APEX Insider Event Celebrates RSM’s 100 Years of Service

Duluth, MN: Yesterday, RSM celebrated 100 years of serving the region with tax, audit and consulting services at the Area Partnership for Economic Expansion’s (APEX) Insider Event at their newly-renovated RSM office in Downtown Duluth on September 26, 2018.

“RSM’s long history of service has been critical to the success of many regional businesses. The RSM team helps drive investment every day by sharing their deep understanding of the accounting nuances facing mid-market businesses in the region,” explained Brian Hanson, APEX President and CEO. “The APEX Insider Event celebrated RSM’s investment in the the Duluth office, and highlights 100 years of serving the region.”

RSM can trace its roots in Duluth all the way back to 1918 when Arden Grover started a small accounting firm in the First Federal Savings Building in Duluth. The firm didn’t stay small for long. Expertise, knowledge of the mid-market entrepreneurial business industry and excellent client service were driving forces in the firm’s growth.

At its core, the firm was designed and cultivated to serve mid-market businesses. When the opportunity arose, the firm merged with the Twin Ports offices of McGladrey & Pullen in 1990, combining the two largest accounting firms serving the region. The Twin Ports office of McGladrey traces its roots back to 1922 to the firm founded by Ralph Falstad. In 2015, McGladrey was rebranded as RSM.

“We are so proud to have been a part of the business culture of northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin for the past 100 years,” said Jim Denney, partner at RSM. “Our firm has gone through many changes over the past century, but our commitment to providing a broad range of services and deep expertise to our clients has remained constant.”

In today’s fast-paced business environment, RSM understands that businesses need advisors who think ahead and respond rapidly to ever-evolving needs. RSM focuses on a strong, client-centric approach, building strong relationships based on a deep understanding of what matters most.

When Maurice Labovitz founded maurices in 1931, he looked to Virgil Pedrizetti and Arden Grover for accounting guidance and advice. “We are very appreciative of the nearly 90-year relationship with RSM and its predecessors here in Duluth,” said Joel Labovitz.  

“We have done business with RSM since 1965, and we have had outstanding service and communication with our account leaders since day one,” said Tim Gray, Chairman of Ryan Companies, Inc. “We worked with Karl Honingman initially, then Jack Sellwood, and now Jim Denney continues to be an essential part of our team.”

With more than 10,000 professionals across 85 offices in the United States, including 700 in Minneapolis, Duluth and Rochester, RSM is Minnesota’s fifth largest accounting firm. Since its beginning, RSM has served the middle market and currently stands as a market leader in that space. By combining extensive capabilities with deep resources, extensive industry knowledge and senior-level involvement, RSM has cemented itself as a pillar in the business community.

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About APEX

APEX is the private-sector led business development engine for northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. APEX investor-members represent some of the most influential companies in the region, with a collaborative approach to promoting sustainable economic growth. APEX attraction, expansion and retention efforts focus in areas including aviation, manufacturing, professional services and next generation forest products. APEX has impacted over 4,200 jobs in the region, resulting in an annual regional payroll of over $170 million and contributing to over $23 million in state and local taxes annually. For more information on APEX, please visit www.APEXgetsbusiness.com.