New executive heads Laughlin Associates

A new team has been named to manage Laughlin Associates Inc., maintaining the tradition of a family-run business while preparing to shape the company more to its clients' needs.

Vicky Free was appointed president of the incorporation services firm based in Carson City and her husband, Ron Free, was named vice president.

Vicky Free is the sister-in-law of Lewis Laughlin, the 34-year-old president and CEO of Laughlin Associates who died in his sleep in May. His parents, Harley and Dorothy Laughlin, founded Laughlin Associates in 1972 in Reno but moved the company to Carson City in 1979.

The new officers said they plan to continue many of Laughlin Associates' proven business strategies while implementing a new vision for the future.

"We're analyzing the company piece by piece and seeing what can be done to make it run as efficiently as possible," Vicky Free said. "Not only do we want to continue being the best in the industry, we intend to greatly increase our lead by enhancing the services and communications with our customers."

She said Laughlin is using ideas from both clients and employees, including a redesign of the company Web site, increased database technology and a new logo and corporate look.

"We're doing a lot of listening to out customers and are restructuring within the organization to provide the most client-oriented service in our industry," Ron Free said.

Laughlin employees about 70 people in its offices at 2533 N. Carson St. At the time of Lewis Laughlin's death, the company acted as the resident agent for about 9,000 Nevada corporations.

Vicki Lee has 20 years experience in finance and business, including experience as head of a multi-million-dollar corporation. Her expertise is in working with small business to develop sure and solid asset protection and financial planning.

As vice president, Ron Free now oversees marketing, sales and overall financial assessment of Laughlin Associates and projects market trends and monitors government affairs and how they will effect small business. Ron Free is an international speaker with years of experience teaching classes to business people and educators on economics and business ethics.

On the Web:

http://ww.laughlinassociates.com