When it comes to involvement in community and family life, Crystal Reynolds is not one to sit on the sidelines.
Raised with the work philosophy of her grandparents' generation, Reynolds has struck a balance in her life that provides both professional and personal contentment.
“I am not a conventional accountant or a stereotypical female, and I strive to be a better mother for my daughter every single day,” Reynolds says.
At just 32, Reynolds has built herself into a community leader and successful businesswoman in her own way. Reynolds currently works at Paragon Architecture Inc. as the chief operating officer and is the owner of Principle Accounting LLC, but the reach of her professional career extends further.
Since graduating from Missouri State University with a master’s in accounting at the age of 23, Reynolds has served as senior accountant at The Whitlock Co. LLP and chief financial officer at Systematic Savings Bank. At The Whitlock Co., Reynolds first realized the importance of community involvement and became a board member with Abilities First.
Now, as treasurer of the group and board president of Art Inspired, which is run under Friends of Abilities First, she works to empower individuals with developmental disabilities by valuing their work and paying them a competitive wage. She also helps educate the public about issues related to developmental disabilities.
Since its inception, Reynolds has been a key player in the creation, patent applications, startup, business development and management of Art Inspired. She says the organization’s work has increased the spending power of those with developmental disabilities in Greene County, increased their self-worth and made a positive impact in the lives of their friends and family.
But empowerment isn’t just a principle Reynolds carries over in community work, it extends into her self-owned business.
“When employees are heard, they are empowered. When employees are empowered, they are more productive. When employees are more productive, the company increases its chance of success,” she says. “Within a company of this nature, any goal, no matter how lofty, is attainable.”
Reynolds believes this devotion to employees at the local companies she works with gives the workers a much needed boost of confidence and, in turn, gives management valuable recommendations for future growth and endeavors based on financial data.
“I spend most of my efforts regarding leadership striving to lead by example,” she says. “I want people of my generation to know that you absolutely can have a wonderful home life and a challenging career.”
