Mark Duren
For Ryan Cook, it’s all about putting people first.
Whether it’s a client, an employee, a stakeholder, or whoever connects with one of his team members, what matters most is the relationship that evolves from that connection.
Cook, who will assume the role as managing shareholder at the Nebraska-based business solutions firm Lutz beginning in May, said his rise from an intern in 2006 to his current leadership position reflects the company’s growth opportunities and commitment to develop talent from within. Again, relying on the strength of its people.
Cook credits the company’s promise “to mind what matters” when establishing client relationships.
“In the current environment we sit in today, we see a significant advantage for those who want to build relationships with their customers,” he said. “This industry is all about relationships. Because when it comes down to it, we are dealing with an individual’s financial wealth, as well as their well-being, and clients really want to partner with people they connect with.”
Since its founding in 1980, Lutz has steadily grown to become the largest locally owned business solution firm of its kind in the Midwest, with more than 340 specialists on its team. Lutz provides a variety of services from audit and assurance to tax strategy and outsourced accounting within multiple industries: agribusiness, construction, healthcare, manufacturing and distribution, family office and nonprofit.
Cook, who will replace Mark Duren in the new role, said under Duren’s leadership, the company launched its Mergers & Acquisitions unit and further formalized its other divisions that collectively make up the Lutz Network — Accounting, Financial, Tech and Talent; expanded its geographic presence; and spearheaded the company’s climb from No. 107 to No. 74 on Accounting Today’s Top 100 list. Duren, who served as managing shareholder since 2015, will become board chair and continue working on business development for the company.
Among its many accolades, the company has been named a 2024 INSIDE Public Accounting Top 100 Firm (#70) and 2023 Best of the Best firms in the country; recipient of the Greater Omaha Chamber 2023 Business Excellence Award in Innovation; 2023 Best Tax and Accounting Firm by Forbes; and the 2022 Next Generation Workplace by the Lincoln Young Professionals Group, to name a few.
“I think our growth and the recognition that comes with it reflects our entrepreneurial spirit and the fact that it is always present in everything we do. We’re constantly asking ourselves, ‘How can we do things better? What new services will enhance our customers’ experience?’” he said.
Ryan Cook
Cook said the build-out of the various divisions within the company reflect the life cycle of a business.
For example, the company may provide tax only services in the beginning of a client relationship, but as the client grows, their needs evolve. In time, the client may request outsourced IT or HR, internal accounting support, help finding a new controller or assurance work to accommodate financing needs.
“We aim to partner with our clients every step of the way. Their business is their livelihood and often their most valuable asset. Our role is to help them build long-term value and ensure a smooth transition when the time comes. We can assist with succession planning, support a sale and help them prepare financially for retirement. In the end, it’s about caring about our client’s business like it’s our own,” Cook said.
As Lutz continues to evolve under his leadership, Cook will be relying on the acumen of the next generation of employees, much as the previous leadership team did with him and his colleagues.
For more information, please visit lutz.us.
