Meet Tia Pongratz | Accountant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tia Pongratz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tia, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
There are two things that I always say contribute to our success. One, do what you love. I truly love the work that I am doing. When we do what we love, the positive energy shines from within and people take notice. People want to be around you and around that energy. Secondly, we do our work well. I remind my team of this as well. Our best marketing comes from taking good care of the clients we already have.

What should our readers know about your business?
Oak Bend Finance is a full service accounting firm that offers service packages to fit your needs. Anywhere from day to day full charge accounting to Controller-type oversight only. We serve a wide range of small businesses and serve in a way that allows the business owner to focus on growing their business. What sets us apart to our clients is the ability to become a true partner with you and your business. We serve a wide range of industries and are happy to connect your business with other needed services as well. Internally, I am most proud of the team and work culture we have built at OBF. I come from a background as an Auditor in a public accounting firm which isn’t always conducive to being well-balanced with work and life. When I started building my team here, I wanted to stress the importance that no one is less important because they want to work less. We have all discussed what hours fit our life in its current place and we’ve set those accordingly. Each team member is a valuable resource and, I feel, provide more quality work when they aren’t stretched thin and trying to be everything for everyone. No one will be made to feel that their twelve hours a week is, in any way, less than someone else’s thirty. Seeing the growth we’ve had from our few clients in the beginning to serving over thirty businesses today has been both exciting and scary. I always go back to the mindset of doing good work and pouring into our businesses we serve. When we focus on serving our people well, the growth happens organically. Accounting is a personal relationship business so the valuable growth stems from those relationships.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If they are wanting the “Texas” experience we have to start in the stockyards. We’d start the day with a cattle drive and then have some BBQ for lunch. We’d have to get some shopping in, maybe even a trip out to Teskey’s in Weatherford. We’d end the day with a steak dinner and then head back out to the Stockyards for some line dancing and two-stepping.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Hands down, my team. I am tremendously blessed to have a team of strong women, mothers and wives who show up and do their best work every day. They are the soul of our business. Amanda, Melanie and Rachel, you ladies make this business what it is today. You show up and work hard every day and I am thankful to have you on my team.

Website: oakbendfinance.com

Instagram: @oakbendfinance

Facebook: @oakbendfinance

Image Credits
MSM Portraits