2008 Best Accounting Firm: Linkenheimer CPAs & Advisors- North Bay Biz Magazine

    There’s a new kid on the block of “Best Of” winners, and it’s Linkenheimer CPAs & Advisors of Santa Rosa. Established in 1932, the firm takes pride in how it’s adapted to new technologies in the world of finance and accounting. What hasn’t changed is the company’s commitment to long-term client relationships, working side-by-side with them to help make their businesses succeed.

    “The partners and staff at Linkenheimer are humbled and pleased,” says Managing Partner R. John Jones of the award. “We aren’t sure who voted for us, but we’re appreciative that our firm is so well thought of—especially since we’re not the biggest in the North Bay. Last year, we won the Gold award. That was our first time ever finishing in the top two.

    “We’re a different breed of CPA firm. We have an environment that fosters teamwork but respects the individual. We’ve had many firm-wide retreats—even going back to the 1990s, when few companies would take their entire staff away for a planning retreat. The result of this culture is virtually no turnover, and therefore, excellent continuity of service to our clients.

    “We’re client-driven. That may sound like a common response, but we take it seriously and execute it very well. We’re good listeners and superb problem solvers. We come up with creative solutions to complex problems. When it comes to client solutions, we’re very competitive. We don’t take ‘no’ for an answer.”

    So, what’s new with Linkenheimer? In May 2007, the firm moved to new offices near the Sonoma County Airport. “The partners had an opportunity to purchase the building,” says Jones. “It’s been a positive change for the firm, giving our quarters a facelift, improving our IT infrastructure and making client access easier through improved parking. We’ve been able to add some of our own touches by displaying our three Peanuts statues prominently outside and showing a video of our recent firm-sponsored international service project in the lobby. We’re delighted with the new surroundings.”

    Also relatively new is JDH Wealth Management, LLC, which is owned by the partners of Linkenheimer and provides asset management, retirement planning and insurance services to Linkenheimer clients. JDH has been in existence for more than five years now and has been very well received; it’s expected to be a big part of the firm’s future as more clients prefer the one-stop-shop approach to managing their finances. In addition, the firm’s litigation support practice is being expanded to include California community property law to provide assistance in divorce matters.

    There’s also a recent company project of which Jones is especially proud. “This past January, many of the firm’s employees along with a handful of guests and family members, operated an eye care clinic in a remote region of Nicaragua,” he says.

    “The firm’s team examined eyes, determined needed prescriptions and dispensed eye glasses to more than 550 people. The village where we worked had never had an eye care team come and serve them. This was a powerful experience for those of us who participated. Not only did we bond as a team, but we recognized from first-hand experience the value of serving others with no expectation of anything in return. The efforts of the Linkenheimer team have made us all proud to be a part of the firm.”