the son of a coal miner who was blessed to attend college with scholarships and financial aid and almost no student debt. My parents wanted a better life for me that wasn't so boom or bust and so they challenged me to make my own way. I first thought I wanted to be an attorney but pivoted to business and took my first accounting class and I was in love! I got a part time job at a two partner accounting firm where I worked for three years in college and joined Brown Edwards right after graduation in 2003. This will be my 19th year at the firm.

Q7: What do you do to unwind from work? 

A7: During busy season, I am much more regimented and try to workout four or five times a week to maintain my mental health. I love to boat, hike, travel, motorcycle, and spend time with my family.

Q8: What career advice would you give to your 18-year-old self? 

A8: Don't be so hard on yourself, you will get there eventually if you just keep believing in yourself and finding mentors that affirm and support your abilities. However, you should also be more open to correction and listen more, talk less! Oh, and not all clients are good clients! Almost forgot that one.

Q9: What have you learned about being a leader? 

A9: A lot of what not to do and how to recognize it and apologize for it when you get it wrong. At the end of the day, if you care for your people and are transparent with them, I think they will follow you.

Q10: What is your favorite thing in your office? 

A10: This would be for multiple offices as I work with a number, but that's easy, THE PEOPLE, THE TEAM. How lucky I am to work with team members who care not only about what they do, but how it gets done.