October 21, 2021
DELEGATE TO BE GREAT

By Lisa Purichia
Partner, Director of Accounting Services & Retirement Plan Services

Every good manager knows that the key to improving productivity is to hire talented people with skillsets matching the needs of the workforce. But when a business faces challenging times like these, issues can arise when it comes to delegating responsibility.

Good delegation requires adequate orientation to the task or duty, timely follow-up, meeting deadlines and holding the delegate accountable for the quality of the project. Where managers become frustrated is when they do not see the results they wanted at the end of the process.
CLIENT PROFILE: SMOCK FANSLER CORPORATION

Now celebrating its centennial, Smock Fansler Corporation has contributed greatly to the growth of Indianapolis. Founded by Kenneth Smock in 1921, the company started as a small trucking and excavating operation and evolved into a full-service general contractor responsible for constructing and renovating many of the city's landmark buildings and structures, such as the Sunken Garden at Garfield Park, the Glick Peace Walk, the Ruins at Holliday Park, the Taggart Memorial Amphitheater, and the Komodo Dragon Exhibit at the Indianapolis Zoo.

"Kenneth Smock Excavating built most of the levees in Central Indiana, did excavating during the construction of the City-County Building, hauled cinders for Indianapolis Power and Light," said President Thomas Fansler III. "It's grown a lot from there and since my father took over operations."
DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS!

By Eric Woodruff, CPA, CCIFP
Partner, Audit & Assurance Services

Many students don't want to raise their hand in class, as they think asking questions is a sign of weakness. This can carry over into the working world, with employees and even business leaders creating a deafening silence in the conference room. Professionals don't want to appear as though they don’t know what they’re doing.

"Fake it until you make it" is a popular piece of advice, but it might not be the best to follow in the long run. As leaders ourselves, we can say that we prefer when people ask questions, as it shows an interest in the business and a dedication to improving for the sake of helping themselves and their team thrive.
CUSTOMER SERVICE — (RE)SETTING EXPECTATIONS

By Tom Sponsel, CPA/ABV, CFF
Managing Partner

Among other things, COVID has made us realize what we take for granted. One example is going out for dinner or drinks. We're used to walking in to a restaurant or bar and finding a seat right away. Now, restaurants are so short-staffed that you may find yourself waiting an hour or more for a table even if the dining room is half empty.

The best way for restaurant owners to keep customers coming back is to be transparent about their limitations. They warn customers of wait times rather than pretending they're operating normally. They even post a note on the door if they must close because they have no staff to work that day. You'll be surprised at how forgiving customers can be if you're open and honest with them — transparency is the key!
Fun at French Lick!
To celebrate our 12-year anniversary, the team enjoyed fun in the sun at West Baden Springs Hotel in French Lick. Thanks for the good times, everybody!