David Hoopes: putting people first.

• Author: McFadden, Josh
• Position: Around Utah - Executives management skills

In today's business world of deadlines, long hours and demanding 11 responsibilities, it might be easy to lose sight of what could very well be the most important ingredient in any industry: teamwork. But David Hoopes knows the value of treating his clients and his colleagues with professionalism and respect.

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Hoopes was recently named managing director at CBIZ, Inc., which provides professional business services that help clients better manage their finances and employees. Hoopes was also made a shareholder of Mayer Hoffman McCann, PC, a Salt Lake City-based CPA firm.

The 25-year accounting veteran emphasizes building and maintaining strong relationships with the people he serves. "So much of me and how I was brought up in the business world goes back to the people side," he says. "I have respect for my co-workers. Your assets are the people."

Hoopes makes a genuinely concerted effort to learn staff members' names--to know who they are and what their aspirations may be. He also takes the time to foster relationships with clients to help them feel comfortable and confident in the services they will receive. He says it's vital to listen to them and put himself in their position so he can give them the best solutions to their challenges.

As for his management style, Hoopes says he doesn't favor a hierarchical viewpoint of the manager-employee dynamic. "Rarely, if ever, do I say, 'So and so works for me,'" he says. "I say, 'We work together.'"

Throughout his professional experience managing others, Hoopes says he has always worked on teams where his co-workers were happy and enjoyed coming to work. In his current role, his goal is to create an environment where employees can thrive in their work and also have fun.

"I always give co-workers the time they deserve and want," he says. "I...