The TRSi Story

by Bob Harvey, CEO

Transcription Relief Services, LLC began in 1992 when Mary Harvey made a fundamental decision to change our lifestyle and leave her profession to stay home with our children and type when time allowed.  Although this represented a dramatic change in lifestyle, TRS, LLC was born out of love for our family and her desire to improve the quality of our lives.  Mary's faith and counsel had suggested that this was simply the right thing to do.

I was in my tenth year with Lanier Worldwide where I served as a Dictation System Salesman and Sales Manager and it was there that I learned, not only hardware selling, but also the people to whom I was selling. I learned that transcriptionists were unique beings.  With our implementations, we knew that these artists, called MTs, were often compulsive and reluctant to change.  I learned that this was because their professional livelihood depended on their comfort level and efficiency with the system that we were installing.  It was what they used to earn a living.

In the meantime, Mary was operating TRS more as a "PRN" (as needed) service.  She unfortunately received difficult medical news in early 1994 when she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.  Despite this news, Mary was energized by TRS and wanted to do her best for her family.  She grew TRS modestly and operated under the highest quality standards to which our accounts say they have ever been exposed.  To her, bigger was not necessarily better.  And with her health deteriorating, clearly growth at this time was not an option.

By September 1999, Mary had become very sick.  A lesson that she had taught me several years earlier inspired me to do what I was previously not strong enough to do.  I stepped down from my position at Lanier to be at home with my family.  While unpopular to many, my faith told me that this simply was the "right thing" to do.  On December 9, Mary went home to be with the Lord.  As you know, cancer doesn't really care who you are when it strikes.  The cruelness of this disease under the backdrop of the Christmas Season was difficult.  But God provided for my three sons and me.  It was not too long after her death that I felt "called" to serve TRS more fully.  During late February 2000, I retired from Lanier to pursue TRS.  I committed to do as Mary did in being available for my children.  I felt TRS offered the best opportunity for this and have not been disappointed.

TRS grew significantly over the next several years and we are proud of the fact that our employees nominated TRS for the coveted AHDI "Employer of the Year" award in 2004, which we were thrilled to receive. At TRS, we strive to be familial to each individual that becomes a part of our family. Professional and personal courtesy and respect are cornerstones of our organization. The theme of  "Welcome Home" describes the culture that we strive to achieve with our employees. Our "Employee Vision" team analyzed and recommended improvements to our way of operating to ensure that the family theme continued. This was important to TRS.

I was blessed to remarry Laurie Woten in July of 2004. The care and support of my wife and additional family further prepared me to lead TRS into the 21st century. My family continues to remind me daily of the need to focus on the gifts that we have been given. They, also, remind me of the need for nurturing on a daily basis. At TRS, it is the person that we care about!

The Birth of TRS Institute

In January 2006, TRS embarked on an additional strategy to help ensure that professional and family needs are met. TRS began a medical transcription training and development program, TRS Institute, that teaches aspiring and existing medical transcriptionists skills to begin or enhance their career. We are excited about this journey and now wish as an organization to constantly educate and then deliver to clients and families the very best that we can offer.

It is a wonderful sense of accomplishment and pride to be able to give back to a career field and a community. At TRSi, we are now an established workforce development organization with a strong and complete program based on the AHDI model curriculum. In August 2006, TRS Institute was the first training program associated with an employer to receive AHDI approval. This set the industry standard for education of medical transcriptionists!

In March 2008, our program graduated its second class with one year of successful online training and 100% post-graduate employment. As of June 2009, we have graduated six more classes and nearly half of our online students are military spouses!

In early 2009, we decided to sell TRS, LLC to Transcend Services, Inc. in order to focus all of our energy and resources on TRS Institute and the development of the next generation workforce. The sale was complete on April 1, 2009, and we are excited to further develop the curriculum offerings and opportunities that TRS Institute provides its students. We see unequivocal promise in the healthcare documentation industry and are committed to staying at the cutting edge of technological advancements and academic opportunities.

Lastly, we desire professional fulfillment for every one that joins us. We know that if you are a part of our team, we can continue to grow and be that 'big, small company.’  Hopefully we have planted a seed for you. It is our desire that that seed will take root and grow. Watching an individual embrace and succeed in a career as an MT while improving his or her own quality of life is a very fulfilling and rewarding opportunity.

It is our privilege for you to join the TRSi family.