CORPORATE ANNIVERSARIES.

PositionSPECIAL SECTION: CORPORATE ANNIVERSARIES

Only half of new businesses survive their first five years. That's why corporate anniversaries are so significant--and worth celebrating! So don your party hat and join.us in celebrating companies in Utah that hit important milestones this year.

Eide Bailly[R]

CPAs & BUSINESS ADVISORS

100 YEARS AND BOOMING IN UTAH

Five years ago, Eide Bailly LLP was the new public accounting player in Utah. Today, it's one of the largest CPA and business advisory firms in the state with plans for even more growth.

Eide Bailly, (pronounced I'd bay-lee) does things a little differently. Their mission statement emphasizes the end goal of enjoying their jobs and having fun, which may not be something you'd initially think of when you hear of accountants. Work-life balance is fostered, and fun isn't just a word in the company's culture statement--it's how they've worked for 100 years.

Although the firm has grown from their first office in Fargo, N.D., its roots are unchanged. Chief among the values that started in 1917 are Eide Bailly's culture of service, commitment to community and a fun work environment.

"We're proud to be celebrating our 100th anniversary as a firm," said CEO and Managing Partner Dave Stende. "There are many reasons for the successes we've had--we've built a great culture and spirit, and that's the foundation of who we are. We focus on innovation, too, and we're fortunate to live and work in some incredible communities where we help each other out."

With 29 offices total, the firm has created a remarkable industry footprint in Utah. Offices in Ogden, Salt Lake City and Lehi offer tax and audit services in addition to specialty services like R&D, National Tax Office (NTO), State and Local Tax (SALT) and technology. Their growth will continue into Orem when Hawkins Advisors joins the firm on Oct. 30. This addition will boost Eide Bailly's ranking to the largest firm in the state by numbers.

Sure, rankings matter, but what really excites Eide Bailly's partners is talking about the firm's services and staff.

The largest hub of Eide Bailly's technology services is located in Utah. Their technology capabilities include accounting software such as NetSuite, Sage and Salesforce; as well as cyber security services, positions the firm to help clients now and in the future. Utah Partner-in-Charge Ted Hill said that while other firms may do some work in specialty services, Eide Bailly does it full-time.

"We don't dabble--we have teams of talented specialists who live just for our specialty services," he said.

Technology Partner Stuart Tholen, who joined Eide Bailly in 2012 as its first Utah office, remembers the nerves he felt coming into the firm. As then-president of Schmitt, Griffiths, Smith and Co., he wondered if their staff and clients would be better off because of this decision to join a regional firm.

Now, he knows that it was a wise decision. "The tremendous growth that has happened is a testament to the decision to merge," he said. "We've collectively created the largest and most talented CPA organization in the state. This is an exciting time for us and for the business community in Utah."

Contributing to that success are the firm's 1,700 staff and partners who thrive because of Eide Bailly's culture.

"We want everyone to be happy and create a culture where they have choices and flexibility. We love what we do, and we show it through our work. We hope our clients see this and appreciate that we're more than accountants, we're their life-long consultants." Hill said.

Tholen sums up the firm's philosophy by saying they put people first, and keeping a local presence is equally as important.

"We never have to compromise our principles because we always do what's right--support our people and our communities."

With 100 years of experience and a desire to keep growing for 100 more, the future is bright for Eide Bailly. They may no longer be the new presence in Utah, but they're proving to be visionaries who lead the way.

Woodside Homes

BETTER BY DESIGN

For 40 years, Woodside Homes has been part of a noble business. We consider home building as more than just an assembly of walls. Our construction and real estate teams have an engrained understanding...

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