Padgett Stratemann & Co.
Service... More Than Expected
Press Room
For more than 16 years, Ray Berend has served as the managing partner of locally based accounting firm Padgett, Stratemann & Co. LLP.
Now Berend is turning over the ship to a new captain: John Wright.
Berend, 63, says the move is part of a planned leadership transition for the company that has been in the works for three years.
"Several years back, we began talking in the partner group about the next generation of leaders for the firm. We talked about roles, risks to the firm if we didn't prepare for the transition and the appropriate time for a change," Berend says. "We didn't want to find ourselves merging out of existence as a regional Texas-based firm because of concerns around future leadership - as we've seen, over the years, by some of our peers."
Berend is quick to emphasize that there is no danger of that occurring with the firm. Rather, he says, it is experiencing excellent growth and development, and is on a smooth course toward leadership transition.
A year ago, the firm went through a selection process and chose 13-year employee Wright, 40, as Berend's successor.
Berend says the firm is ready for the change in leadership. 
"John (Wright) is a good listener, patient, and a good communicator. We believe that the leadership for our firm's future must have excellent coaching skills," Berend says. "... I'm confident we chose the right person to lead Padgett Stratemann for our future."
Future vision
Wright - who officially took on his new role Aug. 1 - says he looks forward to positioning the company for future growth and development, both internally and externally. "We want to grow and desire to grow. We're not looking for superhuman growth. We just want good strategic growth that fits our business model and creates the most opportunity for our team," Wright says. Last fall, Padgett Stratemann merged with Austin-based accounting firm Sprouse & Anderson LLP.
Wright says the merger was a natural progression and strategic fit for the San Antonio firm; however, he says Padgett Stratemann is not currently seeking any new merger opportunities.
"But if the right strategic fit came along, then we would consider it,î Wright adds. In the mean time, he says the firmís focus will be on pursuing internal growth that continues to attract talent and develop opportunities for them to advance.
In addition, Wright says, he and his colleagues will focus on delivering the right types of services and utilizing technology to deliver those services better.
Berend says that Wright and several team members also are working on organizational development, which will include addressing generational differences within the workforce and designing programs for the firm to address work-life issues, flexible work arrangements and wellness.
Berend says many skilled and talented young people are entering the accounting profession who have different goals and expectations from those of their peers 20 years ago.
"We are listening, learning and adjusting. We have to be on top of our game in terms of leadership, quality of life issues, compensation and benefits," Berend says.
Wright says that in about a month, Padgett Stratemann will be releasing a new internal management tool that will help employees design a flexible work schedule that will not only suit their needs, but also maintain or improve current client relations.
What's next
As for Berend, he says he plans to continue working for the firm for a few years. His primary roles will be to coach and support the managing partner and executive committee, focus on community service and continue working to provide client consulting for strategic planning, ownership and leadership transitions.
"I expect I will enjoy some extra time away from the office, traveling and learning to fish from my grandsons," he adds.
Berend - who has a 45-year tenure with Padgett Stratemann - says he doesn't have plans to retire in the traditional sense. But he will spend less time working in the business while focusing more on a service role in the community.
This won't be easy, he says, because he likes to be hands-on when it comes to matters at the firm.
"I also remember something I heard my Dad say years ago: 'The hardest thing in the world for him was to watch his successor make the same mistakes he did, and know it would cost them all over again, but also know that was the only way sometimes people really learn,' " he says. "I know I'll be called on for advice based on my experience, but I'll try to remember the importance of allowing the next leaders to make their own decisions."