Building a Values-Driven Company

RJ Blake, CPA, is the President and CEO of Blake Willson Group (BWG), a veteran-owned CPA firm providing professional and technology solutions to federal defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies. As a combat veteran, he has experience with Big Four audits and advisory practices. Before Blake Willson Group, RJ served as a team leader in the US Army's 10th Mountain Division, where he led counterinsurgency operations in Afghanistan. He gives back to the veteran community by serving as the Regional President of Reuniting After War and as a member of the Board of the Veteran Institute for Procurement.

In this episode…

Business growth often comes down to more than strategy or timing; It's about sustaining values, resilience, and leadership under pressure. How can leaders carry their formative experiences into building organizations that endure challenges, scale sustainably, and inspire those around them?

With a background in the military and a career in accounting, RJ Blake credits discipline, service, and integrity in shaping his leadership approach. He emphasizes the importance of aligning teams around core values, leading with influence rather than authority, and making strategic financial decisions to weather early cash flow struggles. Through adaptability, foresight, and values-based leadership, entrepreneurs can sustain a lasting impact. 

In this episode of Growth + Exit, Susan Kearney welcomes RJ Blake, President and CEO of Blake Willson Group (BWG), to discuss building a resilient business rooted in values. RJ explains how military service shaped his leadership style, the lessons he learned from managing cash flow challenges, and the role of innovation labs in driving efficiency.