Episode #178: Structure, Courage, and Clarity: A Conversation with HKB CPAs

In this episode of the Thrivecast, Jason Blumer sits down with Rhonda Butler and Trey Touchstone, partners at HKB CPAs in Louisiana, for one of the final episodes of the show. The conversation is a candid look at what real CPA firm transformation looks like — messy, non-linear, and absolutely worth it.  Trey and Rhonda share how they discovered Thriveal, what pushed them to seek outside coaching and consulting help, and the specific changes that moved the needle most: building an accountability chart, rewriting job descriptions, assigning clients to specific team members, and creating a dedicated project manager role. They talk honestly about what those structural changes freed up — mentally, operationally, and strategically — and why firm transformation still took longer than they thought it should have.  The episode digs into the personal side of leadership growth too — how becoming more accountable leaders inside the firm spilled over into how they lead their families, develop their teams, and make faster, more confident decisions. Rhonda and Trey reflect on what they wish they'd known before starting the consulting process, and why trusting yourself and taking imperfect action beats waiting for the perfect answer.  The conversation closes with a look at the future: fewer clients, deeper relationships, a young and talented team to develop, and a firm neither of them wants to retire from. If you're a CPA firm owner thinking about making big changes to how your firm is structured and led, this episode is for you.