Well, here we are again – at the end of another year. And while we are busy here at RGCI helping clients with everything from closing out 2021 books to budgeting for 2022, we pause to look back and give thanks for another year. At RGCI, we have had more babies born this year, more of our kids graduate high school or college, and more weddings. We have enjoyed these moments with our clients also. Yes, you talk to someone 1-2 times a week, and you get to know them very fast. We are so thankful for all we have been blessed with in 2021.
A few years back, when I was hired here at RGCI, I interviewed with the founder and then CEO, Scott Butler. Scott would not call it an interview but a “little talk” so he could get to know me. Scott didn’t ask a single question about where I had worked or what I had accomplished in my career. There were no questions about my education. He didn’t ask my views on a single DCAA compliance topic. He asked me about myself, what I did outside of work, and about my family. I remember a lot of things about that talk, but what still stands out the most is when he told me that he would “probably never get mad at me for anything work-related,” but that if he ever found out that I was working, when I had sick kids, spouse or parents – then he would be “greatly disappointed” with me. He told me there would always be someone at RGCI that could take up the work slack if need be, but no one that could take up my family slack. Scott believed that family is the single greatest thing we have in our lives. He believed that if you invested in your family, that everything else would take care of itself. He made that connection and invested time in every single employee at RGCI. Scott treated everyone here like family, and that is the legacy he wanted to continue.
A couple of weeks back, I was on an introductory call with a prospective client and Asa Gilliland, our President here at RGCI. Just a few minutes into the call, the prospective client asked Asa, “what makes Redstone different from other consulting firms out there?” It was a very good question and not one that we get all that often. Most prospective clients have specific questions about issues they are facing, and understandably so. I was anxious to hear Asa’s answer too. Would it be the 100-plus years of ex-DCAA/DCMA senior managing auditor experience, 50 years worth of contractor CFO or controller experience, Costpoint gurus, Multiple CPAs, and attorneys on staff? Nope, Asa didn’t go with any of that. The prospective client already knew about all that technical experience. Instead, Asa told the truth about what makes RGCI different: He told him that we started as a very small and closely-knit firm. And that while we have grown, we are still very closely knit to this day. We are never more than a phone call away either from clients or each other. Asa told him about the importance of investing in employees and family.
That is what makes us different. We are family. That is the legacy we were left to uphold. We miss you, Scott. And we are still trying hard not to “disappoint” you.
So this year, with all the craziness that comes with this season, for the holiday and our work year ends, make sure you stop to appreciate the things around you. And remember: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” - Ferris Beuller
As Director of Compliance Consulting at Redstone Government Consulting, Jonas Clem leads our compliance team in helping government contractors navigate the complexities of federal compliance requirements. With deep expertise in DFARS business systems, cost proposal compliance, and government audits, Jonas provides strategic guidance to our clients facing DCAA and DCMA audits, ensuring compliance at every stage, from pre-audit preparation to post-audit resolution. Jonas is a recognized expert in government property management and purchasing system compliance, having successfully implemented and refined these systems for contractors of all sizes—each passing rigorous government audits. He also delivers targeted training programs, equipping clients with the knowledge needed to maintain compliance with DFARS business systems, FAR 31 cost principles, indirect rate strategies, and cost proposal requirements. With over 20 years of experience in the government contracting industry, Jonas has held senior leadership roles spanning program finance, contracts, accounting, and operations. A significant portion of his career was spent with a small business contractor that expanded into a $100M+ large business prime contractor, where he progressed through leadership positions to ultimately serve as Business Operations Manager for the NASA and Army Programs Division. Additionally, he has served as a Controller for a large NASA prime contractor, strengthening his expertise in financial management, compliance, and audit readiness. Jonas' comprehensive, hands-on experience across the government contracting lifecycle, including DoD and NASA contracts, makes him an invaluable resource to our clients. His proven expertise spans proposal development and pricing, indirect rate structuring, and DCAA/DCMA audit readiness. With an unparalleled blend of accounting, contracts, operations, and regulatory knowledge, Jonas delivers practical, results-driven compliance strategies that help our clients mitigate risk and succeed in today's highly regulated environment.