According to Cathy Rutz, Hartsook Companies' greatest assets are the people who work for the firm and the untold thousands of staff, volunteers, donors and beneficiaries of the organizations who seek their counsel.

As business manager, Cathy comes in contact with most of them, sometimes indirectly, but often personally. For her, it's the personal touch that matters most.

"People want to be treated with respect," she says. "I provide a tender ear to listen, answer questions and resolve problems."

Coupled with this approach comes Cathy's strong background in accounting. Prior to joining Hartsook Companies, Cathy was the senior customer service representative for Thorn Americas, Inc., where she maintained accounts, developed financial reports and managed all client communications and transition needs nationwide.

Cathy's experience includes accounting management and organization for the multi-state Full Service Beverage Co. as well.

Cathy joined the firm as executive assistant to the president of Essential Philanthropic Services (now Hartsook Essential Services), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hartsook Companies and worked for over a year in that capacity. During that time, her friendly voice met many of the clients she would later interact with on the accounting side. When the opportunity to move into the business management side of the firm opened up, Cathy was happy to rise to the challenge, and provide a familiar voice.

Cathy lives in Andover, Kansas, with her husband, Steve, and their two sons, Zachary and Joshua.