Firm Management
Roy Keely – 2015 40 Under 40 Honoree
This year’s 40 Under 40 honorees are among the best and brightest talent in the accounting profession. They are all active in the professional community, as well as in their local communities, where many are small business owners and employers.
Sep. 16, 2015
What is the name of one book that has been a great influence to you?
Orthodoxy – G.K. Chesterton. Orthodoxy has had a profound effect on my thought life as a whole – thus has impacted how I do business more than any business book ever could. Chesterton’s ability to see the ‘miraculous in the mundane’ has allowed me to relish more in the simple, understated things of this world rather than the trappings of success. A quote for good measure:
“Tradition means giving votes to the most obscure of all classes, our ancestors. It is the democracy of the dead. Tradition refuses to submit to the small and arrogant oligarchy of those who merely happen to be walking about.” –GK Chesterton
In what ways have you contributed to your firm/company to make it better?
I am a driver, and I am restless. This combo has an equal opportunity to create chaos (and it has at times), but it’s largely a positive in a business where obstacles are many and the market is highly competitive. I have yet to lose my energy after many years at Xcentric and have been able to drive change organizationally, tweak products & services, and change the way we sell and market.
What changes do you foresee in the accounting profession of the near future (3-5 years)?
CRMs will begin to gain traction! Despite their almost 100% failure rate amongst firms to date, I think firms will begin to understand that they cannot proactively support their clients without a CRM as the hub of the effort. In this vein, marketing automation software should also start to take root as firms lack the tools to be proactive and need a more sophisticated way to email to make that happen.
How do you see yourself participating in shaping the future of the accounting profession?
While I am neither a technologist nor an accountant, I have an opportunity to be a bridge of communication and vision across the two unique professions. I hope to continue to provide tangible steps that allow firms to take advantage of the leverage technology provides their practice.
What is your career philosophy?
Take work home. Take home to work.
Describe one person who has been an important mentor to you and how that person helped change your life.
Rusty Gordon, an Atlanta-based entrepreneur, decided to take time out of his busy schedule to meet with me monthly while I was in my mid-20s. This was an interesting season for me as I was just starting to learn what it meant to be a person of character in a fast-paced business environment. He always listened, provided tangible vision, and never acted like he had all the answers. I learned from his humility and leadership and look to do the same with ‘other young bucks’ in a world where traps of success are everywhere.
—————
See all of the “40 Under 40” honorees for 2015.