I was with RSM for four years, and as my family started to grow, I decided I wanted to do something different and left for an opportunity that was a little less "taxing." After COVID-19, I bought a sizable accounting practice with about $2.5 million in revenue, but it was a firm trapped in 1995 and needed to be modernized with processes and technology.
As I evaluated where my company was, I thought about what makes a company successful—it's the people, the processes and the technology. When I reflected on RSM, I thought they had all those boxes checked, so I took what I learned there and tried to replicate what I know works. But I’ll say that there's something special going on at RSM that you can't reproduce; there's a secret ingredient we all want to know!
Looking back on my career, I enjoyed creating value for my clients the most. Whether it's consulting, financial planning, or tax planning, getting ahead of a transaction before it happens, to have a better outcome, can have life-changing impacts on our clients and their families for future generations.
Now, if I had an extra 10 hours in my day, I would spend more time with my family, exercise, and work more on my well-being.
There's the saying "Work smarter, not harder," but I say you need to work smart and hard. Hard work, dedication, determination, focus and a vision—all those things will help you be successful, whatever your pursuit.
Want to hear more about Chris’s RSM alum story? Connect with him on LinkedIn. Or, if you’re inspired to find your next role at RSM, explore our openings today.