Case Studies
Keany Produce Company – Uncompromising Ethics, Dedication to Customer Service and Old-Fashioned Hard Work
Although the phrase above – “Uncompromising Ethics, Dedication to Customer Service, and Old-Fashioned Hard Work” – is the mission statement of Keany Produce Company, it is nearly identical in spirit to Halt, Buzas & Powell’s mission, “Trust, Integrity, and a Commitment to Your Success.” The similar missions help explain why Keany Produce has been a valued HB&P client since Kevin Keany started the company in 1978.
Challenge: Getting Started
After two years of working for a produce wholesaler, Kevin Keany took a gamble and started his own company. With one van and a check book, he turned to Steve Halt of Halt, Buzas & Powell for accounting advice.
Kevin began Keany Produce Company in a small warehouse slot in the old Washington, DC market. He delivered fresh fruits and vegetables from the back of his Dodge van to restaurants in Old Town Alexandria. Thanks to Kevin’s hands-on commitment, professionalism and honest dealing, the business grew, and Kevin was soon joined by his brothers Chris, Dan and Ted. His dad also lent his support to the growing enterprise.
In the early days Steve Halt focused primarily on the company’s business taxes and the family’s personal tax preparation. Steve also conducted annual financial reviews and provided input to the organization’s business plan. Steve stayed in steady contact with Kevin, and their frequent conversations were augmented by more formalized monthly financial planning meetings.
Keany Produce Today – Unprecedented Growth, Personal Service, and Sound Business Practices
HB&P has supplied financial and accounting advice to Kevin and his family every step of the way. And Kevin Keany has leveraged Steve’s practical and strategic expertise to grow from a one-man operation to one of the largest produce distributors in the Washington, DC area.
Yet despite Keany Produce’s size, the principals of this family-owned business have not strayed from their commitment to hands-on customer service. And Steve Halt has continued as their chief financial advisor over the years, giving them the same level of personal service and hands-on support that they have consistently given their own customers.
Halt, Buzas & Powell – Trust, Integrity, and a Commitment to Your Success
Steve Halt and the team at HB&P have always measured the firm’s success in terms of their clients’ successes, and Keany Produce is a shining example.
“We selected HB&P many years ago because Kevin Keany knew Steve, and their offices were in a convenient location,” explained Rita Zuchelli, Comptroller. “We continue to work with them because they have always attended to our needs. They have consistently provided us with courteous and professional service.”
Today, HB&P provides a full range of tax and financial management services for the company. In addition to handling the company’s and the principals’ taxes, HB&P conducts periodic reviews of Keany’s financial operations – looking at broad issues ranging from retirement plans and employee stock ownership plans to the implications of possible acquisitions. HB&P also handles the nitty-gritty details such as meeting tax deadlines and corresponding with the IRS and other tax agencies – even analyzing Keany’s maintenance department, including its training manuals.
“We enjoy working with HB&P because everyone on their staff takes the time to answer my questions,” said Zuchelli. “They are all courteous and treat us with respect. Their customer service skills, along with their accounting expertise, are definitely a winning combination.”
About Halt, Buzas & Powell, Ltd.
Halt, Buzas & Powell is more than an accounting firm. Founded in 1969, HB&P is a full-service CPA and management consulting firm located in Alexandria, Virginia. Its partners bring more than 80 years collective experience in financial management to each and every client. Their devotion to service, quality and value has led to HB&P’s being recognized by Washingtonian magazine as one of the Washington area’s top CPA firms for service, and by the Washington Business Journal as one of the Washington area’s top 50 CPA firms for size. For more information call Steve Halt at 703-836-1350 or visit HB&P online at www.cpas4you.com.