Back to Business – Reflections from the End of Summer

“Summer has come to an end, and after a few restful weeks at our family cottage, I returned home on Wednesday. As much as I enjoy the peace and quiet of being away, there’s always something special about coming back home.

This summer was full of memorable moments. We attended several weddings, and I’m always struck by how these celebrations bring people together in such meaningful ways. Family, tradition, and shared values remain powerful threads that hold our communities together. One of the highlights, of course, was a visit from our kids. It was brief but deeply fulfilling; nothing quite compares to that time together.

Travel always gives me time to reflect, and one observation that stood out to me was the contrast in infrastructure and systems between different parts of the world. Returning to the U.S., I was reminded of the many strengths we sometimes take for granted, particularly in how many local governments operate, something we see firsthand through our work.

At CKH Group, we work closely with municipalities across Georgia through our government accounting and auditing services. Whether it’s supporting city clerks and councils with everyday accounting functions, performing their annual financial audits to get them eligible for grants and funding, or engaging with professionals at events like the GGFOA Annual Conference, ACCG Annual Conference, GMA Annual Convention, and GARC Annual Conference, we have our finger on the pulse of what’s happening in our local communities. We know just how vital these roles are to driving results for citizens, and how high the stakes are when it comes to public trust and financial integrity.

That’s why we take pride in the standards we hold. In many ways, our work is about helping local governments rise to that next level. As one of my old professors once said when asked if he would grade on a curve: “The goal isn’t for me to come down to your level, but for you to come up to mine.” That mindset continues to resonate. It reflects the very nature of our work: guiding organizations forward through high standards, not settling for less.

And speaking of forward motion; no sooner had I unpacked than I was asked, “Where’s the next blog?” That’s the kind of energy that defines our team and our clients. There’s little time to sit still, and truthfully, that momentum is a driving force behind real progress.

Just recently, we identified a need to make some operational changes for a client project that wasn’t easy but was ultimately essential. As with any change, it can rock the boat in terms of client happiness, and so decisions like that require leadership and courage; but they’re also what create meaningful transformation. Within days, the positive impact was clear, and the client recognized the long-term value. This truly highlights that progress doesn’t come from standing still. It comes from being willing to make thoughtful, sometimes difficult, choices in the interest of improvement.

Agility isn’t just the ability to change to meet challenges, it is the willingness to make those hard decisions for constant improvement. I sometimes think it helps bigger companies to have smaller vendors as these vendors are more accountable.

It’s especially rewarding to see CKH Group continue to thrive. The current leadership team is doing exceptional work, often pushing themselves harder than I ever did. I’m seeing wins and milestones that I’ve dreamed of- over the past summer CKH Group has been awarded a contract with NASA, conducted a CPE accredited course, and expanded their client base even further. Their commitment to accountability and excellence shows up in everything from client service to internal decision-making. And as a CKH client, that’s a difference you can feel.

In closing, CKH Group continues to demonstrate that the strength of a firm lies not just in its people, but in how those people work together under strong leadership and shared values. From municipalities and government entities to private sector clients and multinational corporations, our mission remains the same: to provide support that uplifts, advances, and delivers lasting value” -Harry Catrakilis

The above article only intends to provide general information and reflection. It is not designed to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. It does not give personalized tax, financial, or other business and professional advice. Before taking any form of action, you should consult a financial professional who understands your particular situation. CKH Group will not be held liable for any harm/errors/claims arising from the blog. Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents, we will not be held accountable for any changes that are beyond our control.