The 2020 Rising Stars of the Profession: Luis Lopez Garay

Luis Lopez Garay, Consulting Manager with Crowe says he believes there are three factors that have led to his success. "I always strive to investigate a problem relentlessly and to be resourceful until I get to the bottom of the issue," Lopez Garay says. "With enough care and attention, I find I can get to the answer most of the time." 

As a leader, he says he takes ownership of everything that happens on his team, even if it falls outside of his domain of expertise. "I always try to do what it takes to help my team accomplish the goal," he says. "And I try to be humble and teachable. I've found I can achieve the first two factors above only if I can recognize my own shortcomings."

Lopez Garay started as an auditor and through that work was exposed to many different types of companies. "I learned that I loved working alongside clients helping them improve their processes to run their companies more efficiently, but I felt limited by the auditor-client independence relationship. This is where I realized consulting would be a better fit for me." 

Specifically, he switched to consulting by seizing the moment during an elevator conversation with one of Crowe's consulting practice leaders. He explained how he loved helping his clients grow their businesses with innovation and creativity and that was exactly what he was looking for in a career. "I moved to our Consulting business unit shortly thereafter," he says. 

He is excited about continuing to drive innovation and creativity at Crowe and within the profession. "There is an unlimited amount of opportunity for young consultants to make an impact beyond their years of experience, especially in this digital age and global economy. 

Meanwhile, among his proudest accomplishments thus far in his career, he counts his work on the Crowe Lease Accounting Optimizer. About three years ago, he started exploring the idea for the optimizer, a software product to address new lease accounting standards. 

"Leading the process to design and develop software that eventually became a Crowe solution used by clients all over the world is certainly a proud accomplishment," Lopez Garay says. "Most importantly, I am honored that my colleagues wholeheartedly believed in the idea and vision for the product, and the Crowe leaders who trusted me and invested in my career."

Q&A: What does winning a Rising Stars of the Profession award mean to you?

Lopez Garay: "I am a first-generation immigrant to this country. Winning this award means that no matter who you are or where you are from, with the right mindset and determination, you can seize part of the unbelievable amount of opportunity this country has to offer."