Exceeding Client Expectations
Most of us have heard variations of tag lines from professional service firms. Some may say the following:
- Our firm is different
- We are big enough to serve yet small enough to care
- We provide personalized service
- Relationships matter
- We go above and beyond to serve our clients
Today, we want to share a story about our founder, Stephen Wouch, CPA, CFF. Not only did he exceed client expectations, Steve went above and beyond to serve our client as well as many, many guests.
The Client
Our longtime client, Howard Perloff, is the founder and artistic director of the Bucks County Center for the Performing Arts. The center is home to a professional theater group based in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. The theater hires local talent to perform in plays and provides educational programs as well as classes in acting, dance, singing, musical instruments, set, lighting and costume design.
The Initial Consultation
When Howard selected the lineup of shows for the Spring 2022 season, he reached out to Steve to discuss production costs of the first play in the series, Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding. If you are not familiar with Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, it is an immersive comedy show staged as an evening of nuptials for two Italian-American Families. Audience members participate in the play as “guests” of the wedding where they enjoy food, drinks, and dancing during the wedding reception.
Unlike traditional plays, additional costs were necessary. A larger venue, kitchen facilities, catering, wait staff and bartenders were necessary components of the play. Steve immediately came up with a way to cut some costs: he volunteered himself and Jamie Weinstein, his niece, to tend bar during all seven performances!
Relationships Matter
One reason Wouch Maloney CPAs and Business Advisors continues to thrive is due to the relationships we have with clients. Our team has served Howard for over 10 years as his accountant, advisor and friend. And the relationship is not limited to Steve. Adrienne Straccione, CPA, Partner at Wouch Maloney has continued to build upon the strong relationship that Steve nurtured with Howard. The transition was effortless as our core values are carried on by all members of our firm.
The Final Bow
Steve and Jamie tended bar at all seven shows that took place in June 2022. They arrived early to set up for each show. Both Steve and his niece wore formal wear to look the part and served hundreds of wedding guests. When the last guest left the reception hall, Howard was pleased with the response from the audience as well as the dedication of his volunteer cast behind the bar.
Advisory Services
A CPA firm is not just accounting and tax services. We listen to your needs and provide insight to your situation. Our goal is to help you make the right decisions for you and your company. While tending bar at a play may seem excessive, when it comes to exceeding client expectations, what would you do you for your client?
DISCLAIMER: The WM Update, WM Wednesday Wisdom, WM Daily Update COVID-19, COVID-19 Business Resources, COVID-19 Client News Alerts and other related communications are intended to provide general information, including information regarding legislative COVID-19 relief measures, as of the date of this communication and may reference information from reputable sources. Although our firm has made every reasonable effort to ensure that the information provided is accurate, we make no warranties, expressed or implied, on the information provided. As legislative efforts are still ongoing, we expect that there may be additional guidance and clarification from regulators that may modify some of the provisions in this communication. Some of those modifications may be significant. As such, be aware that this is not a comprehensive analysis of the subject matter covered and is not intended to provide specific recommendations to you or your business with respect to the matters addressed.
