Dear Friends ,
When I took over as Rea ’ s CEO in 2017 , I never could ’ ve imagined the challenges and opportunities that would await our firm . We have seen tremendous growth through merging in new firms , adding new service offerings , and hiring exceptional talent . We also saw a global pandemic that changed the way we live , work , and interact with each other . I am proud of how resilient our team and our clients have been through it all .
Looking back at 2021 , my thoughts immediately go to our clients . Last year , we placed an even greater emphasis on service to our clients and expanding our existing client relationships . In many cases , we were inspired by our clients ’ tenacity as we helped them maneuver the Paycheck Protection Program , the Employee Retention Credit , and other strategies to help them sustain operations during difficult times .
Your Rea team has been focused on getting out in front of our clients more often . We want to learn what ’ s really going on in your businesses and find out what your needs really are . We are having these conversations more frequently than ever before .
It was the honor of a lifetime to serve as this firm ’ s CEO . But like all good things , this too has come to an end . Upon announcing my plans to retire later this year , the firm ’ s CEO selection committee got to work in choosing my successor , Mark McKinley , who took over as CEO on Nov . 1 , 2021 .
Mark has done and will continue to do a great job , there ’ s no doubt about it . Mark and I meet several times each week to make sure we are in alignment and to ensure that the transition continues to go smoothly . Rea ’ s leadership team is strong and stands ready to execute our strategic plan , along with all of the exciting twists and turns that go along with running a company . As we tackle the unknown headon , know that we will be there to support you and tackle the unknown with you as well .
As for me , I ’ m not going anywhere just yet . I plan to stay with the firm through November 2022 to help keep some of our key initiatives in motion . It has been bittersweet to close this chapter but I can ’ t wait to continue driving change and growth at Rea in the coming year .
I ’ ll leave you with my favorite quote . May it guide you when you ’ re faced with uncertainty or challenging times .
“ The most difficult thing is the decision to act , the rest is merely tenacity . The fears are paper tigers . You can do anything you decide to do . You can act to change and control your life ; and the procedure , the process , is its own reward .” – Amelia Earhart
Sincerely ,
Don McIntosh , CPA CEO , 2017-2021
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