Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam Rogers.
Hi Adam, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Swanson Reed was founded by my Grandfather, Joe. He had been working as an Engineer in Independence MO, and recently got a job in Texas, with General Motors. His experience as an engineer in MO and TX led to his establishment of Reed and Co. In 1984.
Years later, in 2008, my partner Damian Smyth and I decided to relaunch the practice. We wanted to combine my grandfather’s engineering legacy—the ‘Reed’ part—with our ‘Big 4’ experience, but focus exclusively on R&D tax credits.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The global financial crisis hit hard shortly after the company’s re-establishment as Swanson Reed in July 2008.
I realized two things had to change, and fast.
First, the strategy.
My background was R&D tax credits, and the initial firm had a broader focus on technical grant writing and patents. In that moment of absolute panic, I made the call to stop everything else. We would focus 100% on R&D tax credits. Everyone around me thought it was crazy to niche down during a recession, but I believed the need for tax relief would only grow. That pivotal decision ultimately saved us, but not immediately.
Second, I learned that I could not do this alone. The management strain, the financial stress, the constant travel—it was too much. I looked up an old colleague, Damian Smyth, and called him. I laid out the situation plainly: I needed management and business support, or Swanson Reed was going to fail. He came on board shortly after.
Honestly, I look back and know with absolute certainty: Swanson Reed would not be here today without Damian stepping in at that moment. He was the essential partner who helped us weather the storm and structure the business.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors?
We exclusively focus on R&D tax credit preparation and audit services. Nothing else.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Huge.
One of our biggest and best clients is a billion-dollar global mining services company. The night I met the global CFO of that company, it was at a prestigious polo club and I mistook her as the hostess. When I found out who she was, I accidently spilt an expensive red wine on her beautiful silk gown. She somehow laughed it off and 12 months later (in 2009 during the peak of the financial crisis) she became my biggest account. I can safely say without that account; Swanson Reed would likely not be here today.
Pricing:
- Fixed fee
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.swansonreed.com/kansas
