Grab A And Let ’ s Start Digging !
DEAR READERS ,
I talk a lot about disruption and how , with the right circumstances and more importantly the right perspective , disruption can lead to greatness . The coronavirus pandemic has been the kind and magnitude of disruption that no one has ever seen before . It ’ s the kind of disruption that changes us . It ’ s been hard , absolutely . Even scary and uncertain . But I truly believe that there is an opportunity in every challenge .
I know that many businesses and individuals , maybe even some of you , have come upon some deeply hard and trying times and I don ’ t want to make light of that . But I have hope for the future . I have seen businesses , even on their darkest days , being flexible . Being creative . Adapting to the new normal . Putting the safety of their employees and customers above all else . It has truly been impressive to see how so many of our clients have risen to the challenge .
I ’ ve also seen businesses working together in new ways , or pivoting their operations to make PPE and other essential supplies to help us get through this pandemic . It ’ s not about them . It ’ s about the greater good . That kind of camaraderie – working together and helping each other up – is truly the American way . And when I see people banding together to help each other through this , it gives me hope .
You see , we can ’ t get through these times alone . Take a look around and see who is in your circle . Think about who handed you a shovel when you needed to dig yourself out . And think about who grabbed a shovel and worked alongside you . Those relationships – whether they be friends , advisors , peers or employees – will be what gets you through .
Personally , I am fortunate enough to be a member of Vistage . This has been a tremendously difficult season to be a leader ( which is a burden I ’ m proud to bear ), and knowing that I have a tight-knit peer group of other CEOs , business owners and executives to turn to has been comforting , reassuring and inspiring . They know what I ’ m going through . They ’ ve made mistakes that I can learn from . And they ’ re probably learning from my mistakes as we speak !
One of the companies in my Vistage group started making sanitizer at the beginning of Ohio ’ s COVID-19 pandemic because it was sold out everywhere . Then they offered this product to the companies in the group and others because they were having great trouble finding a product to help protect their employees too . They ’ re helping each other out , and that ’ s what it ’ s all about .
This issue of The Rea Report contains insights and guidance to help you through this trying time . We ’ ve also built a comprehensive COVID-19 resource center at
www . reacpa . com / coronavirus . Our team has worked tirelessly to pull this information together for you – and it really all has been for you . I ’ m endlessly proud of our team for the way they grabbed their shovels , without hesitation , and started digging .
When you think about your circle , it is our hope that we are among the people that come to mind . As accountants and advisors , we ’ re most comfortable when we have all the answers – when we ’ re the subject matter experts . But right now , we don ’ t have all of the answers . No one does . We ’ ve learned to be comfortable being the subject matter guides . If we don ’ t have the answer , we ’ ll be right there with you to figure it out together .
Sincerely ,
Don McIntosh CEO , Rea & Associates
3