By Mark Ambrogi
When David Resnick joined Katz, Sapper & Miller 35 years ago, there were 35 employees. Now, there are approximately 400 at the certified public accounting firm.
The firm, whose headquarters is at 800 E. 96th St., on the Indianapolis/Carmel border, celebrated its 75th anniversary June 8 at The Palladium in Carmel. It has offices in Fort Wayne, New York City and Oklahoma City, all of which have been added in the last six years.
“The morning was focused on looking back at our past and went over our founding in 1942 and what the country was like at that time,” said Resnick, the firm’s president and managing partner. “Then we looked at how we’ve grown. In 2016, we did a 10-year vision statement. I shared our success in achieving our 10-year vision.”
Resnick led a tribute to Curt Miller to thank him for 55 years of service. Miller, 75, is still with the firm on a part-time basis. He retired from his role as a managing partner in 2002, and Resnick took over that position.
“The afternoon was all about looking toward the future, and we shared our next vision, vision 2022, a five-year plan,” Resnick said.
Later, a cocktail reception included former employees.
Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard and Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett proclaimed it as Katz, Sapper & Miller Day in their cities.
“We have a Pay It Forward program which each of our 400 employees will get $75 and will get to use it a charitable way for organizations that they have passions for,” Resnick said.
The company plans to refurbish a huge clock that stands in front of City Market in Indianapolis.
“It’s a landmark and hasn’t been working for years, so we’re taking that under our wings and repairing that,” Resnick said.
The firm also plans to fund a Marion County Library system exhibit in celebration of its 100th anniversary, which will be in Central Library in Indianapolis.
“The biggest change is how technology has changed our business,” Resnick said. “It allows us to do more in a more efficient manner.”
The company was founded in 1942 by Lewis Levy and Joseph Caldron. Irwin Katz joined Levy & Calderon in 1952 and added his name. After Levy and Calderon died, it became Katz & Co. It became Katz, Sapper & Miller in 1975. Theodore Sapper retired from the firm in 1988 and died in 2004. Katz died at age 96 in 2015.
