JHM Merges in CPA Firm Harting, Bishop & Arrendale

Top 500 accounting firm JHM Certified Public Accountants, based in Chattanooga, is expanding its presence in eastern Tennessee by combining with Harting, Bishop & Arrendale (HBA) in Cleveland, TN.

The combined firm will operate under the name of JHM Certified Public Accountants. The merger brings JHM to approximately 70 team members. 

“We were very familiar with the importance HBA placed on deep personal relationships with their clientele and are sincerely humbled and honored to expand on these relationships,” JHM Managing Partner Dean Krech said in a statement. “JHM was built on providing the highest level of service and our cultural match with HBA could not be better aligned. From my very initial meeting with partners Kelvin Bishop and Tommy Arrendale, it was clear that HBA epitomized JHM’s core values, and this merger aligns perfectly with JHM’s intentions of further expansion in the Southeast.” 

JHM’s added presence in the Cleveland market will bring Cleveland-area companies additional expertise in construction, manufacturing, not-for-profit, real estate, health care, and governmental sectors, as well as additional layers of advisory services for companies, nonprofits, municipalities, and individuals. JHM is also a member of the large firm alliance CPAmerica, which provides further resources and expertise for its clients. 

HBA’s 40 years of expertise in Cleveland ranges from audits, financial statements, income taxes, estate planning, and financial planning and advisory services. 

“Being a native of Bradley County and Cleveland, after graduating with an accounting degree it was always my goal to serve our community by practicing public accounting in a local firm,” Bishop said. “I had a passion to build client relationships and help our clients achieve their financial goals. Over 30 years ago I joined what was then Harting and Bishop CPAs. I, Lil Harting, and a secretary began serving local businesses and individuals. As Cleveland has grown over the years so has our practice. We welcomed new team members and partners, and we grew our client base to serve local clients as well as clients across the Southeast, even branching out to further regions in the U.S.

“I’ve been blessed to serve clients that have become friends and be surrounded by an amazing team,” he added. “This merger with JHM creates tremendous opportunities for our diverse and growing client base and our team members. JHM checked every box regarding having a passion for client relationships and a family environment that promotes growth for our team. The affiliation with the CPAmerica Alliance will prove to be an addition that serves our clients well.”  

HBA’s Arrendale said, “Our team, led by the same dedicated professionals our clients have come to know and trust, will continue to serve with the highest level of expertise and care. We are not going anywhere. It’s important to emphasize that despite this merger, our core values and dedication to personalized attention remain unchanged. We understand the unique circumstances and goals of each of our clients and will continue to be here as we have always been to meet their needs.” 

Founded in 1977, JHM is a third-generation accounting firm that had revenue of $7.43 million in its most recent fiscal year.