When HHM CPAs was established in 1981, Donnie Hutcherson was one of the founding members, and quickly became one of the youngest CPAs in the region to make partner. He hasn’t slowed down since. Today, he oversees the firm’s day-to-day operations as Managing Partner, but continues to work with businesses and individuals alike, focusing on taxation and mergers and acquisitions. His first priority has always been meeting each client’s needs. “I am always available to my clients, and I think that accessibility makes such a noticeable difference,” he says. “When a client reaches out, they usually have a question or an issue. That immediate access allows me to put their mind at ease and hopefully create the ‘wow’ factor.” Early in his career Donnie played a key role in building the HHM dealership niche. He started with a few local dealers and helped launch the specialized practice that it is today – a well-developed Dealership Services Group that provides a myriad of services to over 300 dealer rooftops around the country. Another of his areas of expertise is management advisory services. Often, a client will encounter a situation outside their area of expertise. Chances are Donnie has faced it and is able to advise on the appropriate course of action. He skillfully helps clients navigate their way through critical and sometimes challenging transitions. In doing so, he adds value to that accountant/client relationship. Donnie is also well-known within the mergers and acquisitions arena, having helped to orchestrate more than 100 sales, acquisitions, and/or mergers for a variety of industries, including manufacturing and distribution through the years. “I enjoy the challenge of it,” he says. “An acquisition is a challenging but special event in the life of a business owner that I really like to be part of.” Donnie’s interests go well beyond the conference or board room. He was the leading force behind the restoration of the firm’s current location in the historic Freight Depot in 2005, and guided the firm in establishing and growing a Memphis location. He is always striving to create a pleasant and vibrant work culture for employees while always thinking outside the box as the firm grows and morphs.