Case Study

Rainmaker x PKF O’Connor Davies

Changing The Culture and Helping Firm Leaders Reach New Levels at PKF O’Connor Davies.

PKF O’Connor Davies is an accounting and advisory firm offering accounting assurance, tax services, technology and cybersecurity, and more client services through 28 offices around the world.

The Challenge

While there were many executive coaching schools in the market, they needed one that understood the CPA space, knew business development, had used the DISC Assessment and was familiar, and above all, would integrate into their company to feel like a tailored partner, not a cookie cutter vendor.

The Solution

Rainmaker was the ultimate thought partner PKF O’Connor Davies had been looking for.

“They took the time to have a conversation … They didn’t ask ‘What do you need?’ but rather, ‘How does what you need fit into your goals?,” says Brett Settles, Director of Learning and Development for PKF O’Connor Davies.

They were open minded, willing to take things on without doing too much to block program attendees from learning, and they were quick to brainstorm and adjust on the fly.

By Engraining themselves into the culture, Rainmaker was able to get participant buy in and generate excitement

Many people are wary of these types of coaching programs because they can focus too heavily on a blanket approach for business development. But not Rainmaker. The team went in and learned the company’s goals, helping them design their approach to client acquisition based on where they wanted to end up.

Rainmaker built the program around M, V, U and competency/performance modeling, all while working closely with the growth team at PKF O’Connor Davies to ensure it was exactly what they wanted.

They also incorporated Pathway Essentials, a course that focuses on soft skills and leadership training.

The Outcome: PKF O’Connor Davies Is Now Better Equipped for the Road Ahead

Rainmaker taught PKF O’Connor Davies rising talent how to increase business development efforts and hone their soft skills to make them better executives.

It’s now a requirement that anyone looking to become a partner go through this training at the firm, and all employees now get another training from year one as associates until they become managers. They now also have two-year programs starting a new cycle this fall.

The power of Rainmaker completely transformed the way PKF O’Connor Davies operated. They’re now more prepared and well-rounded, making everything they do smarter, faster, and with the right touch.

“Through the Strategic Growth Advisor relationship, Rainmaker has been a tremendous resource to us by helping us focus our efforts on the deliverables that we wanted.”

Terry Mitchell Principal/Owner | Jackson Thornton

“I can’t tell you how much this experience has meant to me. Hands down it has been the best training program I have ever participated in. Thank you for an outstanding experience. Clearly one of the best business investments I’ve ever made!”

Bradford Hatchett Managing Partner | Grantham Poole

“Rainmaker took a refreshingly different approach to selling – one rooted in understanding our clients as people first. Their training was highly practical and grounded in real-world experience. The program brought our global firm closer and strengthened our ability to serve clients as one team.”

Kaitlyn Cockcroft Senior Manager, R&D Credits | Forvis Mazars

“I have been a part of various trainings focused on sales and business development. Probably the most focused, formal training I have received was The Rainmaker Academy. During the program, I was able to close the deal on over $800,000 worth of business.”

Sandy Shoemaker Partner | Plante Moran

“The results have been exceptional. From a pure ROI standpoint, the program has more than paid for itself. But what stands out even more is the development of our people and the positive impact on our clients. These aren’t just better rainmakers – they’re better advisors and teammates.”

John Lauseng Chief Executive Officer and Partner | Aldrich

“The Rainmaker team took the time to have a conversation … They didn’t ask ‘What do you need?’ but rather, ‘How does what you need fit into your goals?’ ”

Brett Settles Director of Learning and Development | PKF O’Connor Davies

“They understood that this was not just about selling more. It was about giving our team a better way to serve clients, build trust, and grow without burning out.”

Brendan Kurvers Principal | CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

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