Cohen & Company began in 1977 in Cleveland when Ron Cohen, a young entrepreneur and Youngstown native, decided to branch out on his own and build a firm that could help business owners. As the firm grew, in 1983 the Youngstown office was born, built by other young entrepreneurs who believed in Ron’s vision and knew Youngstown was a place in which they wanted to live, work, raise families and help build a community.
When I began my career journey with the firm in 2006, I could never have anticipated to be blessed with the people, experiences and client relationships that have become my day to day. Helping to grow the office to 50-plus employees has been one of the best challenges over the past few years in my role as geographic leader for the Youngstown office. While we have always maintained a one firm mentality, we are also proud of the fact that we have been able to contribute to nearly all specialty areas of the firm with the talent of our local employees — because, as I tell anyone who will listen, Youngstown is (or should be) the center of the universe.
Always focused on our great people, the firm consistently supports us — from nurturing our strong relationship with Youngstown State University, to dedicating time and resources toward developing interns and new staff into future firm leaders. We continuously work to integrate all of our employees into our culture from Day 1. That’s the reason I chose Cohen & Company coming out of college, and the reason I am still here today. Ask anyone from an intern to a senior to a lifelong partner, and they will tell you that the people are what make this firm what it is today.
Additionally, a major cornerstone of Cohen & Company is our commitment to the communities in which we live and work. From participating annually in the Youngstown Area Community Cup, to volunteering for Cohen Cares events at Project MKC, Rich Center for Autism, Youngstown CityScape and Our Community Kitchen, giving back to the community is not only something we are permitted to do, but something we are actively encouraged to do as a team.
There are not enough words to thank all those who have helped build the Youngstown office over the years to the amazing place it is today. Our office is home to leaders who transcend geography, are highly skilled technically and are well respected professionals throughout all of our locations (11 offices, 750+ employees and growing) and the industry. Our relationships in the marketplace are a foundational element to our history and our growth story, relationships that began with individuals such as Frank Dixon, Pat Piteo, Rick Schiraldi and Neil Kaback, and are perpetuated and continually strengthened by all our alumni and friends of the firm.
To all of our clients, supporters and friends: Thank you for your relationships and support over our 40 year history. We are so grateful to be in a community that we can be proud of and look forward to continuing to serve you for many years to come.
To our fantastic Youngstown team — past, present and future: Cherish the memories and relationships you’ve created at Cohen & Company. They will always bring a smile to your face!
To the community: In honor of our 40th anniversary, I am excited to share the firm has made a donation to Project MKC. This organization brings joy and aid to the Mahoning Valley’s most vulnerable children and families, and we are proud to support them!
Everyone in the office knows I make us all take a “family picture” at every event. Looking back at our “album” is like opening a time capsule of all the fun and all the people that have contributed to our history and greatness over the past 40 years. It is a collection of which I could not be more proud. Thank you to everyone, and GO TEAM!
Contact Lisa Metzinger at lmetzinger@cohencpa.com or any of your Youngstown service team members to share your favorite Youngstown memories.
Cohen & Company is not rendering legal, accounting or other professional advice. Information contained in this post is considered accurate as of the date of publishing. Any action taken based on information in this blog should be taken only after a detailed review of the specific facts, circumstances and current law.