We are saddened by the passing of our friend and colleague Richard LaValla. Richard was a brilliant fractional CFO, whose financial acumen was matched by his kindness and authenticity as a human being. Richard's impact was deeply felt by those who worked alongside him, both as colleagues and clients, as evidenced by the heartfelt tributes below.
Many CFOs are similarly educated and experienced professionals who are imperative to the success of modern-day businesses of any size. Many CFOs are also similarly wired, similarly spoken, and similarly analytical-type people.
And then there was Rich LaValla!
Everything you expect a CFO to be, Rich was. Everything you hope for in someone who is giving you financial business advice, Rich was. Everything a business owner wanted in someone who had their interests at heart, Rich was.
It was every box that Rich did NOT fit into that made him so wonderful. Yes, by responsibility, Rich was our fractional CFO. But it was the mentor, the realistic adviser, the confidant, and the friend that Rich was that we will miss the most!! There's a void in our hearts from losing Rich. He was a phenomenal man, a tremendous asset, and an irreplaceable friend that I'll remember forever!!
— Casey Catoe, President - Carolina Civil
Rich was instrumental in helping our company turn and create a foundation for growth that will be seen for years to come. His expertise and stories proved so very valuable to the entire team, and his infectious laugh always brought a smile to everyone’s face. Not only was he a successful negotiator and corporate executive, but he was also a good friend, and he will be sorely missed.
Also, I’ll say this---Rich interacted with “any and all” types of people. His memorial service showed me that his personality touched a diverse group of people and that he was a genuine person. He was a “what you see is what you get,” and in that, we got a guy who was loyal, smart, frugal, and wise in investing not only money but time and friendship."
— Stephen "Buck" Buckingham, President, Residue Recycling
While I worked with Rich for 2+ years as my Fractional CFO, I was most grateful for him as an individual and friend. Although he was very much “all business”, he was also willing to be real with who he was as a person. We shared about our children and often discussed “Dad things” and helped each other make decisions on the home front as well. I felt like I knew Jodi, Michael, and Amanda even though I never did get a chance to meet them in person.
He was willing to discuss financial things through the lens of both business growth & development, but also through a moral compass that was a felt need for me. I am a relationship-based guy and Rich understood that and was willing to be vulnerable as person while serving me with excellence as a CFO.
Rich was a great human, always positive, always thoughtful, and always ready with a story that was applicable to the situation. As my first venture into working with a Fractional CFO, I feel that I hit a home run with Rich and will forever be grateful for his timely input and constant dedication to serving both myself and my company well.
— Todd Koos, CEO, Physical Therapy Center
Rich was the first CFO I personally recruited to be part of our team. While I only knew Rich for a few 'calendar years', he was one of those people who quickly embraced you as a longtime friend. He was full of life and naturally brought you into his world. His passion was infectious.
One of the joys of my role at FocusCFO is hearing the enthusiasm, passion and joy that our CFO team get from becoming partners and friends with their clients. Adding tremendous value to their businesses and becoming part of their family. No one exhibited that more than our dear friend Rich, evidenced by the above tributes.
From the outset of any relationship, Rich - with a smile and his natural warmth — would let them know that he would always 'call it as he sees it.' You may not like everything he was observing and suggesting, and may not take all his counsel, but you would always get the full candid view. In speaking with his clients, I could tell how much they loved Rich and valued him as their trusted advisor.
While taken way too soon. I cherish and will celebrate forever the time I got to spend working with him. A fullness of life, regardless of the number of calendar years. My love to the LaValla family. He was a good one!"
-Michael Stier, Area President, FocusCFO
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Big Brother Big Sister of the Upstate.
Favorite memories and condolences may be shared with the LaValla family here.