Lima client service specialist ‘sweats the details,’ changes lives
Nov. 14, 2016 | New Philadelphia, OH – For Elaine Gerdeman, a client service specialist with Rea & Associates, a regional accounting and business consulting firm, the beginning of every year is more than just busy season, it’s an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. It is this positive outlook and dedication to client service that resonated with her coworkers and moved them to nominate her for the second annual Rea Way Award.
“I can’t think of a more deserving individual than Elaine Gerdeman within our office and within our firm,” said Mark McKinley, CPA, administrative principal of the firm’s Lima office.
Peggy Minnig, CPA, a principal with the firm, says that when considering who to nominate for the Rea Way Award, she was particularly moved by Gerdeman’s work ethic, the pride she brings to the position and the fact that she “really sweats the details.” According to Minnig, Gerdeman buys and delivers fruit baskets to many of her elderly tax clients during tax season.
“She’ll pick up their taxes, she’ll deliver a fruit basket, she might spend a half hour or 45 minutes with them and then brings the work back, completes the work and delivers it again,” explained Minnig. “That’s who Elaine is. She loves doing it, she loves making people happy.”
Every year, the firm honors employees for their contributions to community, client service, the public accounting profession and to the firm as a whole at its annual Spotlight Awards presentation. Award winners are nominated by their peers and ultimately chosen by a special committee formed to review nominations and select the winner. This winner is then revealed during a ceremony that occurs during the firm’s annual employee retreat. The Rea Way Award honors employees who embrace specific qualities outlined in The Rea Way, a series of value statements that serve as a guide to good business and unimpaired decision-making.
To learn more about The Rea Way Award, visit the Rea & Associates’ YouTube page and watch the video that features this year’s winner.