In 2002 & in partnership with the MLT Program, NBA All-Star Kevin Garnett (then with the Minnesota Timberwolves), handpicked Romone to take part in the inaugural program under his 4XL initiative.  Penny was one of two students who participated in a weekend-long immersion into the business aspects of the NBA.  That experience, coupled with his stint playing on the hoops squads at Florida State and American University, has served as a strong foundation for his current success as a finance executive with Ernst & Young.

What is your current title and how long have you been in this position?
I am currently a National Tax Associate Rotator at Ernst & Young in Washington, DC. I transferred to EY’s National Tax Division in November in 2010. I interned with E&Y in 2007 and had worked with the organization in Business Tax Compliance since 2008 prior to moving into my current position.

Tell us what your specific role is with the organization?
I assist the National Tax office with Accounting Methods and Inventory. In this division, we focus on what is currently impacting business operations, and we’re asked to anticipate future political, legislative and regulatory changes. We help companies prepare for the issues that are likely to have an impact in the future. We provide our national EY offices and clients with a deeper analysis of congressional and IRS actions. A normal day for me includes extensive research and formulating advice on complex technical issues, and reviewing to EY’s national practice offices, and reviewing tax accounting methods applications.

What is your favorite part of the job?

Meeting every other Tuesday for our Federal Tax Services (FTS) Knowledge Sharing lunch meetings. Some of the country’s top practicioners share what they are working on and we chime in to help solve issues, ask questions, and also share what we have learned in the previous weeks, all while enjoying free lunch. Sometimes a few of the partners (that are attorneys) get into deep discussion and small debates as if they were in court….it gets pretty intense lol, but more importantly makes me want to step my game up so I can be able to do that in the near future…

What was your first “REAL” job?
My first “REAL” job was with Ernst & Young. I started in 2008 shortly after college. I accepted the position during my internship with the firm in 2007. I am still with the firm, just in a different position/role. One lesson that I learned was to always be proactive and get your work done asap, never procrastinate because more work will pile up quickly.

Has being a competitive athlete helped you in your current role or during your career? If so, please tell us in what ways.
As my mentor, John Rice says, you can tell the type of person that someone is by the way they play. I believe that is true for me. I am very passionate and competitive. I like to share the basketball and I am a considerate individual off the court. Most importantly I am a solid team player that tries to have good communication skills, adapting to unfamiliar situations, and never giving up. I feel like there is a direct correlation to my skill set on the court and my approach with my career. I am always willing to help others out, I am proactive, and always asking questions at work becuase you can always learn from others – just like in sports.

What do you miss and what don’t you miss about being a competitive athlete?
I miss listening to the fans/crowds. I miss practicing and traveling with my teammates. I miss coming up with songs or a motivational saying to get my teammates pumped up!..I miss talking trash…I do not miss sitting on the bench haha…

What was your most memorable moment as an athlete? What was your most embarrassing moment?
Playing in the 2008 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament vs Tenn Vols. The game was on national television and everyone at my barber shop (Eddies, Washington, D.C.) was cheering for me/us!….My mentor and old coach flew out to make the game so that was a great experience. We lost, but at the end of the day I was happy becuase that was my dream to play in the NCAA tournament as a D-1 student-athlete.

How often do you workout? What type of things do you do to stay active?
I play bball 2-3 times a week…try to lift 2-3 times a week…do pushups almost everyday. During the summers, I practice with the WNBA’s Washington Mystics. When I am not doing that, I am playing with my friends in local gymanaisums in NW Washington, D.C. I also train kids for a program called “1 on 1 basketball” so I try to do drills with them.

Do you have a mentor (or mentors) who has helped you along the way?
Yes, Rex Holland – a father figure, mentor, and good friend. Took me under his wings since I was about 11. He is a very successful business man, hard worker, and trustworthy.

John Rice – like an older brother, a mentor, and friend. Helped me realize my talents and potential. Introduced me to so many successful individuals that support me in all of my endeavors. Created a home away from home while I was in college. Gives me adice on various issues from sports, to business, to women…

Martin Gruenberg – friend and mentor. Fairly new relationship, but has been extremely supportive and made me feel like family. I coach his son, Paul in basketball, and Marty and I have conversations about sports, life, and family. Gives me advice on careers and keeps me grounded. I also learn from him by his characteristics of being personable and patient.

If you knew then what you know now, is there anything that you would do differently in your career?
Yes, I would have watched more film including practice and games. I would have saved money instead of spending it on stupid things when I was in college. I would have reached out and stayed connected to more Alumni and donors from my schoools…..

Who has had the biggest influence on your life?
Rex Holland, John Rice, Phyllis Tines (mom)

Do you have any advice for young professionals and/or former student-athletes hoping to have a successful career after sports?
START NOW!!!! and use your resources/contacts…

Favorite Book: The Blind Side and The Alchemist

Favorite Movie: Tombstone

Hobbies: Reading, Swimming, Coaching, Writing, searching for underground music, dancing, laughing

Favorite Place to Vacation: Florida

What’s playing on your iPod? J. Cole, Jay-Z & Kanye “Watch the Throne”, Big Sean

Android or iPhone? Blackberry

Mac or PC? Mac

Favorite TV Show: ESPN

Favorite Restaurant: Bonaparte Washington DC

Favorite Quote: “Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind” ~ unknown

 

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