August Highlights at DRDA: Award Wins, Team Growth & Strategic Updates

At DRDA, August has been a month full of momentum, recognition, and forward progress. In the latest edition of The Family Journal, we celebrate not only internal achievements but also industry-wide recognition that reflects our shared commitment to excellence.

Award-Winning Culture

We’re proud to announce that DRDA has been recognized with three major honors:

· Accounting Today – Best Accounting Firms to Work For

· Houston Business Journal – Best Places to Work

· Inside Public Accounting – Top 500 Firms

These awards are more than accolades—they represent the dedication, professionalism, and positive culture our team brings to life every day.

Department Spotlights

This month’s newsletter shares meaningful updates from departments across the firm:

· Our Marketing team is rolling out a refreshed brand and new website to improve client experience and reinforce our value.

· The Audit team is enhancing communication to keep long-term projects on track and client-focused.

· Finance and CAS continue streamlining operations and improving turnaround times, ensuring that client work flows smoothly and predictably.

· The IT department is working behind the scenes on Cetrom support and a major HubSpot integration to better support marketing and client engagement.

Investing in People

We also welcome several new team members, highlight shoutouts for outstanding performance, and reflect on the importance of sharing the “why” in communication—an insight that strengthens collaboration across the firm.

Looking Ahead

As we move into the fall, we remain focused on staying agile, improving client experiences, and supporting our team internally. From tax planning to onboarding improvements and culture-building initiatives, DRDA continues to grow with intention.

Stay tuned for upcoming announcements and a celebration in honor of our recent awards!

Growth, Innovation, and Client Success

Welcome to the July 2025 edition of the DRDA Newsletter, highlighting the latest firm updates, milestones, and innovations as we work to empower businesses and strengthen our communities.

Celebrating Growth and New Services

In his column, Doug Dickey announced the formal launch of Business Advisory Services, designed to help clients achieve sustainable growth through strategic financial guidance and business planning.

Welcoming New Team Members

This month, we welcomed several talented new hires to the DRDA family:

• Rockleigh Dawson, Senior Business Advisor
• Mack Miller, Senior Business Advisor, Strategic Advisory
• Yunyun (Catherine) Zhang, Remote Tax and Accounting Senior
• Melida Ortez, Production Admin Manager

Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will help DRDA continue delivering high-quality, client-focused services.

Department Updates

BORSA Department: Explained how BORSA (also known as ROBS) plans work well for franchise funding, providing flexible financing and ownership without early withdrawal penalties.

Marketing: Rolled out a new outreach initiative to build audit referrals through relationships with bankers, bonding agents, and direct client connections. In addition, the team is implementing HubSpot, an all-in-one CRM and marketing automation platform, to strengthen client communications, improve tracking, and deliver more personalized, timely updates.

Client Accounting Services (CAS): Achieved a 115% increase in production and reduced adjustments by 75% compared to last year, thanks to process improvements, team training, and better onboarding systems.

IT Department: Completed the transition to the Cetrom secure cloud platform, enhancing data security, performance, and remote access for team members and clients.

Finance Department: Reported smoother workflows and faster reporting cycles thanks to Cetrom’s efficiencies.

HR Department: Shared important reminders on submitting PTO, updating calendars, and managing out-of-office communications during the busy summer season.

Firm-Wide News

DRDA Wellness Program is now fully launched, with healthier breakroom options, biometric screenings, virtual healthcare access, and monthly fitness activities to support employee well-being and team connection.

ENGAGE 2025 Conference: In June, DRDA leaders attended AICPA & CIMA’s flagship event in Las Vegas, gaining insights on the role of artificial intelligence as a tool to elevate — not replace — professional expertise. The conference also covered data privacy, strategic risk management, and integrating technology to strengthen client service. These takeaways will help DRDA stay innovative and responsive to clients’ needs.

Employee Shoutouts

Special appreciation went to Mengtong Zhang for her dedication during the Cetrom transition, Patrick Satterfield for his IT assistance, and the CAS and Tax teams for their outstanding teamwork.

Looking Ahead

As the fall deadlines approach, DRDA encourages all team members to balance summer recovery with proactive preparation to ensure clients continue receiving high-quality, timely service. Together, through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence, DRDA is poised for continued growth and success in the second half of 2025.

June Newsletter 2025

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June at DRDA: Innovation, Connection, and Summer Momentum

As summer begins, June brings fresh energy and progress across DRDA. While some team members take well-deserved time off, others are driving forward key initiatives that shape the future of our firm.

A Message from Leadership: Investing in People and Progress

In this month’s message, Doug Dickey shares appreciation for the teamwork that keeps DRDA moving during vacation season. With upgrades in cloud services, new hires in Business Advisory Services, and expanded tax planning initiatives underway, we’re embracing summer as a season of both rest and revitalization.

Culture Spotlight: The Power of Connection

This issue emphasizes the value of authentic workplace connection — from boosting morale and collaboration to accelerating growth. Practical tips encourage all of us to be more present, approachable, and intentional in our day-to-day interactions. At DRDA, relationships are the foundation of success.

Best Places to Work: Survey Phase Underway

We’ve completed the nomination process for both Houston Business Journal’s Best Places to Work and Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work For. Now, we’re in the employee survey phase. Your voice matters — thank you in advance for participating and helping shape DRDA’s future.

Audit Services: Evolving with Technology

The expectations around audits are changing. This month’s marketing feature explores how audits are becoming leadership tools — moving beyond checklists and compliance to deliver strategic insight through data analytics, automation, and AI.

Legislative Watch: H.R.1 – One Big Beautiful Bill

The House passed a sweeping reform bill covering taxes, healthcare, and AI in Medicare. DRDA is monitoring its progress and preparing to guide clients through any resulting changes.

Facility & Wellness Updates

• Parking Lot Project Complete: Thank you to our Facilities Team for making our space safer and more accessible.
• New Wellness Program Launch: Get ready for step challenges, hydration goals, and fun rewards. More info coming soon!

Department Updates and Shoutouts

• BORSA: Emphasis on empathetic client communication and defined benefit plan funding strategies.
• CAS: Streamlining 1099 processes, improving onboarding, and strengthening cross-department collaboration.
• Client Onboarding: Welcomed 16 new entities in April — shoutout to Ashlynn Colson and the Production Admin Team.
• Production Admin: Preparing for extended projects and handing off newsletter duties as team transitions.
• Tax: Encouraging summer productivity with friendly internal challenges and continued support for MSO planning.
• IT & Marketing: Major advancements with Cetrom cloud services, HubSpot CRM, and Zendesk integration.

People News

• Michael Whitley retired after years of service — congratulations and thank you!
• Promotions: Krishna Patel (Tax Staff I), Marcos Zavala (Full-time Junior Staff)
• Shoutouts: Big thanks to Anthony Alves, Patrick Satterfield, Laura Espinoza (Leadership Clear Lake graduate), and many more for going above and beyond.

June at DRDA is a mix of action and appreciation — a time to make meaningful progress while celebrating milestones and relationships. Thank you for all you do to keep us growing, learning, and thriving.

May Newsletter 2025

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May at DRDA: A Season of Growth, Momentum, and Opportunity

As the spring tax season winds down, May marks a fresh chapter at DRDA — one focused on progress, innovation, and laying the foundation for a strong year ahead.

A Message from Leadership: Embracing a Dynamic Environment

At DRDA, we’re not just reacting to change — we’re leading it. As Doug Dickey shares in this month’s issue, we pride ourselves on cultivating a dynamic environment where personal, professional, and organizational growth are all part of our DNA. Whether it’s through embracing new technologies or fostering a culture of agility and learning, we’re committed to supporting the future of every team member.

Spotlight on Recruiting: More Than a Job Fair

This month, DRDA attended a Houston job fair, and it was a huge success. These events are not just about finding talent — they’re about telling our story, connecting with our community, and reinforcing what makes DRDA a great place to work. Every handshake is a chance to share our mission and culture.

IT, CRM, and Cloud Services: What’s Next?

The IT team is preparing for major upgrades this summer, including a new CRM system and expanded cloud services. These enhancements aim to streamline communication, improve efficiency, and better serve both our internal teams and clients. A refreshed company website is also in the works, powered by updated branding and collaboration with Marketing.

Tax Planning Tip: Check Your Withholding Now

Now’s the perfect time to review your 2025 tax withholding. The IRS encourages everyone to use its free Tax Withholding Estimator to avoid surprises next year. Whether your life circumstances have changed or you want to fine-tune your finances, proactive adjustments now can make a big difference later.

Defined Benefit Plans: Evolving for Modern Needs

Our retirement services team shared insights into how cash balance plans are gaining traction as a modern alternative to traditional defined benefit plans. With legal clarity and flexibility, these plans are especially popular with small to mid-sized businesses seeking predictable costs and strong retirement benefits.

Finance & Facilities: Full Steam Ahead

With tax season behind us, our Finance Department is focused on cleaning up AR, improving workflows, and exploring new AI tools to improve dashboarding and forecasting. Thanks to everyone’s hard work. Meanwhile, parking lot improvements are underway — part of our ongoing effort to make DRDA a great place to work.

Department Updates and Shoutouts

• CAS Team: Catching up post-season, streamlining systems, and improving onboarding.
• Production Admin: Preparing for Texas Franchise and BORSA 5500 deadlines.
• Attestation Team: Focused on audits, reviews, and staying ahead of accounting changes.
• Client Onboarding: Welcomed 42 new entities in March — thanks to everyone involved!
• Human Resources: Friendly reminder — full-time employees are eligible for the medical reimbursement plan after 90 days.

A special thank-you to all team members across departments for your continued collaboration and commitment. From UltraTax support to helping clients navigate portals, you exemplify what DRDA is all about.

Together, we move forward — stronger, smarter, and ready for what’s next.

April Newsletter 2025

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DRDA April 2025 Highlights: Culture, Learning Styles & Business Success

As we welcome spring, DRDA celebrates another record-breaking tax season, our team’s dedication, and exciting developments in our firm. Here’s what’s new this month!

Building Strong, Respectful Relationships at DRDA

At DRDA, fostering respectful relationships is a core value. We emphasize open communication, consistency, mutual benefit, conflict resolution, and empathy to create a thriving work environment. This commitment ensures that both our team members and clients feel valued, heard, and supported.

Congratulations to Our Q1 2025 Culture Champion: Dena May!

Dena May has been recognized as DRDA’s Culture Champion for her unwavering dedication, positive energy, and team-first mentality. Whether offering a helping hand or brightening the office with her cheerful spirit, Dena exemplifies what it means to be part of the DRDA family.

How Do You Learn Best? Exploring Learning Styles in the Workplace

Understanding different learning styles helps improve workplace training and collaboration. At DRDA, we recognize:

• Visual learners who prefer images and charts
• Auditory learners who absorb information through discussions
• Reading/writing learners who excel through text-based content
• Kinesthetic learners who learn best through hands-on experience
• Logical learners who thrive on data and problem-solving
• Social learners who prefer group collaboration
• Solitary learners who excel through independent study

By identifying your learning style, you can enhance productivity and efficiency in the workplace!

Rebranding at DRDA: More Than a New Look

Rebranding isn’t just about logos—it’s about refining how we connect with clients and grow in the marketplace. Our marketing team is ensuring that DRDA’s evolving brand reflects our mission, values, and long-term vision.

Key benefits of rebranding:

• Enhancing brand recognition
• Refining messaging for consistency
• Reaching new audiences
• Staying competitive

Your role? Stay updated on branding materials, share our refreshed identity, and provide feedback!

BORSA/ROBS Plans: Do You Need a Formal Valuation?

If you’ve used a BORSA/ROBS plan to fund your business, staying IRS-compliant is essential. While not every plan requires an independent valuation annually, formal valuations are needed for major transactions and complex assets.

Best practices for staying compliant:

• Conduct annual reviews and maintain records
• Seek professional valuation guidance
• Keep thorough documentation

Staying proactive protects your financial future and ensures compliance.

DRDA is committed to supporting our team and clients through continued growth, innovation, and community involvement. Stay tuned for more updates next month!

March Newsletter 2025

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Spring into March with DRDA: Exciting Updates & Busy Season Ahead

As we step into March, spring brings new energy—and a busy season for all of us at DRDA! With tax and audit season in full swing, our team is working hard to support our clients while continuing to grow and innovate.

Key Highlights from This Month’s Newsletter:

Doug’s Corner: DRDA’s Culture & Commitment to Excellence

Doug shares insights on how we foster a culture of teamwork, innovation, and client success. Our dedication to continuous improvement and collaboration remains at the heart of what we do.

Department News & Updates

Client Accounting Services (CAS) – The team is streamlining processes and improving collaboration with other departments to minimize tax adjustments and improve efficiency.

Tax Department – With the IRS increasing audits and tax deadlines approaching, the team is focused on proactive planning and ensuring accuracy in all filings. The Production Admin team is also working hard to manage extensions and deadlines.

IT Department – The tech world is evolving rapidly! The team is focused on AI and cloud-based accounting, especially with the transition to QuickBooks Online as QuickBooks Desktop is set to be discontinued later this year.

Marketing & Video Strategy – Video content continues to be a powerful engagement tool. The marketing team is working on webinars, testimonials, and behind-the-scenes content to strengthen DRDA’s brand.

HR & Recruiting – Attracting top talent remains a priority, and we’re offering employee referral bonuses for successful hires. Plus, a huge thank you to Eva Jiang and Lalo Cardenas for their great work in presenting to students at UHCL!

Welcoming Our Newest Team Member

Join us in welcoming Jennifer “Jen” Salisbury to the CAS team! Jen brings extensive bookkeeping and tax expertise, along with a fun spirit and love for trivia.

Upcoming Events

March is packed with events, including Employee Appreciation Day, International Women’s Day, and St. Patrick’s Day. Don’t forget to set your clocks forward for Daylight Savings Time on March 9!

Employee Shoutouts

A huge thank you to our amazing team members for their dedication! From guiding clients through tax processes to stepping up for internal projects, your hard work does not go unnoticed.

Looking Ahead

As we continue navigating the busy season, let’s stay focused, support each other, and maintain our commitment to excellence. A big thank you to everyone for your dedication and teamwork—together, we make DRDA stronger!

February Newsletter 2025

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January Newsletter 2025

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December Newsletter 2024

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November1 Newsletter 2024

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