After nearly 50 years in business and decades of meticulous attention to detail, one of the state’s foremost certified public accounting firms anchored in Michigan’s Great Southwest is linking arms with a similar team based in Grand Rapids to increase the value of both firms to clientele across the region in a merger deal being unveiled this morning.
Robert Gerbel, who launched Gerbel & Company, P.C. 49 years ago, will merge on New Year’s Day with the team at Hungerford Nichols CPAs + Advisors with headquarters in Grand Rapids and offices in Greenville, and now St. Joseph.
Bob Gerbel has built a sterling reputation based on his pledge to provide only the best possible service to his clients “Right, On Time, at a Fair Price.” The truly rewarding part of his new equation is that Bob will have the opportunity to dedicate even more of his time to that top notch quality service, literally face-to-face as he turns over more of the mundane office management to Hungerford Nichols and hits the field to deliver that one-to-one level of service.
Bob says, “Our clients will continue to work with the same fantastic team they’ve come to depend on, including Brian Wisneski, Marcia Graham and me.” The part he loves the most, however, is that, “This allows me to get back to the work I truly love – working directly, one-on-one, with all our valued clients.” Gerbel notes that, “Developing relationships has always been my favorite part of the work I do, and now I can focus solely on giving clients the excellent personal service they’ve come to expect from the team at Gerbel.” The merger will not impact day-to-day operations of the firm at all – clients will continue to work with the same team, in the same location.
Hungerford Nichols is an independent, full service firm based in Grand Rapids. Founded in 1941, the company employs 90 people between its three locations in Grand Rapids, Greenville and now St. Joseph. Much like the team at Gerbel, Hungerford Nichols values relationships, delving deeply into client’s businesses to find opportunities and cost-savings they may not have considered.
Tom Prince is CPA and Shareholder at Hungerford Nichols. He says, “We are excited to welcome the team at Gerbel.” He recognizes that “They share the same commitment to personalized, professional service and demonstrate a high level of commitment to the community. We all strongly believe this merger strengthens our ability to serve our clients, as well as attract new ones throughout West and Southwest Michigan.”
Gerbel, whose knowledge of the market and decades of work for local businesses, municipalities and organizations is legendary, (not to mention his devotion to the MSU Spartans) says, “I cannot thank our clients enough for their past and continued support and business. Our focus continues to be on providing the best service for their businesses and families.” He wants everyone to know, “This was not a decision I made lightly, as I was looking for the best possible fit for a business relationship. I’m confident our merger with the team at Hungerford Nichols will provide our clients with even more of the same excellent service – done right, on time, and at a fair price.”
Hungerford Nichols CPAs + Advisors is a full-service CPA firm based in Grand Rapids. The firm and its affiliates provide accounting, business advisory, tax return preparation, tax planning, auditing, financial planning, wealth management, business valuation and IT advisory services with an emphasis on closely-held and family-owned businesses. The firm also serves Governmental entities, Not-for-Profit Organizations and sponsors of Employee Benefit Plans. Hungerford Nichols has grown to become one of the largest locally-owned, independent CPA firms in West Michigan. You can visit their website online by clicking the link below:
