Experienced. Insightful. Determined.
Our History
After years of working at the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development as the Tax Credit Program Director, Bill Richey recognized the deficiencies of many providers regarding the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program. The lack of screening resulting in state denials was baffling. Bill felt a need for change, and left the DWD on January 2, 2002 knowing he could recover more tax credits than many of his competitors. On January 3rd, 2002 he founded AKT Business Services and presented AKT’s first proposal to a major Wisconsin business. By the end of the month, 4 business were enrolled in the WOTC program. Like any great business, AKT was started with one computer and one phone in a spare bedroom. In 2005, Vicky Richey, Bill Richey’s wife, left her position as the Vice President of Human Resources of a major corporation to join AKT. Up until this point, Vicky had been helping Bill in the evenings and on weekends but their client number had grown to the point where Bill could no longer handle the volume on his own.
The next year was a pivotal moment for AKT because of a legislative hiatus; the future looked murky, but new clients continued to enroll. Andrew Barnes, Vicky’s son, joined part time while in college to help with the volume. At the same time, two franchise branches were established and new clients were added to those locations. In 2011, Andy Barnes was asked to join AKT as the Operations Manager and Senior Accountant. AKT Business Services continues to grow and develop, always striving to provide the most Work Opportunity Tax Credits they possibly can for each client. AKT believes that a wholesome and detailed approach is essential in reaching maximum results for clients. That is why we take the time to understand each client’s process and needs.
Not only does AKT have the best interests of their clients, but also their own employees and the community like any good business should. AKT participates in the Lake Mills High School Youth Apprenticeship Program in hopes to provide youth with real world business experience and give them a leg up in the ever competitive job market. A great business starts with a motivated, talented and knowledgeable staff, which AKT continuously holds as a top priority.
Our Mission
To provide our clients with the maximum amount of tax credits through a comprehensive, strategic and individualized process.
Our Values
At AKT, we know that focusing on just a few core values provides us with a firm foundation for the long run. We also know that having a strong core value system assists in creating other important values within our employees. We stand by the idea of harmonizing values to help our employees adapt and change their thinking as things change within the workplace. Teaching these core values is what motivates and strengthens the character and cohesiveness of our team, both in the present and in the future.
Diligence. Not only do we value being detailed and thorough, we also value thinking differently and more creatively with every task. Through careful analysis, continual dedication, and critical thinking we can provide unique solutions.
Integrity. Being honest and making ethical decisions stands at the forefront of importance for us. In any situation, we believe in serving our client’s needs in a completely truthful and confidential way. We hold a strong loyalty to our clients and their desires.
Perseverance. A crucial value for our team is having the intent and willingness to work through any obstacle that arises. We will always fight for our clients and see their problems as our own. Having perseverance instills confidence; an extremely important trait for anyone in business.
Education. Having a knowledgeable, innovative staff that understands our clients and how to provide for them is something we work to foster everyday. We see the importance in learning and helping our employees reach their full potential.
Our Leadership
Bill richey, Owner
Bill Richey is the owner and CEO of AKT Business Services. He was former State Director of Tax Credit Programs with the State of Wisconsin Department of Labor. Bill earned his Bachelor Degree in Economics from St. Norbert College and his Master’s Degree in Economics with an emphasis in Labor from the University of Wisconsin- Madison. Bill also attended United States Military Academy at West Point and served six years in the Army Reserve and seventeen years in the Coast Guard Reserve. Bill is a lifelong sailor and enjoys sailing his Hans Christian on the waters of Lake Michigan. He also enjoys snow and water skiing and scuba diving. Bill loves his dogs and they frequently accompany him to his office. Bill resides in Lake Mills and is a partner in business with his wife, Vicky. They enjoy spending time with their adult children and grandchildren.
Education & Accomplishments:
University of Wisconsin - Madison, M.A. Labor Economics, 1980
St. Norbert College, B.A. Economics , 1969
N.E.O.N, Member at Large
Andrew Barnes, President
Andy has been working with AKT Business Services since 2003 while he was still earning his Business Education degree at the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater. Andy continued to work part time for AKT while teaching business education in various school districts until 2008 when he made the transition to full-time employment as the Operations Manager at AKT. He has built his career at AKT through his passion to continuously provide quality customer service and dedication to detail. Andy’s leadership qualities have attracted the area’s top talent. Andy’s mission as the President of AKT is to provide clients with the highest possible tax credits while simultaneously keeping the process personable, and to retain and promote his staff through additional opportunities. In his spare time, Andy enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, has a passion for photography, and enjoys all water sports.
Education & Accomplishments:
University of Wisconsin - Whitewater, B.A. Business Education, 2003
Dale Carnegie, Management Training, 2013
N.E.O.N, Member at Large