Member Spotlight: Alexandra Newlin, Rapp & Krock, PC

Can you tell us a little about the history of your business?

Rapp & Krock, PC was formed in 2010 when Brad Rapp merged his corporate and business transactions practice with Ken Krock’s litigation practice. The result, a robust 4-attorney law firm. Since that time, the firm has grown to 15 attorneys and anticipates adding another 7 attorneys in 2025.

What inspired you to start this business and how has your vision evolved over time?

Brad and Ken gained valuable experience working in large law firms before launching their firm. Their goal in starting Rapp & Krock was to establish a firm that would deliver exceptional client service to businesses and business owners and provide a range of legal services. Prioritizing long-term relationships with clients and employees and cultivating a culture that bolsters those relationships has remained the foundation of the firm. In 2018, the firm recognized that many clients required business succession planning, which often involved complex estate planning. Consequently, they added an Estate Planning and Administration practice to address the growing needs. Over the next few years, this practice expanded, growing to four attorneys and introducing probate litigation, necessitating the addition of more attorneys. As a result of this expansion and increasing demand for services, the firm's original target of having 15 to 16 attorneys across two practices (business transactions and litigation) has now increased to a requirement for 22 attorneys to adequately meet client needs.

What sets your business apart from others in your industry?

Our firm is committed to upholding our six core values: Trusted, Relationships, Committed, Creative, Collaborative, and Quality. These core values create a unique process for delivering legal services, which we describe using the acronym L.A.W.  First, our attorneys Learn about the clients, often investing their time to understand the client’s needs. Here is where we discover what is most important to the clients, which may include insight into how a business operates, the decision-making process of its leaders, business objectives, long-term goals, value systems, and risk tolerances.  The second step is to Analyze the legal problems from many different perspectives, using information we have gathered about our clients.  The final step is to collaborate with the client to find Workable solutions. Rapp & Krock works to find a customized solution for each client based on their personal goals and values. The LAW process has served our clients well and fits with the firm’s core values.

How has being a member of the Chamber of Commerce benefited your business?

The Katy Chamber offers a variety of annual, monthly, and special events that allow members to engage in business growth, learn about current business issues, and expand their networks. Rapp & Krock makes a concerted effort to attend as many of these events as possible and finds great value in participating.

In what ways do you engage with the local community?

The firm's named shareholders, Brad Rapp and Ken Krock have both lived and worked in Katy for many years. Ken still calls Katy home, and several of the firm's employees do as well. Although Brad has moved away, he remains actively involved in the community since many of his friends still reside there. As a result, the firm has numerous clients within the community and is frequently seen sponsoring and participating in local sports, including football and soccer, as well as supporting various charities chosen by the firm, its clients, and its employees. For instance, the firm organizes an annual summer community service project where its employees volunteer at local charities, including those based in Katy.

What advice would you give to new business owners considering joining the Chamber?

Like most organizations, you get out what you put in. Joining the Chamber and paying dues is the first step.  The most important thing to do is participate in the events.  Some events are not as beneficial to your business, but by trying them all you will find the ones that fit with your values, and you will build your network with like-minded people.

What do you believe has been the key to your business's success so far?

This is an easy answer: our employees. We strive to hire the right kind of people, meaning people who share the same core values of the firm and will buy into a culture that puts relationships, collaboration, and collegiality above other goals. This focus has led to a culture that promotes the same approach to our clients.

What challenges has your business faced and how have you overcome them?

Growth always presents challenges (and opportunities). At Rapp & Krock, the biggest challenge growth presents is maintaining the culture, even as the firm increases its size. The firm has focused more on how to interview and identify those who would buy into our culture.

Can you tell us about a product or service you're particularly proud of?

Rapp & Krock provides legal services with a strong emphasis on building and maintaining relationships with our clients and colleagues. Our clients’ feedback on how we can provide them with better services has led to the development of certain programs we offer including the Business Maintenance Program (which monitors a business’ filings and protects the business from certain legal issues) and the Legacy Bridge (a program which helps maintain relationships with estate planning clients even after they sign their wills or other estate documents).

How do you stay ahead in a competitive market?

Rapp & Krock prioritizes the needs of our clients over the desires of the firm. We collaborate with our clients to gain a deeper understanding of their personal needs, which enables us to identify the services that will help them achieve their personal goals alongside their legal objectives.

What does excellent customer service mean to you?

Excellent customer service begins with a genuine desire to help the customer. It requires listening to understand their needs and problems, working to make sure the product or service is appropriate, and providing a solution and timely delivery of the product or service. This involves being responsive, meeting deadlines, and ensuring that you and the customer have defined the appropriate product or service. Finally, client services requires following up with the customer to make sure the product or service met their expectations and solved their problem.

What has been the most memorable customer interaction you’ve had?

Law firms have ethical requirements that prevent them from celebrating successes publicly, but the most memorable customer interactions for Rapp & Krock are when clients publicly praise the firm, refer their family members to the firm, or return over and over for help.

What’s the most rewarding part of running your business?

Making a difference in employees’ and clients’ lives. Being able to offer someone a job and help them grow professionally and personally is an incredible reward. For clients, being able to greatly reduce or eliminate uncertainty, worry, or fear; help them realize their dreams; and/or bring them peace of mind.

How has your business changed your life personally?

Realizing that relationships are your best legacy.

Who has been your biggest mentor or source of inspiration throughout your business journey?

Brad Rapp has been the leader of our firm and easily the biggest mentor and source of inspiration for our company.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received as a business owner?

You are never the most important person in the room.

Connect: https://rappandkrock.com/