For Damon Chronis, success has never been about taking the easiest path. Instead, it has been built through perseverance and a commitment to becoming an expert in his field.

Chronis's path to accounting was anything but straightforward. He arrived at The University of New Mexico (UNM) after graduating from La Cueva High School and initially pursued engineering before discovering that accounting offered a better fit for his skills and career aspirations.

"I would never have dreamed that I would select accounting when going into college," Chronis said. "My father told me if I got an accounting degree, I would get a job, and he was certainly right."

While earning his degree at the Anderson School of Management, now The James & Gail Ellis School of Business Leadership, Chronis worked at the Ranchers Club of New Mexico restaurant. He eventually became general manager at just 22 years old. The experience taught him valuable lessons about leadership, accountability, and customer service.

"Managing a restaurant taught me the importance of personalized and attentive customer service," he said. "That experience prepared me well for a career in professional services."

Balancing work and academics was challenging, but Chronis credits those years with teaching him how to manage competing priorities and take ownership of his outcomes. He also points to a pivotal mentor who helped shape the trajectory of his career.

Working closely with Anderson Career Services Director Drew Parsons, Chronis was introduced to a then-small Dallas-based tax services firm called Ryan & Company, P.C. Parsons recognized a strong fit between Chronis's entrepreneurial mindset and the firm's specialized tax focus.

"He saw in me what was a fit for the firm, and he saw in the firm what was a fit for me," Chronis said. "I wouldn't be here without Drew advising me and helping me solve that problem."

Nearly three decades later, Chronis remains with Ryan, which has since grown from approximately 100 employees to a global tax services and software firm with more than 7,100 team members.

Throughout his career, Chronis has developed a leadership philosophy centered on specialization and expertise. He encourages young professionals to identify an area of interest early and immerse themselves fully in it.

"The fastest way to find success is to specialize and become a domain expert," he said. "Throw yourself into it completely and fully. Live it, breathe it, and become an expert."

Mentorship has also played a critical role in his development. Rather than relying on a single mentor, Chronis learned from colleagues, partners, and peers throughout his career. He believes some of the most valuable growth happens through daily interactions and shared experiences with those around you.

"You get something different from everybody," he said. "Nobody is perfect at everything."

Today, Chronis defines success not by titles or financial rewards but by earning trust and building a reputation for excellence.

"Success is becoming the premier brand in whatever space you occupy," he said. "Trust is earned, and everything else follows from that."

For students aspiring to leadership roles, Chronis emphasizes the importance of finding meaningful work and committing fully to it.

"Find something you love to do and understand why it matters," he said. "Then run 110% toward it."

Chronis remains actively engaged with UNM as a member of the Ellis School of Business Leadership Dean's Council and as a trustee of the UNM Foundation. He and his wife, Julie, also established the Julie & Damon Chronis Endowed Scholarship, which supports undergraduate accounting students balancing their studies with full-time employment.