COMBINING COMPATIBLE
Cultures
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The Shealy Group and HW&Co. share people-based ideals.
64 COMMUNITY LEADER | NOVEMBER 2021
Miller’s experiences with HW&Co. when he was a student strengthened his dedication to teamwork on all fronts. On Oct. 31, 2020, HW&Co. merged with the Shealy Group. “The No. 1 factor we look for in a merger is to make sure the culture of the firm operates the same way we do, which means having the technical knowledge and expertise to service clients the right way. There are a number of firms out there that just pull up a tax return form or financial statement, complete it, talk to their clients once a year, then it’s out the door. Like us, the Shealy Group is a strong, reputable company that forms strong bonding relationships that last year-round.” Miller is also impressed with the Shealy Group’s client base, which adds to HW&Co.’s storied reputation throughout the state. “The Shealy Group’s top 10 accounts include manufacturing and distribution, medical practices and clients in the agricultural field,” he says. HW&Co.’s burgeoning fields of expertise began when the firm was founded in 1990 as Howard, Wershbale &
Co. Eleven years later, it established a Columbus presence by merging with Cummins, Krasik & Hohl before rebranding as HW&Co. two years later and merging with Mentor firm Deimling, Forbes & Associates, known for expertise in construction and real estate. Last year, HW&Co. added to its depth in manufacturing and distribution, construction, real estate and health care by merging with Finkler & Co. in Middleburg Heights. “With our newest merger with the Shealy Group, we’re adding eight talented employees to our staff who will help us continue to attract new and young talent,” Miller says. He cites communication as the key to his company’s success in that endeavor. “If you think about it, it’s all of those conversations, relationships and constant contact with people who make a difference in any business because when you don’t communicate with people, they feel like they’re not important,” Miller says. “The company followed that philosophy when I was here as an intern, and we instill it in everyone working with us today.”
ISTOCK
ith its recent merger with the Shealy Group, a Mansfield-based CPA firm, HW&Co has not only expanded its services and client base, but also has matched up with a company that has a similar client-based, personal culture. Brandon Miller, president and CEO of HW&Co., a mid-size CPA and advisory firm with offices in Greater Cleveland and Columbus, remembers what it’s like to be a college intern. While earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration accountancy at John Carroll University, Miller interned at the firm he now leads. “I did quite a few internship interviews my junior year,” he recalls. “But when I interviewed here, I really appreciated the personal interaction I experienced. Two of the partners who are John Carroll graduates — tax principals Don May and Mary Eileen Vitale — took the time to come and meet me. That meant a lot.” When the internship ended and it came time to seek a full-time job, Miller knew where he wanted to be. After graduating in 1997, he joined HW& Co. In 2020, he took the reins.
BY LINDA FEAGLER
