Opinion: In hard times, Trusted Advisers band together to serve

Bill Dunton

The pandemic has reinforced two statements: Crisis accelerates trends, and  people deserve better.

During the uncertain times of the coronavirus, we’ve seen our Trusted Adviser community band together – working as a team – to serve clients, offer needed guidance and support our community. These leaders have adapted, embraced change and thrived in the opportunity to offer peace of mind to clients and those their clients serve.

Whether we are celebrating good times or banding together through tough times, I encourage each of us to hold true to our beliefs and serve people with intentionality and purpose.

If you can be the one to provide a moment of peace, an influential collaboration or a long-lasting relationship, you should do it – because we know people deserve better today, tomorrow and always. Our new reality may continue to be uncertain, but let us remember what we can do to provide a distinctive experience for each person who comes across our path.

The foundation of being a Trusted Adviser is how I’ve built my unique legacy. I’ve had five main influences that have provided wisdom, support and execution through my organization, career and life: God, family, my employees, our clients and the community. I know each of these influences offers a unique perspective in my life and has helped me grow into the entrepreneurial business and community leader I am today. Others respect that I am willing to share and live my beliefs and have more faith in me because of it.

I’m proud that members of my team are also among the Trusted Advisers who tirelessly serve our community. And I’m thankful that Springfield Business Journal recognizes excellence through the Trusted Adviser role, as displayed across this year’s class. It’s important to know who we can count on through good times, tough times and important times – and I know that each of us, from Up-and-Comers to the Legacy Adviser, are working to honor the trust placed in  us.

Bill Dunton is the manager partner of Abacus CPAs LLC and the 2020 Legacy Adviser in SBJ’s Trusted Advisers awards. He can be reached at bill@abacuscpas.com.