Business of the Month
Roberts Partners LLC …
a community staple for 45 years.
Fall 1962 -- Dianne & Peggy originally met while attending OPSU in Goodwell (OK). This lifelong bond was forged in those early classroom years and still holds strong even to this day. It was more like sisterhood than like a business relationship for these two ladies.
September 1981 -– It all started on a dare and a prayer. Dianne Roberts, along with a co-worker, Peggy Keenan, resigned from Zigler & Oakes (which was located at 405 S Main St) one afternoon with butterflies in their stomach: thus, giving way to their new adventure in business and in life. Little did they know how much of an impact they would end up making to both themselves, families, clients, and community.
Together they struggled just like any new business, but this was a bit more challenging as it was Guymon’s first female owned accounting firm, Roberts & Keenan, in a male dominated industry at that time. Those early years were tight (and lean) for Dianne and Peggy, but failure was not an option for these pioneer women. September 1981 established the year and month of Independence & Self-Reliance for two of the hardest working, most charitable driven women that you will ever have had the privilege to meet.
The two aspiring female accountants’, against all odds, set up their first office on Main Street in the Couch Office Building (located next door to Horizon Healing Chiropractic Clinic). The two small offices were simple and void of any computers at the time. All tax returns were completed by hand or keyed in with an electronic typewriter. Electronic filing (e-Filing) was not an option in the 80’s so snail mail (USPS) was the main delivery system for tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service and the state tax commissions. Dianne has witnessed a dynamic evolution in the business tax processing/filing model since that first year in business. From hand preparing tax returns and mailing them by USPS to preparing returns with an accredited tax program and submitting them electronically.
Dianne Roberts has had many accomplishments throughout her successful career and life as a mother, citizen, businesswoman, and Christian. Dianne is the recipient of Guymon’s prestigious Dale Citizenship Award in 1988; Rotarian of the Year; Ambassador of the Year; served as the Chamber Board President and as a member of the Texas County Memorial Hospital Board, Texas County Memorial Foundation along with countless others.
Peggy Keenan was equally involved in a variety of civic and community organizations holding several leadership roles. Peggy will best be known for her contribution as a city Councilwoman for Guymon, then finally Mayor for our great community. She dedicated herself to each project and organization even during the demand and shortage of hours during tax season.
In December 2021, Peggy made the decision to officially retire from business. It was at this point Rick Roberts purchased Peggy’s share of the company, which was later officially reorganized and rebranded as Roberts Partners LLC in January 2022. Today, spirit and tradition continue with 45 years of service to our community extending beyond the Panhandle and as a Chamber member/investor.
Rick Roberts is a graduate and Life Member of the OSU Alumni Association. Rick has continued the tradition of community philanthropy with his participation and serving as (past) President of the Guymon Chamber Ambassadors and Guymon Rotary Club. Rick has also been named past Guymon Ambassador of the Year just as his mother. He also has been instrumental in carrying on the tradition of the Pioneer Days 5K Run/Walk when the torch was passed to the Ultra Run’ers and the Run Guymon Club both are affiliated projects of the Guymon Community Enrichment Foundation.
“Rome was not built in a day,” simply indicates that achievements and successes for businesses do not happen overnight. All great things (successes) take time and patience.
It would be absurd for any tenured business not to appreciate and celebrate those individuals that poured in long hours of sweat, love and dedication with the future vision in mind. While those individuals are no longer a part of our team their spirit and integrity will always be a part of Roberts Partners.
You cannot forget the lovely and ever-present Mrs. Jeanne Darden, Dianne’s mother, who served as the first official office greeter and secretary of the firm before passing that torch on to Mrs. Jolene Hamilton. Other team members that affected the firm in such a positive manner that they will never be forgotten Treva (Gibson) Braun; Cassie (Branson) Schreiner; Randi (Roberts) Long; and others. A special thank you and well wishes to Selina Cruz Mendoza as she transitions to a new chapter in her business career.
January 2026 -- Today as we begin the 2026 tax filing season (and the 45th year of business for the firm) the Roberts Partners team stands prepared, educated and energized with Dianne Roberts; Rick Roberts; Isabel Medina-Jimenez; Destiny Mallard; Linda McCurdy; and Marissa Oestmann. Each team member brings a variety of talents and strengths to the firm’s business model.
Destiny will be your first encounter as you walk through the threshold making sure your inquiry is managed with accuracy, professionally, and as effectively as possible. Isabel will be your next smiling face as she coordinates the firm’s payroll clients, LLC startup company documentation, and tax returns. Linda and Marissa will be those two that are working diligently to reconcile client data in QuickBooks and prepare the information and reports as needed. Dianne & Rick will most likely be the last two faces you will meet as they are usually hovering in their office behind their desk viewing their computer screen then back down at the 10-key calculator. For them, this cycle is never ending and simply a way of life. They live, eat and sleep spreadsheets, numbers, calculations, and deprecation.
Dianne has lived this life for 45 years.
This crew also understands the value and appreciation for “downtime” and off-season periods between the tax deadlines. The office has been spotted at the Nutcracker Ballet in Amarillo to the Sod Poodles games during a summer evening in addition to attending an evening of poetry and storytelling based on Edgar Allen Poe at a pop-up speakeasy. Most recently the team enjoyed an evening in Amarillo listening to a String Quartet playing Christmas carols by candlelight. Other times, the team can be seen having a snack, a quick break or lunch in the back conference room just catching up on life and taking a breather from the hectic season.
Additionally, you will see the Roberts Partners team volunteering throughout the year for a variety of community benefits. Pioneer Days tends to really pull the office team and resources together as they focus their energies on the Pioneer Days 5K Run/Walk and the traditional Pioneers Day Old Timers Registration.
Looking towards the future and as technology shapes the accounting business model with the IRS & various state tax commissions, Roberts Partners is committed to delivering the highest quality services to our clients. Our firm prides itself on our mindfulness to details, commitment to excellence, and the ability to provide each client with results based on their business or personal tax situation.
Roberts Partners have always placed a prominent level of importance on continuing and ongoing education for each member of its team. From OSU Tax Schools to online Academy Training the Roberts Partners staff stays diligent about what legislation and trends could be affecting their clients.
From full-service accounting with tax, preparation & consultation services, and payroll services to financial planning the Roberts Partners team is always prepared to help clients with their goals or objectives.
We are honored by the trust you place in us and value your continued support. You’re the reason we are here!
In a nutshell, the success of Roberts Partners LLC (formerly Roberts & Keenan LLC) is a direct result of the quality, loyalty, and tenure of the clients that continue to put their trust in the firm. They represent the heartbeat of the company, giving it the strength to continue each year. In the long run you will always remember those individuals that supported you and challenged you to outgrow your current self. To everyone that has impacted our lives we would like to say a heartfelt thank you. Roberts Partners will be forever grateful.
