Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Balog, CPA\CFF, CIA, CGFM, DACFE.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been a CPA since 1972 in Baltimore, MD. After a 12 year career as a CPA and Director of Internal Audit for a Maryland insurance company, I wound up with KPMG n their Executive Office in Manhattan, NY. In 1988, I left KPMG to start my own Firm in Jacksonville, FL. I was a sole practitioner for several years. In 2005, I began the search for a Partner to expand the Firm. I interviewed many CPAs, but did not find the right person with the high level of ethical standards and truly committed work ethic I sought.
A friend, who is an attorney in Jacksonville, FL, had a contact in Atlanta who knew of another sole practitioner looking for a CPA with whom he could seek chat and use as a sounding board. That is when I first met my current partner, Rob Tamburri. We communicated by phone and email for about a year beginning in 2008. We instantly became friends and worked independently for a year.
In 2009, I approached him about combining our individual practices and form what is now Balog + Tamburri, CPAs, and the rest, as they say, is history. Our organic growth was rapid and profitable. Our ability to feed off of each other’s energy and ideas is phenomenal. Our Frim grew rapidly in both the Greater Atlanta and North Florida markets. We have taken on several additional CPAs and established several strategic alliances which also helped to drive the organic growth.
In 2015, we explored growth through acquisition, but rapidly realized that was not our desired path. Ethical and operational issues with the firms up for sale constantly plagued the deals. It was then that we opted to “stick to our knitting” and continue our drive for growth through excellence in client service, and always striving to exceed the client’s expectations.
The most remarkable aspect of our partnership is that in the close to 10 years of our partnership, we have never fought or had a significant disagreement. This reinforces our belief that high ethical standards, superior client service, and total commitment to exceeding the client’s expectation is the key to long-term success.
What makes Balog + Tamburri, CPAs truly unique is that every professional in our Firm has also owned small businesses in the past. Rob ran a very successful Financial Advisory Services firm for several years before becoming a sole practitioner. I owned and operated several successful restaurants, a thriving locksmith company, both of which were sold very profitably. I also served as acting CEO for a chemical manufacturing company with 19 plants for 2.5 years, turning a near bankrupt organization into a thriving, profitable enterprise.
Our experience as small business owners gives us a unique perspective mist other CPAs do not possess. We have sweated payroll, we have dealt with shareholders and investors. We have walked in our client’s shoes. We are able to bring that perspective to every client engagement.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road has been incredibly smooth. We have experienced a steady sustained growth ever since the Firm was formed. One key lesson we learned is the importance of always being willing to walk away from a client that requests you to perform acts or services that are against your personal and professional ethics. It is just not worth it. This is not to say we have not had our bumps in the road, but we knew that if we continue to focus on our ethics and our commitment to excellence in client service, bumps never become mountains.
We one of us has experienced a personal or family challenge, the other partner is always right there to lend support and assistance. It has NEVER been about the money. It has always been about the client and the ethics.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Balog + Tamburri CPAs – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are a CPA Firm 100% committed to the success of our clients. We know that every successful business must have a clear vision of the road it plans to travel as well as the road it has traveled. The accounting statements and reports w provide act as our client’s GPS system – not only a clear view from the rear view mirror, like most CPAs, but we also provide a clear view from the windshield! Our commitment to provide our clients with a clear and understandable forecast, looking out the next 18 months, the Windshield, is as critical as understanding the road they just traveled, the Rearview Mirror.
At Balog + Tamburri, CPAs we provide much more than just the basic accounting statements. We partner with you on your journey, identifying the roadblocks and hazards that can steer you off course. We highlight the critical components to understanding your company’s fiscal health. What truly makes us unique is that every B+T Partner and Principal has owned small businesses. We have walked in your shoes, sweated payroll, struggled with marketing and battled with vendors. We understand the stresses and trial of small business ownership. We will be there for you when you need us.
Using our proprietary ProfitPlus Total Client Solution Framework, we provide exceptional accounting, tax and financial management services to a wide range of industries and company size throughout the Eastern US. Our clients range from Ohio to Florida to Kentucky and Tennessee. The range of services we provide include:
Business Start-up and Accelerated Growth Consulting for new and emerging businesses
On-site or remote Bookkeeping and Payroll Processing
Monthly, quarterly or annual financial statement review and consultation
Virtual CFO Services – Your company’s personal GPS Service
Tax Planning and Tax Preparation – It’s not what you make, it’s what you keep!
Forensic Accounting and Litigation Support – We fight for you and your rights.
Financial Analysis, Strategic Planning and Budgeting – Developing the Roadmap to Success
Total ProfitPlus® Back Office Support – We take the drudgery of operating a business
Every Balog + Tamburri, CPAs professional brings more than ten years of direct experience in their respective field of specialization. They are known for their accomplishments as industry leaders, educators, and consultants. Together, we provide you with professional services that exceed your expectations.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We are constantly seeking the next challenge. We will be expanding with offices in North Carolina to augment our offices serving Greater Atlanta and Northeast Florida. We will always seek steady and controlled organic growth. But we will always maintain our focus on ethics, doing the right thing, and always striving to exceed our client’s expectations.
We are guided by two key principles;
1 – Always maintain a high ethical standard
2 – There are only two ways to do anything, The Right Way,… and Again!” Always do it right the first time.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3119 Spring Glen Road
Suite 107, Jacksonville, FL 32207 - Website: www.flgacpa.com
- Phone: 904 268 4221
- Email: rick@flgacpa.com
Image Credit:
Richard Balog – I am a Scoutmaster, I dive with Great White Sharks and I raise Golden Retriever Pups
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