Miami (Aug. 22, 2003) -- When New York-based Mahoney Cohen sought a merger with South Florida firm Kane Hoffman & Danner this summer, two of the partners welcomed the marriage -- but Monte Kane thought the fit and culture was all wrong.
The merger never took place, but in early August, Stephen Danner and Richard Hoffman joined Mahoney Cohen as the first out-of-state office for the firm, breaking up the Kane Hoffman & Danner partnership.
Monte E. Kane responded by forming his own CPA firm, Kane & Company, CPAs and Business Consultants. The 13-person group, led by Kane as sole owner, has offices in Miami and Boca Raton, and offers an array of accounting, auditing, tax, and consulting services for both businesses and individuals.
"When we were approached by the New York firm, my feeling was that they could not recognize the incredible uniqueness, the beautiful diversity we have in South Florida cultures and would try to impose a New York way of thinking," said Kane, who was born in Brooklyn, but has lived in Florida since he was 3 years old. "They're a lovely firm in New York and I wish them well here, but I don't think you can break into the community like that," Kane added.
Other CPAs joining Kane & Co. include Laurie Baad, director of tax services; Jeffrey Ducker, director of condominium and real estate services; and Candido Fernandez, director of quality control. All three worked with Kane at Kane Hoffman & Danner.
The company's primary industries are hospitality, trade and service-oriented, including specialties in forensic accounting and condominium associations (Kane co-authored the AICPA's accounting and auditing guide for condominium associations). Its latest, growing niche is in eldercare/life enhancement.
-- Tracey Miller-Segarra
