Meet Alex Castelli, CPA for Reznick Group’s Tysons Corner office. Castelli has more than 21 years of experience managing commercial enterprise engagements.
Castelli has extensive experience in audit, accounting and reporting issues relating to public operational and development stage entities. Recently he took some time to speak with WashingtonExec about Reznick Group, sales, the economy and his personal success.
WashingtonExec: How is Reznick Group different from other competing companies that offer accounting, tax, and business advice?
Alex Castelli: Reznick Group is different in many ways. Our focus is on growth-oriented, middle market companies. Our approach and goal is to be considered a trusted advisor, more of a business partner than an outside consultant. We accomplish that by delivering our experience and expertise with a very hands-on approach. Many of our partners have been in our clients shoes, so we understand their needs and challenges in a way that others may not. Whether it’s being able to identify potential issues for an acquisition target, or to help a firm identify the right CFO for their needs and their culture, our relationships are very strong, and we share our experiences beyond accounting and to where in matters most – our client’s business issues. Delivering this kind of personalized service, along with the resources and expertise of a national top 20 firm, is what I think sets us apart from others.
WashingtonExec: How has the economy affected Reznick Group and what advice can you offer to other
companies that are struggling to retain clients and keep employees?
Alex Castelli: The economy has been tough for everyone and it has definitely affected our business and the business environment for our clients. All aspects of business are much more competitive. Reznick Group has taken this time to further strengthen our relationships with current clients by adding value to what we already offer them, such as bringing new ideas forth to help them maintain or even grow their business. Retaining good clients and holding onto our employees are as important if not more important than developing new relationships. So we have really focused on current clients and our employees. Throughout the downturn, we continued our perks, pay raises and programs that keep our employees engaged and at the top of their game. Because once the market turns, we know there will be opportunities for them, and we want them to stay with us. So my advice is to treat your current clients and employees well, especially in a slow economy.
WashingtonExec: Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the state of our country? As an accountant, what advice would a give our country in order to manage the debt crisis?
Alex Castelli: No doubt this economy is forcing companies to re-examine how they do business and what it takes to grow a strong company. I am optimistic that the market will improve, though it will be a slow turnaround. The companies that will be okay are the ones that have taken the time to build their business on solid ground, with good people, and who have closely monitored cash flow, preserving as much as they can. In terms of advice for our country – I think we’d do better to run it more like a business, with more accountability.
WashingtonExec: What do you love most about your job?
Alex Castelli: I enjoy working with entrepreneurs. There is such energy and satisfaction that you feel when you help someone realize true success. It’s very rewarding to have been a part of the process as a trusted advisor, and even more rewarding to be thought of us part of their inner team.
WashingtonExec: What book has had the most impact on your life? Why?
Alex Castelli: I recently read Tony Hsieh’s Delivering Happiness, his book about being CEO of Zappo’s. He built an extraordinarily successful business without ever compromising his core values. We could all learn a lot from him -the focus on customer service as opposed to the bottom line. What I took away from it was, you can be wildly successful without selling your soul. If you stay true to what’s important, and you share the same values as your clients and customers, you will be successful.