The Empire Team

FOUNDER & CEO

Sixth Generation Texan Farmer & Rancher, Former Commodities Broker, Farm Risk Consultant.

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Texas Tech University PharmD alumnus with an eye for detail and a passion for financial puzzles.

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Brooke Taylor brings a deep expertise in strategic storytelling, brand identity, and digital campaigns.

SENIOR ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE

Amanda Holder is a seasoned professional who brings two decades of specialized expertise as a bookkeeper and accountant.

STRATEGIST

Ashleigh Gibson, MA, LPC-S, brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across business and nonprofit organizations, with a focus on program development, employee management, financial oversight, and revenue growth. Her background includes budget and grant management, fundraising, curriculum development, public speaking, and professional counseling, with an emphasis on building systems that work in real life, not just on paper.

She is connected to agriculture through her family’s thoroughbred racing operation, Family Stone Racing, and understands the structure, pressure, and long-term planning required in ag-based businesses.

STRATEGIST & RISK MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST

Jordan Morris, a first-generation Iowa farmer, brings his expertise to Empire Ag as a Customer Relations & Risk Management Specialist. Alongside managing his own custom cattle feeding business, Jordan leverages his degree from Iowa State University and years of agricultural experience to provide producers with tailored risk management strategies and solutions that drive success.

ACCOUNTING MANAGER

Alyssa Murray is a Tarleton State University alumna. She joins Empire Financial Services with a strong academic background and a commitment to excellence. Alyssa is excited to apply her skills and knowledge in the financial field.

PAYROLL SPECIALIST

With more than 20 years of experience in the financial world, Wendy Sue Lorenzi brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Empire Financial Services. Her extensive background in finance positions her well to assist with all your bookkeeping needs. Wendy is dedicated to delivering precise and reliable financial solutions to support your business’s success.

ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE; FIGURED SPECIALIST

Madison Nation is a Tarleton State University alumna, where she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Accounting in 2024.

Hailing from Stephenville, Texas, Madison brings a fresh perspective and a strong academic foundation to Empire Financial Services. Her dedication to accounting and commitment to excellence make her an asset to our team.

ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE

LaBecca Turner holds a degree in agricultural business from the University of Arkansas and brings more than seven years of accounting experience, including five years working exclusively in agriculture. With her family operating a yearling program and her husband competing in rodeo, agriculture is not only her career, it’s also her day-to-day life.

ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE

ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE

McKenna Hickson brings a strong foundation in accounting, financial management, and problem-solving to the Empire Financial Services team.

Her background in bookkeeping, QuickBooks, and Excel allows her to assist clients with cash flow management, invoicing, and financial organization—key components in running a sustainable operation.

Beyond finance, McKenna has a deep-rooted passion for the Western lifestyle and agriculture. A competitive breakaway roper, she understands firsthand the dedication and discipline it takes to succeed—whether in the arena or in business. Her ability to problem-solve under pressure and her keen attention to detail make her an invaluable asset to both the Empire team and its clients.

BRANDING CONSULTANT

Alex Lowery is an entrepreneur, speaker, and strategist with a passion for agriculture, mental health, and personal development. A first-generation cattle producer and lifelong equestrian, she blends grit, creativity, and Southern charm to help others uncover their strengths and turn big ideas into results.

STRATEGIST

Hannah specializes in real estate for agricultural operations and partners with our team on transactions where land, buildings, and equipment strategy intersects with overall business planning.

BRANDING CONSULTANT

Mary Kate Pedigo is a creative director and storyteller with expertise in branding, design, photography, and digital strategy. Known for her work with businesses and cooperatives as well as couples and families, she brings a sharp eye for detail and a love of visual storytelling to every project.

ASSISTANT

Kati Dawson is a Tarleton State University alumna who brings boots-on-the-ground perspective to agricultural strategy and real-world problem-solving.