How Hartle & Rees Found a Growth Partner—Not a Buyer
After nearly two decades building Hartle & Rees into one of the most respected accounting firms in Salt Lake City, managing partner Ryan Rees found himself at a crossroads.
The firm was thriving. But that success came with strain.
“We had stopped accepting clients,” Ryan says. “We just didn’t have the bandwidth anymore. I was carrying the load—and there was no clear next step.”
For a while, maintaining the status quo seemed like the safest path. But it became clear: growth had stalled, and with it, so had opportunities for his team.
Why the Traditional Options Didn’t Fit
Ryan had explored partnership conversations before—three, in fact. But each one fell short. The numbers didn’t add up. The vision didn’t align. And the offers came with strings attached.
“I didn’t want private equity. I didn’t want Big Brother hanging over my head,” he says. “What I needed was support—without losing control.”
What Made Baysora Different
When Ryan connected with Baysora, the conversation felt different from the start.
“They didn’t want to change what made our firm successful. They just wanted to help us grow—and support us where it made sense.”
That promise held true.
Within two months of closing, Ryan had a new partner in place. The firm reopened to new clients—adding over 450 new engagements without overwhelming his existing team. For the first time in years, the firm had breathing room—and a clear path forward.
“Everything I was told before the transaction has come true,” Ryan says.
“They let me keep doing what I’ve been doing—and gave support where I needed it.”
The Outcome: Growth Without Sacrificing Control
Since partnering with Baysora, Ryan has been able to:
Refocus his energy on the clients and work he enjoys most
Build a stronger leadership team with new partners and staff
Reignite growth without the burnout
Create a long-term future for his firm and team
“It’s a different mindset,” he reflects. “You think you have to do it all yourself—but there’s usually a better way. This has been the better way.”
