21 May The Remote Work Experience at Blackman & Sloop: Perspectives from Our Team
At Blackman & Sloop, flexibility and support aren’t just perks—they’re essential to how we work. As our team continues to grow beyond North Carolina, we’re proud to have an expanding group of fully remote professionals who bring diverse experiences and top-tier talent to our firm. This month, we’re highlighting three fully remote team members and how they’re thriving while working from home.
Shane Morris – CAAS Associate | Summerfield, NC
Shane Morris didn’t take the traditional path into accounting—and we’re lucky she landed with us. After years as a Real Estate Broker, a medical diagnosis prompted a career change that required both flexibility and purpose. Today, she works part-time and fully remote from her home just outside Greensboro.
Her days usually begin after school drop-off, and she builds in intentional breaks to recharge—whether that’s chatting with her husband, checking on her garden, or attending local Builders Association events. When needed, she even works from her family’s lake cabin.
“Working remotely allows me to be present for both my family and my clients,” she says. “I’ve never felt more supported.”
With her trusty sidekick Duke (a Portuguese Water Dog) at her feet, Shane has built a daily rhythm that helps her stay organized and productive—logging time, prioritizing deadlines, and staying connected with her team.
Justin Stremme – Audit Senior | Springfield, IL
As a remote Tax Senior based in Springfield, Illinois, Justin Stremme appreciates the flexibility that lets him focus deeply without distraction. His typical workday starts around 7 a.m. with a few hours of uninterrupted focus time before team meetings or collaborative projects.
“I tend to block out my mornings for heads-down work,” he says. “In the afternoons, I tackle communication-heavy tasks or meetings.”
Being remote gives him the flexibility to build his schedule around both work and life—fitting in midday breaks or a workout to stay refreshed and engaged. He stays on track by using Microsoft To-Do, calendar reminders, and recurring tasks. And thanks to virtual tools like Teams, he remains fully connected to his colleagues and supervisors.
“People assume remote means disconnected,” Justin notes, “but Blackman & Sloop makes a real effort to keep everyone looped in and feeling part of the team.”
Ross Stremme – Senior Audit Manager | Bolingbrook, IL
Ross Stremme brings years of remote work experience to his role as Senior Audit Manager. Working from his home near Chicago, Ross thrives on routine—starting his day with a morning walk and a gym session before settling into focused work blocks.
He tailors his schedule depending on the complexity of tasks, shifting priorities to maintain both performance and well-being. Breaks throughout the day—especially dog walks—help him recharge. And the best part? More quality time with his fiancée and the flexibility to live life on his terms.
“Remote work gives me space to structure my day intentionally,” Ross shares. “It’s made me more efficient and more present.”
While each employee’s story is different, one thing is clear: remote work at Blackman & Sloop is built on trust, communication, and genuine connection. Whether it’s collaborating on projects, participating in firmwide events, or catching up via Teams, our remote employees remain a vital part of our culture.
As Shane puts it, “You don’t know if remote work is right for you until you try it—but with the right team and the right support, it can be life-changing.”