Today we’d like to introduce you to Terrence Ray, CPA.
Terrence, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey hasn’t followed a straight line, but every chapter has prepared me for the next. I began as a college football player, where discipline, resilience, and relentless preparation became part of who I am. Competing at that level while earning a degree in marketing taught me how to perform under pressure and think strategically about growth and opportunity.
As I moved forward, I felt a pull to understand the foundation behind every successful business—the numbers. That decision led me back to college to earn an accounting degree, choosing growth over comfort. I went on to pass the CPA exam, reinforcing the belief that commitment and focus create momentum.
I built my career in the corporate world as a CPA, gaining invaluable experience advising businesses, navigating complex financial decisions, and seeing firsthand how strong leadership and financial clarity drive success. Eventually, I took the leap to build something of my own. Today, my wife and I own and lead our own firm, bringing together the competitive mindset from athletics, the strategic vision from marketing, and the technical rigor of accounting.
At its core, my story is about ownership—of skills, of decisions, and of outcomes. I didn’t just build a career; I built a business, proving that when preparation meets courage, you don’t wait for opportunity—you create it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has been rewarding, but it hasn’t always been smooth. Like many entrepreneurs and professionals who serve small businesses, I’ve faced seasons where resources were limited, demands were high, and the learning curve was steep. Early in my career, one of the biggest challenges was gaining the trust of organizations that had never worked with a CPA who looked like me. I had to consistently prove my expertise, deliver at a high level, and show that I could guide clients through complex financial decisions with confidence.
Building TNR Advisors has also come with its own challenges. Growing a firm while maintaining excellence requires long hours, continuous professional development, and the discipline to put strong systems in place—even when it’s difficult. We’ve navigated industry shifts, regulatory changes, staffing constraints, and the unique needs of our diverse client base. During COVID-19, for example, we were on the front lines helping business owners secure critical funding, even while our own firm was managing the same uncertainty.
What has carried me through these challenges is my commitment to doing what’s right for the client, my belief in the power of financial literacy, and the support of my business partner and team. The obstacles haven’t stopped the progress—they’ve shaped my leadership, strengthened our approach, and deepened the impact we have on the businesses and communities we serve.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At TNR Advisors & Management Consultants, we specialize in providing high-level accounting, CFO services, and financial leadership to small and mid-sized businesses, special purpose districts, nonprofits, and organizations that are striving to grow with confidence. Many of the clients we serve don’t traditionally have access to an in-house accounting department or a full-time CFO, so our mission is to bring that level of expertise directly to them.
What we are known for is our combination of technical excellence and hands-on support. We don’t just provide financial statements—we help clients understand their numbers, improve internal controls, strengthen compliance, build operational efficiency, and make informed decisions that move their mission forward. Whether it’s monthly financial reporting, audit preparedness, cash-flow management, board training, or strategic planning, we operate as a partner, not just a vendor.
One of the things that truly sets us apart is our ability to translate complex financial information into clear guidance. Clients trust us because we meet them where they are, help them build sustainable systems, and stand with them during critical moments. During the pandemic, for example, we helped business owners obtain more than $3 million in PPP and EIDL funding—support that kept many of them open during the toughest period they had ever faced.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the reputation we’ve built for integrity, accuracy, and responsiveness. Our clients know that when they call, they will get real answers from a team that genuinely cares about their success. We’ve also invested heavily in internal controls, cybersecurity awareness, and best-practice frameworks that help organizations protect their assets and operate with confidence.
What I want readers to know is that TNR Advisors is more than an accounting firm—we are a trusted advisor and an extension of your leadership team. We equip organizations with the financial clarity and strategic insight they need to grow, scale, and navigate challenges. Our goal is simple: to help businesses and community organizations thrive by giving them the strong financial foundation they deserve.
How do you define success?
I define success as the ability to use your gifts to create meaningful impact in the lives of others. It’s not about titles, revenue, or recognition—those are byproducts. For me, success is measured by the businesses we help stabilize, the leaders we empower with financial clarity, and the communities that grow stronger because they finally have access to the support they need.
Success also means building something that lasts. I believe in leaving systems, people, and organizations better than I found them. When a client finally understands their financial picture, when a nonprofit moves through an audit with confidence, or when a small business owner realizes they have the tools to scale—that’s success to me.
On a personal level, success starts at home. Being married to my beautiful wife for 32 years and raising three children has grounded everything I do. Family gives my work perspective, purpose, and accountability. True success is having the ability to lead and serve at a high level professionally while still being present at home, investing in personal growth, and operating with integrity every step of the way.
Ultimately, success is about purpose, service, and legacy—using your talents to uplift others while building a life, a business, and a family you’re proud of.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tnraccounting.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tnraccounting/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tnraccounting/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/40849596/admin/
Image Credits
Photo: Que Ewing
