8 BWD | Spring/Summer 2015
A changing of the guard
Randy Rupp succeeds Steve Kelly as Rehmann CEO
Rehmann’s growth has been nothing
short of remarkable.
In 1985 — Steve Kelly’s first year as CEO — the Firm’s annual
revenue came in at $2.8 million. Fast forward to 2015, and
Rehmann is now the 29th-largest firm in the country, with annual
revenue more than $100 million … a 3,700 percent increase.
Not that such an astounding increase tops Kelly’s list of greatest
achievements during his 30-year CEO tenure, however. Ask him
about the Firm’s greatest achievements under his stewardship, and
numbers take a back seat to people.
“I’m most proud of the culture that we’ve built, which is all about
people — both clients and associates,” Kelly said. “It’s so ingrained
in everyone at the Firm, and we all do our best to live up to the
value of putting people first.”
Kelly himself, of course, played a large role in establishing that
culture. He oversaw the implementation of Rehmann’s client
service delivery model in 2004, a model where proactive ideas and
tailored guidance are paramount. His mantra, quotable by a vast
number of associates: “We want to be better, not bigger.”
Better, continued
All-in-all, it’s a tough act to follow. Fortunately, Randy Rupp —
himself a 30-year Firm veteran and vice-chair of Rehmann’s board
of directors for six years — has also been a part of that growth and
development. That experience will serve him well as Rehmann’s
new CEO.
Rupp said it helped having Kelly as a mentor and gifted leader.
“Steve has demonstrated an unbelievable consistency and is
unwavering in his beliefs about Rehmann and our service model,”
Rupp said. “He’s always positive and passionate about the Firm;
that’s the sign of a true leader.”
The two men share something of a mutual admiration society. Said
Kelly: “I’m confident that under Randy’s direction the Firm will
continue to get better and better with a continued focus on client
service and high-quality associates.”
Seeking to continue the effective path Kelly set for Rehmann, Rupp
sees no reason to alter the highly-prioritized focus on client and
associate success. “If we focus on these areas, Rehmann as a Firm
will have success, as well,” he said. “Our ongoing goal is to ensure
that clients continue to see their Rehmann advisor as more than
someone who prepares a tax return or manages assets. Ideally, he
or she will be seen as a trusted business advisor — someone who
delivers more than just what’s required, but is a true partner.”
Randy Rupp’s CEO tenure launches July 1, 2015. Steve Kelly remains Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Firm. Learn more at rehmann.com/new-ceo.