Celebrating 50 Years - A Milestone Achievement
Partner’s Perspective
By Richard C. Fedorovich, CPA, Managing Partner
As we begin the New Year, we are pleased to let you, our clients and friends, be the first to know of the exciting things happening here at Bober Markey Fedorovich. This year marks the Firm’s 50th anniversary. Not only are we planning internal and external celebrations, but, as you may have noticed, we also thought we’d take this opportunity to redo our corporate look, including our logo, business forms and web site. We wanted to make sure that our brand not only reflects our rich history, but encompasses the innovative and progressive way of thinking that has brought us into the present and will continue to help us be successful in the future.
As we embark on this 50th year, we extend our deep gratitude to you – our clients, referral sources and friends. And we look forward to serving you and this community for the next 50.
Bober Markey Fedorovich – Celebrating 50 Years
Fifty years in business is a milestone that represents the type of strength and stability few companies in the accounting industry or the general business community ever achieve. Of course, much has changed since founding partner Stanley Bober first opened his doors in 1959 and took on the firm’s first client, which is now a leading multi-national manufacturer, still headquartered in Northeast Ohio. But much has stayed the same, which is part of why the firm continues to thrive half a century later.
Honoring the past
None of Bober Markey Fedorovich’s current or future achievements could occur without the solid foundation that was first set by Stan. He instilled a culture of dedication to helping his clients, empowering his professionals and giving back to the community – all still integral parts of the Firm’s philosophies and daily operations.
“When I started the Firm, my goal was to make a living and help other people develop their businesses properly and successfully,” Stan told me recently. “I never could have imagined we’d reach 50 years. I’m very proud of the status our Firm has in our profession, as well as the community. And I’m pleased that my name is still associated with it. It’s a badge of honor for me.”
Celebrating the present
In 1996, the torch was passed to me and as managing partner and CEO, I promised my partners an unwavering commitment not only to the Firm’s core values, but also to the promotion of innovation and lead thinking in a progressive environment that has brought the Firm to where it is today.
And where are we today? At 70-plus employees, Bober Markey Fedorovich is one of Northeast Ohio’s largest CPA firms, housed in beautiful new offices on Ridgewood Road in Akron.
The Firm has experienced tremendous growth in personnel and services over the past several years. Beyond our long history of providing the core audit, accounting and tax services for which we are traditionally known, BMF has developed significant expertise in a number of complex advisory practice areas. Some of these include:
- Acting as the “second source” provider to many of the public companies in our region, offering a wide range of services including accounting assistance, tax and advisory, as well as some attest services. In fact, the Employee Benefit Plans audit practice and the “FAS 109” Tax Provision practice are two of the Firm’s fastest growing in the past five years.
- A widely sought, nationally recognized Transaction Services Advisory Group that serves not only private equity transactions, but also as auditors and advisors on an ongoing basis to the portfolio companies acquired in these transactions.
- A bankruptcy and restructuring division.
As well, BMF remains committed to our clients, our employees and our community. In fact, the Firm’s partners, managers and associates currently serve, in volunteer roles, more than 90 local community organizations, many in leadership positions – a precedent that was set many years ago. As Stan said to me in a recent discussion, “Our first job is to be good citizens. If you have the ability to lead, you have an obligation to lead in the direction that you think is good for the community. I’m very proud of our position today.”
Focusing on the future
As for the long-term future of the Firm, BMF will continue to act as a leader in this ever-changing profession and as a trusted advisor to our clients. Some of our broad-range goals include:
- Focusing on being the leader in issues that affect our clients – from regulatory, tax and business trends.
- Providing the most up-to-date information to our clients so that they can make informed decisions.
- Providing “lead thinking” advisory services that will help our clients get through tough economic times, deal with upcoming international reporting standards and understand issues unique to their industries.
- Continuing to focus on high quality client service.
Once again, thanks to all of our clients, our staff, and our friends for your role in support of the first 50 years of our Firm as we look forward to the next 50 years.