Introduction / History
We all have a dream. The dream of Howard Fargo, Robert M. Power, Sr. and Herold Bell was to start an accounting practice. This dream was achieved for each of these men. Each attained individual success in their own firms, but they may never have imagined their dreams would grow to become the regional certified public accounting firm of McGill, Power, Bell & Associates, LLP.
Dean Fair, Robert M. Power, Jr, John Litzinger, Diana Schaney and Karen Benson are building on the success of their predecessors and achieving a few dreams of their own. As partners of McGill, Power, Bell and Associates, these five have created a mission and direction for the firm that will continue to keep the firm on the path of excellence and growth.
These five partners and the firm are not just measuring success by the bottom line either. The mission of the firm is to empower clients and the communities we serve to achieve excellence. Our success is making sure we help our clients attain their dreams for their business and life and making sure our communities are supported and thriving economically and culturally.
Our vision is to be the premier accounting firm in the region and recognized leader of accounting services in specialized areas. But we realize a vision is nothing without a team of dedicated, well trained employees. The firm encourages employees to develop their dreams in an environment that allows career growth and stresses the importance of a balance between an employee's professional and personal life.
This mission and vision have helped create one of the larger certified public accounting firms in western Pennsylvania. Our firm has a rich history in the markets it serves. Building its reputation for quality and innovation, McGill, Power, Bell & Associates provides comprehensive accounting and financial services to corporations, other businesses, manufacturers, nonprofit organizations, government agencies and individuals.
Firm History
The earliest predecessor firm, Bell & Company, was started in 1927 by Herold Bell in Sharon, PA. The present firm is the result of a series of mergers with leading firms in western Pennsylvania.
Robert M. Power Sr., CPA, began his public accounting practice in Meadville in 1953. Robert M. Power, Jr., CPA, joined the firm in 1969 and became a partner in 1973. Looking to expand business, the firm merged with Fargo, McGill & Company in 1980 to become Fargo, McGill, Power & Power.
John Litzinger joined Bell & Company in 1974 and became a partner in 1980. When Fargo, McGill, Power & Power was looking for more growth, they merged with Bell & Company to become McGill, Power, Bell & Associates.
In 1974, the accounting firm of Pashke and Twargowski was founded in Erie. Diana Schaney merged her practice with Pashke and Twargowski in 1997. In October 1999, the firm merged with McGill, Power, Bell & Associates.
Dean Fair joined McGill, Power, Bell & Associates in 1984. He became partner five years later and managing partner in 2001.
The firm's newest partner is Karen Benson. She became a partner on January 1, 2008. Karen was a manager of the firm for 13 years and has 29 years experience in public accounting.
The firm currently employs more than 35 partners, CPAs, professionals and staff. With this strategic plan developed through 2010, the firm is poised for significant growth.