In Bardstown, Kentucky, a financial revolution quietly brews. Brown & Cheek, Inc., a local accounting firm, has been the backbone of the community’s financial infrastructure since its inception in 1996. And as 2023 unfolds, this once small-town firm is setting its sights on a broader horizon, aiming to bring its unique blend of financial expertise and client-centric approach to regions far beyond its hometown.
The world of accounting and financial services is undergoing rapid transformation. With the rise of automation, AI, and the digital economy, the demand for personalized, human-centric financial advice has never been higher. Amidst this backdrop, Brown & Cheek commits to offering a comprehensive range of quality services for every client.
A Legacy of Excellence
“From the moment you walk through our doors, you’re not just a client; you’re family,” remarks Gilbert Brown, one of the firm’s founding members and owners. “Most accountants are seen as number-crunching nerds. We’re different. We communicate, we understand, and most importantly, we care.”
Indeed, Brown & Cheek’s growth trajectory proves this ethos. Starting with a modest 200 clients in 1996, the firm now boasts a clientele of over 7,000, with an annual revenue of $2.5 million and a consistent growth rate of 15%. Their flagship service, income tax planning, has been heralded as “hands down the best” by many in the industry, with a unique approach that challenges conventional wisdom and thinks “outside of the box.”
Their secret? A sharp focus on maximizing tax savings for their clients. “We never accept the phrase ‘it is what it is.’ There’s always a way, always a solution,” says Brown.
But it’s not just about numbers. The firm’s holistic approach to financial well-being, from setting up new business entities to estate and retirement planning, has made it a one-stop-shop for all financial needs. Their recent initiatives to assist new and existing businesses have garnered attention, with a dedicated team guiding potential business owners through the intricacies of opening a new venture or navigating the complexities of buying or selling an existing one.
For existing businesses, Brown & Cheek provides consultancy services tailored to their unique needs. Whether it’s navigating the complexities of buying or selling an existing business, or strategizing for future growth, the firm’s team of experts is always on hand to provide insights and guidance.
A Vision for the Future
As 2023 statistics indicate, the global accounting services market is prepared for steady growth, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. But Brown & Cheek’s ambitions are closer to home. With a vision to expand their footprint to Louisville and eventually a 250-mile radius, the firm is gearing up for its next growth phase.
“We’ve always believed in the power of community, of personal connections,” reflects Brown. “As we expand, we aim to replicate the sense of community and trust we’ve built in Bardstown, in every new market we enter.”
Brown & Cheek offers a refreshing reminder of the human side of finance in an industry of numbers and bottom lines. As they embark on their next chapter, the firm is sure to go places with its heart firmly in the right place.
