Scaling Culture & Client Impact: Securitybricks’ Integration with Aprio
October 20, 2025
5 minutes read
The Background
When the leading cybersecurity firm wanted to level up growth without sacrificing the organization’s cultural DNA, it turned to Aprio.
Meet SecuritybricksIn late 2024, cybersecurity and compliance firm Securitybricks joined forces with Aprio. With the integration, Securitybricks sought to partner with a dynamic organization known for serving defense contractors, as they responded to the unprecedented growth in their business and industry. At the helm of Securitybricks was Raj Raghavan, who helped the company cement its place as one of the nation’s leading cybersecurity providers for the federal government, government contractors, and firms with level 5 (top-secret) security clearance. Securitybricks was renowned for its out-of-the-box applications that automated compliance controls, integrated data across IT infrastructures, and provided continuous monitoring. Aside from this, the firm also participated in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)’s SkillBridge Program, where it helped transition many military service members into new careers in cybersecurity. Under Raj’s leadership, Securitybricks developed a rare and unique culture, one that welcomed innovation and took pride in securing strong career paths for its team members. So, when it came time to start the integration process, Raj was adamant about making sure Aprio’s leadership understood that maintaining Securitybricks’ innovative spirit was a priority. |
The Brief
Industry Specialty: Merged with Aprio: December 2024 |
Fortunately, he says, Securitybricks had nothing to worry about. “When we started the integration process, Aprio made it clear that our growth wouldn’t be disrupted — in fact, it would be accelerated,” says Raj, who is now Partner of Security & Compliance Services and RAAS at Aprio. “The firm recognized our talent and gave us the platforms to shine.”

The Opportunity: Growth Without Identity Loss
Although Raj’s fears about cultural impact were assuaged, he wanted to make sure that Securitybricks’ team members wouldn’t feel lost in a larger organization post-merger or lose the flexibility and recognition they had thrived under previously. Raj says these concerns formed the basis of his and Aprio’s top integration goal: creating a transition that scaled opportunity, not bureaucracy.
“Aprio made a genuine effort to understand what made us successful [at Securitybricks] and preserved that as we integrated,” he says. “As a result, our people were empowered and not just absorbed into the larger framework.”
From the outset of the integration, Aprio focused on introducing a structured onboarding process that emphasized transparency, ongoing support, and authentic connection. According to Raj, Securitybricks team members were treated as contributors, not just newcomers, from day one. They received personalized support through integration liaisons, live training sessions, and clear communication on how their roles would evolve post-integration.
What’s more, leaders across Aprio made themselves accessible to employees at every level of the firm. This collaborative approach helped alleviate employees’ early anxieties, especially as the integration happened during the year-end holidays.
Raj cites Aprio’s intranet as a key comfort point for Securitybricks’ employees. “Access to the intranet gave us everything, including marketing materials, playbooks, and firm contacts,” he shares.

“It was our guidepost, and it gave our team some much-needed clarity and visibility during a time that was naturally filled with uncertainty.”
Results & Growth
Since the integration, the Securitybricks team has seen rapid growth with more than $3.5 million in closed business as of Q3 2025. Aprio’s cross-functional growth support has helped scale Securitybricks into new markets. The integration has also helped take the load off team members and decrease burnout — members who once wore multiple hats in Securitybricks’ startup environment have found new opportunities to specialize and refine their cybersecurity knowledge and technical skills.
“Our integration with Aprio gave me the opportunity to focus on areas of our expertise more closely, while leaning on the firm’s larger cross-functional ecosystem to better serve our clients,” says Raj.
Client Win: Seamless Service for a DoD Contractor
When a DoD contractor and current Securitybricks client learned of the firm’s integration with Aprio, it recognized an opportunity to fulfill a goal that Securitybricks couldn’t solve previously. In addition to a CMMC Cybersecurity Assessment, the client also needed help managing a GSA MAS contract, which would have been outside of Securitybricks’ service portfolio pre-merger. With the new ability to manage both GSA MAS contracts and cybersecurity needs under one umbrella, Securitybricks was able to keep — and better serve — a top-dollar client, instantly expanding the value the legacy team could provide and increasing client trust and retention. |
“Since joining Aprio, we’ve grown in both size and capability. We’ve added new skill sets, expanded our offerings, and taken on more complex client engagements — which we couldn’t have done before.”
Bottom LineFor Raj and his team, the sky is the limit as they approach their one-year integration anniversary with Aprio. “Post-merger, we have been looking at our strengths [automation, cybersecurity, and compliance] and mapping them against Aprio’s broader client base to identify where we can create immediate value,” Raj says. “Aprio’s strategic guidance and access to cross-functional teams has helped us focus our energy and scale efficiently. Their marketing and sales support have also been instrumental in bringing our offerings to new audiences.” |
Goals Achieved*
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What stands out most to Raj is Aprio’s client-first and entrepreneurial culture. “Since we joined the firm, our team members haven’t been told what to do but have instead been invited to build, lead, and contribute.” As a result, some legacy Securitybricks team members have stepped into national leadership roles, jumpstarting their careers and firm visibility. “That’s a rare opportunity, especially for team members who are coming from a startup environment.”
Looking back on the past nine months, Raj has a few pieces of advice for firms considering a merger:
“Integration should never be a leadership-only process,” he says. “Involve everyone early, stay open and collaborative, and champion your strengths. Aprio values distinct voices and expertise.”
Perhaps most importantly, Raj encourages firms to stay positive and see integration as an opportunity for greater success. “It’s a place where your team can not only land but thrive.”
Are you interested in exploring a strategic partnership with a like-minded firm?
Aprio is well positioned to help firms across industry sectors achieve their growth goals, including those in defense and federal government contracting. Visit grow.aprio.com for more information. For more information about Aprio’s Aerospace, Defense and Government Contract solutions, contact Raj Raghavan.
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