Through our membership in HLB International, HLB Gross Collins, P.C. is honored to participate in an international exchange program. We welcome Stephan Strothenke from our HLB affiliate in Bielefeld, Germany, HLB Dr. Stuckmann and Partner. Stephan has worked at the German firm since May of 2000. His primary expertise is in international and domestic tax matters.
Stephan is looking forward to the opportunity to gain insights in approaches, procedures and attitudes applied by a U.S.firm. This is an excellent opportunity for both HLB Dr. Stuckmann and Partner and HLB Gross Collins, P.C. to intensify connections to clients doing business internationally. Stephan was offered the opportunity to participate in the exchange based on his significant experience in international tax work and his long term career focus in the international field. While working in the U.S., Stephan hopes to become accustomed to our tax system and how advisory services are provided from preparing returns to planning issues. Additionally, he hopes to assist both firms with new client opportunities.
Over the next three months we look forward to sharing Stephan’s thoughts and perspectives on differences in operations between the U.S. and Germany. His initial observation after his first week with HLB Gross Collins, P.C. is in regards to the differences in dealing with clients, prospective clients, and friends of the firm. He believes that by comparison, European firms are somewhat old fashioned in the way they approach such communications and adoption of some of our approaches would be of value and is on the horizon. We know that the next few months will bring many observations and opportunities for both firms to grow and learn from one another.
This program will further strengthen the relationship already established between participating firms. Arnold Stange, partner at HLB Dr. Stuckmann and Partner, was our guest in November when he presented “Europe’s Economic Outlook” at a seminar held at our office. Additionally, Steve Gross invited Arnold to share his insight and expertise on his radio show, Gross Reality. The recording of this show and show notes can be found on our website. Click here if you would like to listen.
This is the second time that we have been a part of an exchange program within the HLB International organization. In 1997, team member Michael Bohling (now principal) spent 3 months working at our affiliate firm in France, Sofideec, Group France Audit. During that time, a member of their firm, Nicolas Pesson joined us. The experience was enlightening and beneficial on many levels for both the individuals and the participating firms.
Stephan is soon to be joined by his wife, Nancy, and his six month old son Johann. We are very excited about learning more about German operations from Stephan and guiding him through the experience so that he will take back valuable insights back to his firm about doing business in the U.S.