My Entrepreneurial Journey - Erika A. Kellerhals

Our member from Virgin Islands, Erika Kellerhals , Founding Partner of Kellerhals Ferguson Kroblin PLLC has shared with us her journey in entrepreneurship and answered our questions

Erika A. Kellerhals is a tax and business lawyer with a significant experience in corporate and transactional law. 

In addition, her main practice focuses on all facets of federal tax law, including corporate, partnership, and international taxation and all phases of federal and territorial tax controversy.

After beginning her career in New York, Erika moved to the Virgin Islands in 2003, where she expanded on these practice areas and gained a comprehensive understanding of doing business in the territory. 

Erika's experience representing both large international businesses and local companies allowed her to launch her own firm in 2008, before forming Kellerhals Ferguson, LLP, in 2011.

What was the driving force behind opening your own firm/ becoming a leading partner?  

The driving force behind me opening up my own practice in 2008 was the desire to be able to craft a complete experience for our clients. I wanted to create a firm that could handle all of their needs. Moving businesses and doing business on a very small island can be very challenging and I wanted to create a firm that could assist our clients with whatever they needed - whether it was corporate formations and licensing, litigation, transactional work, assistance with purchasing real property, etc.

How did you decide to take that leap of faith to branch out on your own? 

I had very wise counsel from a number of business people that mentored me when I first arrived on island. They helped me analyze the legal market in the USVI to determine need, create a business plan, find office space, everything down to ordering stationery. Having seasoned business people to talk to is key for any entrepreneur. 

Did you ever have doubts about the decision you had made and what made you push towards becoming the success you are today? 

None, I had the support of friends and colleagues along the way. 

What kind of culture exists in your organization and was that a conscious choice? 

Our firm is probably more of a family than a business and that was a conscious choice for me. I grew up in a restaurant family and the most valuable lesson I learned is that the front and back of the house need to operate as a cohesive unit in order for a restaurant to be a success. That is why I tried very hard to create a more relaxed environment in the office and to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to spend time together not working.

We thank Erika A. Kellerhals for taking the time to share her incredible success story and educating many aspiring entrepreneurs through her life experiences.