What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned, and how have you applied it?
When I first became CEO, I learned that people often not only hang on every word you say, but can also recall your words long after you say them. And they can sometimes take what you say very seriously but not recognize the context in which you made your comments.
As our governor has quickly found out, you must be very careful about what you say!
How does your organization make a significant impact on the community and regional economy?
Rea & Associates Inc. is among the top 100 accounting firms in the country, but unlike many of the other large regional firms, we invest directly in each of the 11 communities in which our offices are located. We own our facilities, employ local team members and invest both our time and money from our Rea Foundation.
A while back we did a study and determined that our team donates more than 4,000 hours per year to more than 100 local organizations in Northeast Ohio alone. Since our Rea Foundation was established in 2003, we have donated more than $300,000 to our local communities and organizations and provided seven annual accounting scholarships to area colleges.
How have you added “value” to the products and services you provide to clients?
Our greatest value as a firm is the talent our team members provide. We work hard to provide strategic thinking and a bigger picture view for our clients, and we’re constantly looking for ways we can bring them greater value.
Our Pulse Check service is probably the best example of a way we add value to our services. Pulse Check allows us to bring various specialists from several areas of our firm together with a client or prospect for a holistic review of the business and look for ways to help the business improve strategically – whether through changes in tax treatment, to its corporate structure, to its processes (for greater efficiency) or even its retirement plan offerings. This service has been very well received by our clients and has been especially valued during the recession when so many businesses have struggled.
What is your philosophy on going “above and beyond” for customer service?
My philosophy is it’s all about the customers. When a client works with me, they get my total attention – I’m all in with them. I’m there to serve as their primary advocate, whether that’s with their bank, the IRS or guiding them through our organization.
We’ve also adopted an “above and beyond” philosophy throughout our firm. Each employee receives the book 212, the Extra Degree. The book’s premise is that at 212 degrees, water boils and it’s strong enough to power a locomotive – and when we all go that extra degree, we can do great things. We encourage all of our team members to go that extra degree, and team members nominate their coworkers for an annual 212 and Then Some recognition award.
How to reach: Rea & Associates, (330) 339-6651 or www.reacpa.com
