Growing to serve: A CLOSER LOOK AT UTAH'S FIRST REGIONAL CPA FIRM.

Last year, Top 25 CPA Firm Eide Bailly became the first regional firm in the state. Eide Bailly wanted to expand into the fast-growing Utah economy and seized the opportunity to offer the best of both worlds: the personal attention of a local firm with the services and knowledge of a large firm.

Growing to Serve

Three local Utah firms have joined Eide Bailly since November 2012--Ogden-based Schmitt, Griffiths, Smith & Co. and Salt Lake City-based firms Lake, Hill & Myers and Hansen, Barnett & Maxwell. This growth is part of Eide Bailly's strategy to expand west of the Mississippi to better serve mid-market clients.

"Our goal is to continue a high level of growth because it provides more opportunities for our people and adds valuable services for our clients," said Managing Partner/ CEO Dave Stende. "We pride ourselves on an approach to service that melds the best of a small firm and large firm--personal, respectful service that includes a high level of partner involvement and, at the same time, national-firm business solutions."

This approach to service was a big reason HBM joined Eide Bailly, said Robert Bowen, who served as managing partner of HBM. "We were courted by numerous regional firms before joining Eide Bailly, and nearly all these discussions never went past introductions for one reason--culture," Bowen said. "We felt strongly that our culture is a large part of our success, and Eide Bailly shared our core values and principles."

More Needs, More Services

Eide Bailly said they build relationships with clients by delivering exceptional service and going the extra mile. The staff put priority on understanding the client's needs and goals to better serve as their trusted business advisors. Client interactions are not about selling services; they are about listening and learning each client's unique situations and delivering the best solutions.

"It is a competitive marketplace, and clients need the right tools at the right time to stay ahead," said Kevin Andersen, partner-in-charge of Eide Bailly's Utah offices. "With our one-firm approach, we can offer...