Goodbye 2013 & Best Wishes for a Happy New Year!
As another year rapidly comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the past 12 months and take a look forward to a new beginning in January.
First, I want to thank all of you: our clients, our friends and our wonderful Marcum team. We are very fortunate here at Marcum, where things are good and getting better all the time, and we have all of you to thank for it. This is the first year since the economic crisis which started in 2008 that we are experiencing measurable organic growth year over year. There is increased economic activity in all of the markets we serve, geographically and within industry niches. Clients and prospects are becoming active again, buying property to grow and expand their businesses, increasing lines of credit and other borrowings, raising money using private and public markets, merging and acquiring other business, all of which require our assistance.
People are the cornerstone of our business. That includes smart, successful clients; friends and associates who think of us when there’s a referral opportunity; and all of the smart, dedicated members of the Marcum team who get it done day in and day out. Our success can only be measured by the company we keep, and we’ve been fortunate to be in very good company.
I’ve had the privilege of leading Marcum as its Managing Partner since 1990 when we were a single office firm with just 20 people. Today we have 15 domestic offices, international locations in China & Grand Cayman, 140 partners and almost 1,200 staff. It’s been a great run, and I am a lucky man indeed to have the confidence of my partners, who recently agreed to extend my term as Managing Partner until December of 2019. Based on the exceptional talent my partners bring to the table every day, and the successes we have achieved together, I am excited and optimistic about what the future holds for Marcum. I expect more great things to come.
In addition to our organic growth this year, our Firm increased our presence in New England, Southern California and Metro New York with some very strategic practice additions in those markets. We should be announcing a major merger in New England in January, and it looks like 2014 will get us into the Chicago market, something we’ve been looking to do for quite some time. We are also exploring other opportunities in Atlanta and Houston, so stay tuned.
All in all, everyone at Marcum has a lot to be thankful for as 2013 ends and 2014 begins.
As for me, today is my last day in the office until the New Year. The Weiner’s will be spending Christmas (yes, we celebrate) in New York and then heading south until after January 4. So this is my last column of 2013, with the next one coming on January 10.
Let me take this opportunity to wish all of you and your families a happy and healthy holiday season, and my sincerest best wishes for the coming year. Be safe, and enjoy whatever time off you are planning over the next two weeks. Happy 2014!
