12-11-2022 Top Workplaces - Flipbook - Page 40
WINNER SMALL BUSINESS
LEADER
RUSSELL FLEMING
FLEMING FUND SERVICES
Building a business from the ground up
B
ack in the 1990s, Russell “Rusty”
Fleming was working for a large firm
specializing in accounting and advisory
services for the alternative investment
industry. But he was traveling all over the country and missing time with his young family.
So he started Fleming Fund Services out of
his home, essentially doing the same thing but
on his time so he could take off in the late afternoons and coach his sons’ soccer teams.
Fleming, an accountant who graduated from
Towson University and first worked for PriceWaterhouse, grew the Bel Air-based firm a little
each year, “flying under the radar,” he said. He
didn’t want to grow so fast he lost the quality of
service.
Along the way, Fleming Fund Services accumulated a roster of clients that includes some of
the largest hedge funds in the world, though he
said he can’t name them, and a small but dedicated workforce, including his daughter. He said
he’s had just three people leave in 23 years.
The respect of his staff helps explain how
Fleming got chosen for this year’s leadership
award for small businesses in Baltimore Sun
Media’s Top Workplaces.
“He has built a business from the ground up.
He has recruited and maintained an impressive
client list, and those clients genuinely appreciated the quality of work performed and the
40 | 2022 | TOPWORKPLACES
expertise provided’“ said one employee of Fleming’s leadership.
Another said: “He works hard but also
balances his hard work with strong family
values. He strives for greatness and perfection
and expects it from everyone.”
Fleming took a few moments to answer
questions about leadership and Fleming Fund
Services’ culture.
How did the pandemic change Fleming
Fund Services as a workplace?
The pandemic led Fleming Fund Services to
embrace and adopt an even more flexible work
environment. Employees were fully remote
during much of the pandemic, and as it is now
safe to return to the office, many employees
continue to work remotely a few days a week.
Fleming Fund Services enhanced their technology and data security and never missed a beat
with the switch to remote work.
Now, employees can enjoy the best of both
worlds — interacting with their co-workers in
the office or via Microsoft Teams or Zoom or
working at home if more convenient or appropriate.
What makes Fleming Fund Services a good
place to work?
We work hard at Fleming Fund Services, but
Russell Fleming, owner of Fleming Fund Services, is
receiving a Leadership Award for Top Workplaces
2022. PHOTO BY LLOYD FOX
we are also a family. We are a group of people
who genuinely care for and like one another.
That motivates us all to do the best job we can.
We never hesitate to raise a hand to help another
co-worker, and we support each other both
professionally and personally. We understand
how important family and personal time are,
and we offer employees a flexible work schedule
and environment to make those things a priority.
What is a leader’s role in establishing a Top
Workplace?
I believe the tone of the organization comes
from the top. When I founded Fleming Fund
Services over 20 years ago, I had a vision to
create an accounting and advisory firm that
works hard and exceeds client expectations but
also values employees’ quality of life. I strongly
believe in the importance of family and creating
a work-life balance.
I have tried to lead by example, and others in
the Fleming Fund Services management team
have adopted the same set of values. We all
believe this makes for a healthier, happier and
more productive team.