Legacy In Motion

From Founder to Witness: Watching Success Continue, and Legacy in Motion

Founder of CKH Group, Harry Catrakilis, reflects on the enduring power of legacy and the rare privilege of watching the next generation take what was built and elevate it even further. From significant firm milestones to deeply personal achievements, he shares how stepping away from day-to-day leadership has revealed a new definition of success: seeing others lead with vision, resilience, and a commitment that strengthens the foundation for years to come.

“Each time I sit down to write one of these blogs, I feel the pressure of the deadline and the familiar doubt that I have already covered every topic worth sharing. Writing has never felt like my strongest skill, and public speaking has never been effortless either. But this post is one I do not have to force, because I know exactly what it is about: the rare joy of watching the people you have worked alongside and mentored grow into leaders, accomplish meaningful milestones, and take what you built to a level you could not have reached alone.

Since stepping away from day-to-day leadership, I would be dishonest if I said I never wondered how things would progress without me directly at the helm. There is a widely discussed idea in business circles about generational transitions, often framed as the first generation building, the second maintaining, and later generations struggling to sustain momentum (or even ‘destroying’). I suspect this is a common feeling among founders and long-term leaders- fear that the next generation will not uphold what you have built. I have seen many business owners choose to sell outright rather than pass their organizations on.

While these narratives exist, they do not tell the whole story, and they certainly are not inevitable.

Against that backdrop, I am pleased to see that so far, my second generation folks have made me proud- and done far more than ‘maintain’. They have added professionalism and class to what we have built.

A few milestones stand out as particularly meaningful:

1. The move into new office space on the 28th floor of the Queen’s Building, achieved through an impressive and thoughtful lease negotiation. If someone had told me 30 years ago that the firm would one day operate from this address and offer a Grade A office experience, I would have been skeptical. Seeing it come to fruition is something I take real pride in.

2. The firm’s recognition as one of the Top 10 Accounting Companies in Atlanta by Wealth & Finance International, #2 Fastest Growing Accounting firm in Atlanta by Atlanta Business Chronicle, as well as the previously mentioned Top 400 awarded by Inside Public Accounting. These achievements occurred after my direct involvement had ended. While rankings and surveys always come with some mystery around methodology, this level of recognition simply did not exist for us in earlier years, making it all the more gratifying to see.

On a more personal note, I would also like to acknowledge an achievement outside the business. Those who know me well know how highly I regard my wife, Helen. She is an extraordinary partner and parent, and for many years she placed her family first while nurturing a creative ambition that had been part of her long before I met her.

Roughly fifteen years ago, once our children were grown and pursuing their own paths, Helen committed herself fully to writing a book that had lived within her for decades. The journey was anything but easy. It involved perseverance through long stretches of uncertainty, countless rejections, and frequent distractions. What carried her through was her commitment to the story she wanted to tell and the integrity of the work itself.

That journey reaches a milestone on March 10, 2026, when her book, Under an African Sky, will be published; a story set in South Africa, where she was born, about an unlikely pair of women finding friendship during a time of a nation in transition. I am immensely proud of her dedication and resilience. Early feedback has already been deeply encouraging. As Jacob Staubmann noted:

“Under an African Sky’ has garnered significant acclaim, with early praise from esteemed publications such as the National Herald. Reviewers have highlighted Catrakilis’ ability to evoke deep emotion and a palpable connection to her characters, solidifying the novel’s place within contemporary literature. The work extends beyond storytelling, offering insight into immigrant narratives and the enduring importance of cultural memory.”

Watching people you have shared the road with go on to achieve meaningful success is a rare privilege. At this stage of my life, having entrusted leadership to others, one of the greatest rewards is seeing them reach levels that exceed anything I might have imagined for myself. It affirms that the effort, the patience, and the trust placed in others were all worthwhile.” -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.