From RAGBRAI to RSM

RSM encourages our people to follow their passions and bring their authentic selves to work. Each person’s  hobbies, interests and backgrounds bring forth unique experiences, perspectives and insights, which in turn strengthen our teams. Consulting Director Scott Jacobson is a perfect example as he shares how cycling inspires him to grow and elevate his team’s potential at RSM.

I grew up in rural Northwest Iowa. Some people may find that notion stifling, but for me, the possibilities in a place like that are endless. When I was 11, The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) came near my hometown, and I rode along for a couple days with my father in what still is the largest bike-touring event in the world. After that, I was hooked. The next year I persuaded my grandfather to be my support crew for the full week, riding from west to east across the entire state, which marked the beginning of my annual RAGBRAI pilgrimage.

In a way, things have come full circle for me. As a cyclist, I started out on the roads of Iowa but grew into my potential as a semi-professional on the roads of Europe. Like cycling, RSM presents me with endless possibilities to grow into my potential. Working within the valuation team, we are small but mighty, with a runway of growth in front of us. RSM gave me a fresh perspective on my career, along with a flexible culture that allows me to continue to pursue cycling as a hobby.

One of my favorite adventures of cycling is the exciting yet comforting feeling of where my bike can take me. I get a similar feeling working at RSM — we have the opportunity to ride to the top of a mountain.