5 Questions With Laura Berry, Author, Coach, and Client Relationship Manager, Bowers R&D

November 5, 2023

This article is part of our 5 Questions With series, one of our ongoing People & Places Features. We love it because despite the consistent questioning, the answers are all unique. Be sure to FOLLOW us on LinkedIn to tell us what you think.

Laura is a Client Relationship Manager at Bowers R&D Associates, where she helps business owners access the federal and state research and development tax credits that they deserve. With more money in their pockets, these innovators can continue to fund their passions and bring new projects to life.

She has years of experience providing excellent customer care and reliable service, as well as a BA in Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies from West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

Laura is also a rugby player and Fundraiser Chair for the Phoenixville White Horse Rugby Club as well as a USMC veteran spouse and an award-winning author of multiple books, including a children’s fantasy adventure and a poetry collection about rugby.

1. What did you want to be when you grew up? How’d you get from there to here?

Little kid Laura was enamored with the idea of being a veterinarian. Clearly, that didn’t happen. Majoring in Writing at West Chester University, I discovered two things that would completely change my life: Sales and Rugby.

Sales allowed me to channel my natural appreciation for people and writing abilities into a marketable skill. Rugby taught me to persevere and not back down from a challenge.

I was lucky to learn these lessons before I married into the Marine Corps. Constantly moving to different duty stations meant adapting quickly to new work environments and being able to get back up on my feet at a moment’s notice no matter what discouragements or disappointments raised their ugly heads.

Following a winding trail of cold call sales, copywriting for clients like Instacart, and writing a children’s fantasy series, I’ve found a position at Bowers R&D Associates that is a perfect combination of all the skills I’ve picked up along the way — all while fostering my appreciation for animals.

Now, I’m a multiple dog owner who enables innovative companies nationwide to access research and development tax credits. It’s been a privilege to play a small role in these companies’ stories.

2. How are you helping to build a more connected community?

BioBuzz’s mission is simple: to be more connected. Our regionally-focused storytelling, programs, events and experiences create, connect and amplify impact across the life science workforce in growing biohubs. We vibe with people who value community and connection like us. We’d love for you to share how you’re building a more connected community… and any support that you need from our community to continue to accomplish this mission.

Luckily, I can build a more connected community not only professionally but through my extracurricular passions as well. As the Client Relationship Manager at Bowers R&D Associates, I connect my clients with other wonderful resources and companies within our wider business community that they may never have had the time to find on their own. My clients need to focus on running their business. My mission is to help their business excel. If I can bring two complementary connections together, that’s a job well done in my book.

On a more personal level, my work as an assistant rugby coach for the Conestoga High School Girls Rugby Club and as the fundraising coordinator of the Phoenixville White Horse Rugby Club allows me to build community bonds in another way.

As a coach, I’m in a unique position to empower young adults and teach them dedication, teamwork, and personal responsibility. It’s a bizarre and wonderful thought to consider that I can, hopefully, send these players to college with the confidence and personal drive that I wish I had had at their age.

3. What are you currently buzzing about? Anything and everything…

Personally, I’m buzzing about the improvement I’ve seen in my Conestoga High School rugby players.

Professionally, I’m very excited to have become an Ambassador of Buzz and for several of the events lined up by the Chester Country Chamber of Business and Industry (CCCBI). CCCBI’s “You Are Not a Superhero” particularly has caught my interest as it’s promising an honest discussion on “boss-babe” culture and argues that women can’t and shouldn’t have to do it all.

4. If you could travel back in time – what early career advice would you give yourself?

OR what career advice would you shout from the rooftops now? The more the merrier…

Establish habits to improve time management and organization. That, and better foster ambition rather than ambivalence.

It’s harsh, but the reality of our society is that unless you are born into money, you can’t afford to be lazy. Work hard at every job, no matter if it isn’t your passion. You’ll be surprised at how much each position can teach you and how well you can grow your personal network and net worth by establishing good contacts.

5. FUN question. Your motto is “Everyone eats.” What are you serving up?!

I’m happy to say that Bowers R&D Associates will be serving up an evening of learning and a great dinner for the life science community. On January 19th, 2024, BBTC: Life Sciences will be connecting the life science community with invaluable resources designed to improve the financial health of companies that are dedicated to improving our physical health.

The life science community gives our society so much, so we at Bowers R&D Associates want to give back to them!