Q&A with C. Travis Webb, partner in charge at BKD LLP

Colorado Springs Business Journal, May 30, 2008

After taking college-level courses and designing text and graphics for a computer game while in high school, C. Travis Webb expected to get a degree in computer science.

But as a freshman in college, the drudgery of a five-days-a- week, 8 a.m. calculus class convinced him otherwise. The loss of the computer science industry is the gain of the accounting world.

At 37, Webb is the youngest partner in charge at BKD.

He recently took time to tell CSBJ about himself and his company.

Organization: BKD LLP

Position: Partner in charge of BKD, Colorado.

Hometown: Drexel, Mo.

How long have you lived in Colorado Springs: I relocated to Colorado in June 2005, splitting time between Colorado Springs and Denver.

Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting and a master's degree in business administration from Missouri State University.

A few words about your company: BKD is one of the country's 10 largest CPA and advisory firms, with offices stretching from Colorado to Ohio. We have 140 Colorado employees, with about 65 in Colorado Springs, serving individuals and commercial, construction/ real estate, financial services, health care and nonprofit/ governmental entities.

Recent accomplishments: Stepping into our partner in charge role this June was a significant career milestone. Successful efforts to plant roots and become a part of the Colorado Springs and Denver communities have been critical as well.

Biggest career break: During the mid-1990s, I wanted to move to Colorado and even interviewed with a few firms. Fortunately, good mentors and lucky timing kept me at BKD and led to a role in our national office. That opportunity led to every major move since and, happily, I still ended up in Colorado.

The toughest part of your job: People are the toughest and the most rewarding part of any manager's job. Each of our staff member's goals and dreams are different. They look to us to help them craft a career and a well-rounded life. Running a successful service business is dependent on creating rewarding career opportunities for people. It's tough work, but a lot of fun.

Someone you admire: I am a single guy who is often accused of working too much, so I admire my BKD partners and their families who balance a demanding career with life, faith and community. They are terrific role models for the young people who join our firm each year.

About your family: My parents and I spent a lot of time together in the family business, a variety store in a small town. We sold the store, but they still live in Missouri, where I try to visit as often as possible.

Something else you'd like to accomplish: Since I am just stepping into the partner in charge role -- keeping our positive momentum is my major focus.

How your business will change during the next decade: Accounting standards and tax regulations have become increasingly complex and difficult for companies and their accountants to apply. Continued focus on internationalization will impact not just mega- corporations, but also middle market companies that make up most of our client base. As an organization's adviser, we will do our best to anticipate changes and help our clients decide how to handle those changes, and how the choices they make will impact their business.

What book are you currently reading? "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team," by Patrick Lencioni.

What is the one thing you would change about Colorado Springs? I have lived in a couple of metropolitan downtown areas, so the change I'm really looking forward to is the continued resurgence of downtown sparked by the relocation of the U.S. Olympic Committee. Downtown was already good, but the energy that will come with that influx will be a great thing for the entire city.