At Donovan CPAs, we’ve always believed in doing business the right way, even when it’s hard. That belief was validated recently when we were honored with not one, but two incredible recognitions:
- Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Best Places to Work, and
- Indianapolis Business Journal’s Fast 25 List of 2025 Fastest-Growing Companies.
Either award would be an honor. Receiving both in the same year is extraordinary. It tells a story far deeper than rankings and numbers.
Building a Business Is Hard
“Building a business is hard. Growth and culture do not often peacefully coexist.” — BJ Lippert, CPA, Managing Partner
It’s a truth that resonates across industries, but especially in professional services.
Growth demands speed, structure, and efficiency.
Culture demands reflection, empathy, and alignment.
Keeping both alive at once requires sacrifice, humility, and a deep commitment to your values.
“To build a business the right way, you have to embrace conflict. You have to be humble enough to admit defeat and strong enough to learn from it. You have to put the needs of others ahead of your own needs.”
Culture Is The Constant
Donovan’s journey hasn’t been without challenge. In late 2022, we merged three firms together, which turned out to be a bold move that brought opportunity and disruption in equal measure.
“Merging systems is hard. Merging cultures is harder. No one would fault a fast-growth company for experiencing a decrease in morale. It kind of comes with the territory. To grow rapidly, however, and still maintain a culture is something special.”
That “something special” comes from our team: The people who show up every day not just to do great work, but to do it together. These recognitions aren’t just plaques on a wall. They’re evidence that the hard decisions, late nights, and steady values paid off.
Growth Is An Opportunity
Growth, for us, has never been about numbers for the sake of numbers. It’s about creating opportunity for our people and our future.
Over the past few years, our team has expanded to over 50 employees. That growth has allowed us to promote new partners, managers, seniors, and emerging leaders across the firm. Every step forward opens a door for the next generation. That’s the kind of growth we care about. Growth with purpose.
We’re intentional about investing in talent, mentoring future leaders, and building a firm where careers can grow alongside our business. Because when we grow with purpose, everyone rises.
Why Not Both?
This is more than a celebration. It’s a milestone that represents our future. A thriving team. A growing business. A culture that’s built to last.
At Donovan CPAs, we’ve proven that growth doesn’t have to come at the expense of culture. With intentional leadership, shared values, and a willingness to do the hard work, you can have both.
So we’ll keep asking the question that guides us:
Growth or culture? Why not both?
Congratulations to our entire Donovan CPAs team. You earned this.
