4.0 SCHOOL SERVICES: MOVING BEYOND TRANSPORTATION
October 30, 2013
What we heard from Mike Hennek of 4.0 School Services…
Student transportation has been an issue within public school systems for more than a century. When Mike Hennek founded the Prairie Bus Service (which later became 4.0 School Services) in 1994, he had a vision for meeting the needs of both schools and the community at large. Soon, his organization grew beyond providing bus transportation to helping schools improve their transportation program as well as their school grounds.
When Mike began a search for an accountant in the late ‘90s, he wanted someone who could not only enhance his organization, but could grow with him. A friend referred him to Abdo, Eick & Meyers. Today, Mike has worked with the firm for more than 15 years.
He cites the firm’s professionalism is one of the things he values most, but is quick to mention his appreciation for his accountant, Business Segment Leader Erik Leagjeld. “Over the years Erik and I have become good friends,” he says. “I respect him and his counsel—not just in accounting, but in other areas of life, too.”
Erik also sees Mike as a great friend. “Mike is one of most generous men I know,” he says. “We’re proud to have worked with him and his organization from its infancy to where it is today.”
Mike says that the firm’s ability to streamline accounting processes has allowed him more time to focus on the business. “I’m able to work on the business rather than in the business,” says Mike. “It’s given me the ability to be more nimble and seize opportunities as we grow and move ahead.”
An entrepreneur through and through, Mike is always looking ahead to new possibilities. “I don’t like to hear ‘It can’t be done.’” he says. “Which is why Abdo, Eick & Meyers’ mantra, ‘We’ll find a way!’ has resonated so strongly.”