What happens when a group of second-generation accountants decide to build a new firm by combining their fathers’ businesses? There was a lot riding on the move when SBF was formed in 2016, as the company strived to honor what worked in the past while keeping an eye to the future.
Six years later, the Business Observer has written about Spoor Bunch Franz as part of a series recognizing successful family-owned companies, describing how SBF has grown a top-tier workplace while staying committed to the strong client relationships that have served the company so well over the years.
“We cherish a lot of things that made the two predecessor firms successful,” co-principal partner Stephen Bunch told the Business Observer. “But once we took over, I think, in some ways, you have to make the firm your own. That way, there’s not a winner or loser. It’s not ‘We’re doing it this way from this firm and this way from that firm.’ It’s our way — together.”
The article highlights SBF’s process for walking the line between continuity and innovation. It’s not just that the SBF office has a hip and welcoming vibe for its employees, or the way the firm embraces technology, or that SBF leadership chooses a mindful, evidence-driven approach to creating a workplace that works for everyone. The three partners are deeply invested in lifting up new talent. One reason SBF ranks 12th in this year’s Tampa Bay Times 101 Top Workplaces is its dedication to its work culture and to training internal talent for their next big challenges.
One testament to the success of SBF’s management strategy is the firm’s growth — the company has more than doubled in staff since the 2016 merger. Through all its adjustments since then, SBF has put a priority on making sure its accountants nurture strong client relationships.
Individuals and companies can expect deep attention, high-caliber execution and quality advice from SBF staff. That’s thoroughly engrained in the firm’s DNA. For all SBF’s growth, however, it preserves what’s most important for employees: a supportive culture that’s designed to reflect the company’s family roots.