For many in the trucking world, talking about accounting might seem as thrilling as sitting in rush-hour traffic. But for Troy Hogan, partner at KSM CPAs & Advisors (KSM), numbers aren’t just figures on a spreadsheet — they’re tools that help trucking companies of every size thrive. With nearly a quarter-century in public accounting and a deep connection to the trucking industry, Troy’s unique blend of experience, personality and insight has made him a trusted advisor to fleets nationwide.

From Northern Indiana to National Influence

Troy’s story doesn’t start in a boardroom or on Wall Street; it begins in Goshen, Indiana, where he was raised by his grandparents. Those early years taught him resilience and perspective — life lessons that serve him well as he helps trucking businesses navigate complex financial challenges.

He attended Goshen High School, where he ran cross-country and first discovered his passion for accounting. That passion led him to Manchester College (now Manchester University), a school known for its strong accounting program, where he earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Accounting. Little did he know that his future would intertwine deeply with both his profession and his personal life; it was at Manchester that he met his wife, Teresa, whom he married while still in college. This year, Troy and Teresa are celebrating an impressive 25 years of marriage — a testament to their enduring partnership. They are also proud parents of two boys, ages 14 and 11.

Troy now lives in Indiana, not far — about two hours — from Louisville, Kentucky, where he is also a board member of the Kentucky Truckers Association (KTA). His involvement there, and in other industry groups, underscores how deeply rooted he is in the trucking community.

KSM: A Firm Built on Insight and Growth

KSM is far from an ordinary accounting firm. Founded in 1942 as a small CPA practice in Indianapolis, KSM has grown into one of the top 50 largest independent accounting firms in the United States. The firm provides a full suite of advisory, tax and audit services to businesses across the nation — from start-ups to mature enterprises navigating complex transitions. This growth is no accident: KSM’s culture emphasizes client success and innovation, and it operates as an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) to empower its people to think like owners. 

Today, KSM has multiple offices across the U.S., including its Indianapolis headquarters, and serves thousands of clients across states and industries, drawing on deep technical expertise. 

Within this powerful platform, Troy is an integral part of KSM’s Transportation Services Group, helping trucking companies — from small family fleets to large national operations — with tax planning, compliance and strategic advice tailored specifically for the unique financial landscape of the trucking industry.

A Transportation Specialist With a Trucker’s Heart

What sets Troy apart in the world of CPAs is not just his technical skill but his industry specialization. While many CPAs might serve a broad spectrum of sectors, upwards of 80-90% of Troy’s clients are trucking companies. That level of focus means he’s seen virtually every scenario truckers face, from interpreting tax rules for equipment purchases and per diem expenses to planning for acquisitions, sales or succession.

“You don’t have to teach my staff or me what a per diem is or what a lane is — we know this because we live and breathe it,” Troy said. That familiarity translates into confidence for his clients: “We can get in front of issues early and help them plan, not just react.” This proactive tax planning — getting involved early — makes a meaningful difference in outcomes for trucking firms, particularly in turbulent freight markets like the one the industry has been navigating recently.

KSM’s trucking practice, supported by a team of consultants who specialize not just in accounting but in trucking operations and profitability, gives clients more than tax compliance — it gives them strategic financial insight. These consultants analyze lanes, maintenance costs, equipment decisions and other operational metrics, all with the goal of improving profitability and helping owners make smart business decisions.

This combination of deep industry knowledge and consultative planning makes Troy not just an accountant, but an advisor who understands trucking from the inside out.

When it comes to choosing professional advisers, Troy believes that industry-specific expertise matters. General accountants might handle basic tax preparation; specialists like him and his team bring contextual understanding that anticipates challenges before they become problems.

“One of the things my mentors taught me is to always put yourself in your client’s shoes,” Troy says — a principle he not only applies in his work but also passes on to his staff. From his early days as an intern at KSM in 2001 to becoming a partner, his commitment to client service and thoughtful communication has remained steadfast over nearly 24 years with the firm.

Life Beyond the Ledger

If numbers are Troy’s professional passion, running is his personal one. At age 47, he returned to running as a hobby, eventually training for and completing his first half-marathon in nearly two decades. He’s currently recovering from knee surgery, but has set his sights on running a full marathon before he turns 50 — an ambitious goal that reflects his determination both on and off the road.

Partner, Board Member and Community Leader

Beyond the numbers, Troy invests time in making the trucking industry stronger. He’s in his second year on the board of the KTA, where he gets a front-row seat to industry issues and policy discussions. What’s more, many of his own clients serve alongside him on that board — a dynamic that Troy describes as “like a family reunion” whenever they meet.

But his involvement doesn’t stop there. He also serves on the board of the Next Generation in Trucking Association, a Louisville-based nonprofit focused on driver and diesel tech education aimed at attracting young people to careers in transportation. And perhaps most personally meaningful, he serves as treasurer of the Ronald McDonald House of Central Indiana, a role connected to his family’s own experience when his son battled liver cancer at age two.

These commitments illustrate a core part of Troy’s philosophy: Meaningful work isn’t limited to the office; it’s about strengthening communities and supporting future generations.

Why Truckers Should Care About Associations — and Advisors Like Troy

For members of the KTA and trucking professionals everywhere, Troy has a clear message: Joining industry associations is more than a networking opportunity — it’s a voice. State associations like the KTA don’t just bring professionals together; they advocate on legislative and regulatory issues that directly impact businesses. Whether operators want to weigh in on policy, learn best practices or simply connect with peers, associations provide resources and influence that are hard to replicate elsewhere.

The Road Ahead

With the trucking industry facing shifting freight demands and economic uncertainties, advisors like Troy play a vital role in helping companies weather the lanes ahead. Whether it’s uncovering hidden tax liabilities from years past or planning for future growth and transitions, his proactive approach ensures clients aren’t just compliant — they’re confident.

Truckers seeking expert guidance can learn more about Troy’s work and KSM’s services through the firm’s website at www.ksmcpa.com — a place to explore resources, connect with professionals and find the support needed to navigate both today’s financial landscape and tomorrow’s opportunities.

In a world where accounting often feels removed from the realities of the road, Troy bridges that gap — bringing clarity, strategy and genuine care to the trucking businesses he serves nationwide.