Windes, a premier advisory and accounting firm, is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026, marking a century of service to Southern California businesses, nonprofits, and individuals. This milestone matters because it illustrates the enduring importance of specialized financial expertise in navigating economic complexity, particularly for growth-oriented organizations that drive regional economies.
Founded in 1926 as a small local practice in Long Beach, Windes has grown into a multi-service organization recognized for technical excellence and client service. The firm's evolution from a local accounting office to an international advisory service provider reflects broader trends in business globalization and specialization. Over the past century, Windes has expanded its capabilities to meet evolving needs, now offering audit and assurance, tax services, client advisory services, transaction advisory services, human capital consulting, and technology and risk solutions.
The firm's longevity demonstrates how specialized financial services have adapted to support businesses through economic shifts, technological change, and increasing regulatory complexity. For clients ranging from small businesses to high-net-worth individuals, this continuity provides stability in financial planning and strategic decision-making. The firm's centennial anniversary highlights the value of long-term relationships in professional services, particularly in industries where trust and institutional knowledge directly impact business outcomes.
"Windes' centennial is both a celebration of the past and a reflection of our continued investment in the future," said Sean McFerson, Managing Partner at Windes. "Our founders built this firm on the belief that integrity, service, and relationships matter. Those values continue to guide us as we look ahead to the next chapter of our growth." This statement underscores how core principles established a century ago remain relevant in today's business environment, where transparency and ethical practices are increasingly scrutinized.
For the accounting and advisory industry, Windes' century of operation demonstrates how firms must balance tradition with innovation to remain relevant. The firm's expansion from local tax preparation to international advisory services mirrors the increasing complexity of business operations and regulatory requirements. This evolution has implications for how professional service firms structure their offerings and train their personnel to address emerging challenges in areas like technology integration and risk management.
Windes' journey from a Long Beach practice to an organization serving clients across the country and around the world illustrates how regional businesses can expand their reach while maintaining local expertise. The firm's focus on growth-oriented small and mid-sized privately held companies, nonprofit organizations, and high-net-worth individuals addresses specific market segments that often drive innovation and economic development. For more information about Windes and its services, visit https://www.windes.com.
As Windes begins its next century, the firm's continued operation represents stability in a sector experiencing consolidation and technological disruption. The anniversary serves as a reminder that while financial tools and regulations evolve, the need for trusted advisory relationships remains constant. For businesses navigating today's complex economic landscape, access to experienced professionals who understand both historical context and emerging trends can provide competitive advantages in strategic planning and risk management.
