planning — getting involved early — makes a meaningful difference in outcomes for trucking firms, particularly in turbulent freight markets like the one the industry has been navigating recently. KSM’s trucking practice, supported by a team of consultants who specialize not just in accounting but in trucking operations and profitability, gives clients more than tax compliance — it gives them strategic financial insight. These consultants analyze lanes, maintenance costs, equipment decisions and other operational metrics, all with the goal of improving profitability and helping owners make smart business decisions. This combination of deep industry knowledge and consultative planning makes Troy not just an accountant, but an advisor who understands trucking from the inside out. When it comes to choosing professional advisers, Troy believes that industry-specific expertise matters. General accountants might handle basic tax preparation; specialists like him and his team bring contextual understanding that anticipates challenges before they become problems. “One of the things my mentors taught me is to always put yourself in your client’s shoes,” Troy says — a principle he not only applies in his work but also passes on to his staff. From his early days as an intern at KSM in 2001 to becoming a partner, his commitment to client service and thoughtful communication has remained steadfast over nearly 24 years with the firm. Life Beyond the Ledger If numbers are Troy’s professional passion, running is his personal one. At age 47, he returned to running as a hobby, eventually training for and completing his first half-marathon in nearly two decades. He’s currently recovering from knee surgery, but has set his sights on running a full marathon before he turns 50 — an ambitious goal that reflects his determination both on and off the road. Partner, Board Member and Community Leader Beyond the numbers, Troy invests time in making the trucking industry stronger. He’s in his second year on the board of the KTA, where he gets a front-row seat to industry issues and policy discussions. What’s more, many of his own clients serve alongside him on that board — a dynamic that Troy describes as “like a family reunion” whenever they meet. But his involvement doesn’t stop there. He also serves on the board of the Next Generation in Trucking Association, a Louisville-based nonprofit focused on driver and diesel tech education aimed at attracting young people to careers in transportation. And perhaps most personally meaningful, he serves as treasurer of the Ronald McDonald House of Central Indiana, a role connected to his family’s own experience when his son battled liver cancer at age two. These commitments illustrate a core part of Troy’s philosophy: Meaningful work isn’t limited to the office; it’s about strengthening communities and supporting future generations. Why Truckers Should Care About Associations — and Advisors Like Troy For members of the KTA and trucking professionals everywhere, Troy has a clear message: Joining industry associations is more than a networking opportunity — it’s a voice. State associations like the KTA don’t just bring professionals together; they advocate on legislative and regulatory issues that directly impact businesses. Whether operators want to weigh in on policy, learn best practices or simply connect with peers, associations provide resources and influence that are hard to replicate elsewhere. The Road Ahead With the trucking industry facing shifting freight demands and economic uncertainties, advisors like Troy play a vital role in helping companies weather the lanes ahead. Whether it’s uncovering hidden tax liabilities from years past or planning for future growth and transitions, his proactive approach ensures clients aren’t just compliant — they’re confident. Truckers seeking expert guidance can learn more about Troy’s work and KSM’s services through the firm’s website at www.ksmcpa.com — a place to explore resources, connect with professionals and find the support needed to navigate both today’s financial landscape and tomorrow’s opportunities. In a world where accounting often feels removed from the realities of the road, Troy bridges that gap — bringing clarity, strategy and genuine care to the trucking businesses he serves nationwide. To learn more about KSM’s services, visit www.ksmcpa.com or email Troy at thogan@ksmcpa.com. Kentucky Trucker 7
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