By Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk

I can’t tell you how proud I am to announce that two of my clients were recognized on the 40 Under 40 list by CPA Practice Advisor! These two women, Cathy Iconis (page 27) and Kerri Gibson (page 36) are both powerhouses. They are highly respected for what they do, regardless of age, but to have reached the level of expertise required to receive this sort of recognition is incredibly impressive. I’m honored to work with both of them and am excited to watch as they continue to reach new heights in their careers.

There are some real similarities between these two women. Both are driven to succeed and do what it takes to not only reach their own goals but help those around them reach theirs as well. Both have an energy I envy, and are dedicated to their clients in a way that simply makes others want to work with them. On top of that, they are both fun, easygoing people – the type you not only want to work with, but also want to have a beer with at the end of a busy day.

There are differences too. Kerri works for a large company, CCH Small Firm Services, and is a vital part of that organization. Every time I’ve met at their offices, she’s the one that keeps us on task, ensures we are doing all we should be and follows up afterwards to ensure what we promised indeed gets done. She’s always responsive, accessible and knowledgeable about nearly any topic.

Cathy started Iconis Group two years ago after gaining great experience in a public accounting firm and as a senior accountant for a construction company. She now provides outsourced CFO and accounting services to small businesses in Atlanta and beyond, helping these companies get a handle on their finances and better plan for their futures. As fellow small business owners, we frequently toss around ideas, and I have a great deal of respect for her opinions and expertise.

So, the moral of this story…no matter what your age, you can stand apart from the crowd and succeed. Set your goals and then create a roadmap for how you plan to reach them. Check in along the way to see how you are doing, and redirect a bit if needed. Be nice to people, and they will want to work with you. And most of all, don’t come up with excuses about why you can’t do what you want. If these ladies can do it at a ripe young age, so can we all!