CLK Architects & Associates appreciates the time and effort that has been exerted over the past 7 weeks with our team. The Cogent Analytics representatives have been a valuable part of our small, but mighty reformation process. The representatives have met our many needs
and were extremely engaging with each phone call and meeting. Below is a brief summary of some of our experiences.

• Topic Title: Engagement impact on operations and staff
  • Jerry noted improved accountability for partners and staff; time management has become more demanding.
  • Andrea highlighted updates to financial procedures and business processes; change is stressful due to time demands.
  • Dakota summarized: foundational improvements achieved; main challenge is balancing change initiatives with day-to-day operations.
  • Conclusion: Cultural and process benefits recognized; time burden
    acknowledged.
• Topic Title: Reflections from Javier on change process and advisory role
  • Javier described prior habits as “osmosis”-based; process brought intentionality and organization. He emphasized constructive skepticism: questioning recommendations to ensure firm footing while remaining open.
  • Conclusion: Increased self-awareness and intentional operations; healthy challenge maintained.
• Topic Title: Succession planning for Jerry’s transition
  • Jerry plans to travel with his wife, spend time in Central Texas, volunteer, and focus on personal time.
  • Javier stressed need for legal documentation with Merlin to fund and structure the transition.
  • Concerns and readiness: Javier: has lived through two prior transitions; not afraid; expects challenges but will pivot and work through.
  • Andrea: some fear; active efforts to maintain Jerry’s client relationships; acknowledges Jerry’s mentorship and knowledge.
  • Brand continuity: Firm identity is “CLK” independent of individual names; continuity emphasized even as principals change.
  • Conclusion: Team is preparing for Jerry’s transition; brand and client relationship continuity are priorities; legal steps pending.
• Topic Title: Cyberattack impact and operational load
  • Javier reported a network encryption incident earlier in the year; major disruption with band-aid fixes to keep delivering.
  • Concurrent Cogent engagement increased time demands; created lag in services and internal progress. Need for realistic pace and breathing room to implement changes while meeting deadlines.
  • Conclusion: Recovery and implementation will take time; pacing will be adjusted.
• Topic Title: Expected benefits and measurement of ROl
  • Cultural and staffing benefits already visible (accountability, morale). Financial impact to be assessed over time (1-5 years); may be incremental. Improved financial tracking, manpower allocation, and hiring projections expected to reduce reactive staffing
  • Conclusion: Benefits achieved; financial ROl to be monitored via KPls and LifeCycle governance.

Once again, we thank you for all that you have shared with our leaders and our leaders of tomorrow. We look forward to a continued relationship as we transition into the LifeCycle process.

Sincerely,
Andrea Riojas
Vice- President
CLK Architects