Redefining a Firm: Mission, Culture, and Growth at JCCS
When John Stevens stepped into the role of CEO at JCCS in 2014, one of his first priorities was to lead a comprehensive rebrand of the firm. At the heart of this effort was a renewed focus on defining who JCCS is—establishing a clear mission, vision, values, and set of core beliefs. These foundational elements not only clarified the firm’s identity but also created a roadmap for its future.
“I believe every business needs a strong mission, vision, values, and core beliefs,” Stevens says. “They guide both internal and external communication and influence everything we do.”
Before the rebranding process, JCCS had a mission statement and a set of values, but they were not consistently reflected in daily operations or interactions. Today, those principles are fully integrated into the firm’s culture—shaping client relationships, internal communication, and the personal development of team members. According to Stevens, this alignment has been a key driver of growth.
“We’re now serving more individuals and businesses across Montana and have become the largest locally owned public accounting firm in the state,” he says. “Our team members are truly living our mission, vision, values, and core beliefs, which has strengthened our reputation as a trusted and reliable firm.”
Enduring Values
While the rebranding elevated the visibility of JCCS’s values, many of them have been fundamental to the firm since its beginning.
“Integrity and honesty are the foundation of our profession,” Stevens explains. “CPAs are uniquely entrusted to provide opinions on financial statements, and that responsibility depends on those principles. They’ve always been essential and will continue to be.”
Teamwork and respect are equally longstanding. Over his three decades with the firm, Stevens has seen these values remain constant.
“Since 1946, those principles have held true,” he says. “People bring different perspectives and ways of thinking, and it’s important to recognize that and work collaboratively toward shared goals. That’s something that hasn’t changed.”
Change, Progress, and a Lasting Purpose
Throughout Stevens’ tenure, JCCS has undergone significant transformation. Advances in technology and software have improved efficiency and elevated client service. The ownership group has evolved as well—today, women make up the majority of the firm’s owners. JCCS has also shifted from operating as separate offices to functioning as a unified firm that shares knowledge and resources. Alongside these changes, service lines have progressed, with areas like audit moving from a checklist approach to a more comprehensive, risk-based methodology.
Despite all this change, one thing has remained constant: the purpose behind the work.
“At its core, this profession is about helping people,” Stevens says. “How we do that will continue to evolve, but the underlying philosophy won’t. It may not seem flashy, but it defines who we are and why we do what we do.”
For Stevens, the evolution itself is what makes the journey exciting.
“New regulations, technologies, and processes continually reshape how we serve our clients,” he adds. “The goal is always to adapt in ways that allow us to help more people—or help them better.”
