By: Roy L. Williams

 

When Barry Tidwell moved Tidwell Group from Vestavia Hills to downtown Birmingham last October, he envisioned the accounting firm eventually growing bigger.

 

Tidwell’s firm, which dates to 1997, already was in talks with Larry Frost and Tommie Cummings, whose Frost Cummings accounting firm has operated in Birmingham for nearly three decades. But Tidwell and his partner, Joel McDowell, had no idea the two firms would strike a deal so quickly, joining forces Jan. 1 to form Frost Cummings Tidwell Group.

 

Last week, the combined firm’s lead partners held a ribbon-cutting on Park Place Tower’s ninth floor, in the space that Frost Cummings’ 50 accountants and other employees will occupy by June. It was a moment that symbolized growth for a firm that plans to hire 20 additional employees is coming months.

 

In an interview, Tidwell talked about why Frost Cummings Tidwell Group decided to move downtown. He also discussed the long hours accountants have put in over the fast few months preparing clients’ taxes for the April 15 filing deadline.

 

 

 

A: We talked about a lot of options, but at the end of the day, the central business district was a perfect fit for us. If you want to be closer to your clientele, this is the place to be.

 

The fact that this building had the whole floor available made the difference. There were some challenges to work out, but Mayor William Bell’s administration did a fantastic job in helping us put this deal together.

 

Q: What led you to join forces with Frost Cummings?

 

A: We have a mutual friend who suggested that our firms explore hooking up. That was almost a year ago. Tommie and I met together with our friend over dinner and it made sense.

 

Our firms are very compatible. Together, we can do it all—fraud examining, auditing, tax work, estate and succession planning.

 

As Tommie said, we fit together like a puzzle. By the end of our second meeting a short while later, I remembered telling my partner Joel, “We’re going to put this deal together.”

 

Combined, Joel, Tommie, Larry and I have been in the accounting business a combined 120 years.

 

A: My partners Tommie, Larry, Joel and all of our accountants have been working late at night. The other day Tommie sent me and email about a client at 4 a.m.

 

We’re closing our office on Friday (the day after the April 15 tax-filing deadline). It’s important for us that our employees get to spend quality time with their families after working so hard.

 

 

A: No, the firm’s internal tax department handles it.

 

 

A: For me, it isn’t just about the math or numbers. To be successful as an accountant, I think it’s more important to have good business acumen, economics sense and the ability to listen and communicate with clients.

 

I grew up in and around businesses. My family always owned businesses—Little Joe’s restaurant for 55 years, an insurance company and others.

 

 

A: Our firm is planning to grow so we’ll need more people to meet demand. We’re proud of the fact that we are able to provide quality jobs.

 

But personally, I see more tough times ahead for our economy. Under-employment remains a problem and businesses are still under financial pressure.

 

I don’t believe we’re as close to a recovery as many others say.

 

 

A: I play with my kids. I play a little golf, but my greatest joy is taking my little boy to the ball field.

 

 

·        Age: 41

 

·        Title: Partner in Frost Cummings Tidwell Group

 

·        Hometown: Oneonta

 

·        Education: Bachelor’s in business administration with accounting concentration, University of Alabama

 

·        Work History: Formed predecessor to Tidwell Group accounting firm in Birmingham in 1997. Spent first seven years in the industry with another firm.

 

·        Last book read: “Love and War” by John and Stasi Eldredge

 

·        On his iPod: Country music, especially tunes by Rascal Flatts and Dierks Bentley

 

·        Family: Son, Goodwin, 8; daughter, Gracie, 6

 

·        About Frost Cummings Tidwell Group: Formed Jan.1 through merger of Frost Cummings and Tidwell Group. Has 80 employees with plans to hire 20 more by year’s end. Offices in downtown Birmingham, Gadsden and near Atlanta.