‘Our foundation is people first’

James R. Kaufman on five and a half decades with Kaufman Rossin

James R. Kaufman’s path to becoming a fixture of South Florida’s business community began not through wild dreams or aspirations, but practicality.

His father, like his father before him, recognized his son’s aptitudes and wanted to be sure he’d find a job once he graduated from college. A career as a certified public accountant seemed ideal.

Though Kaufman was initially put off by the coursework that comes with an accounting major, he took to it and today looks back fondly on his trajectory with Kaufman Rossin, the Miami-based CPA and advisory firm he founded in 1962 with partner Jay Rossin.

How has South Florida’s business community changed since you founded Kaufman Rossin?

Miami was a small town back then, where everyone really knew each other in the business community pretty well. We were one of the tallest buildings around, and look at Coconut Grove today. Within our business, which family and acquaintances helped us get started, there was no technology beyond the IBM typewriter.

That was the big technological tool of the moment. We spent so much time doing mechanical work, but with computers and automation, we really have been able to move to an advisory role, rather than a mechanical business.

Your company’s core values are integrity, fairness, social responsibility and joy at work. How does that play out at Kaufman Rossin?

Our foundation is “people first.” We prioritize our people and their development and their well-being. That way, the client also benefits. Our values we translate into action every day. People see that management is caring and has a priority in their well-being. Our vision is to create an outstanding and professional service business where our people have a path to grow and develop their lives, and benefit their clients and our community.

What would you say is the most difficult part of navigating a business’s growth?

Making sure that you have the right people in place with the right competencies to drive the growth that the market is demanding.

When you reflect on the past five and a half decades, what memory stands out most for you?

That’s a tough one. Our first announcement of our business, that was a big one. Really, it’s probably been the development of the business into the present day. We started with two people. Well, three – my wife was working for us part time. She was our secretary and did some bookkeeping. Today we have 380 people. It’s the whole gamut of the human experience – the agony and the ecstasy. Occasionally it’s easy, but usually it’s hard work and about consistency and staying the course.

Speaking of hard work, what’s your opinion of millennials’ work ethic?

The generation gets a bad rap in the workplace from some, and Kaufman Rossin is about 50 percent made up by the members of this group. Every generation has its character. We think our cultural values – hard work, community engagement – work well with millennials’ values and they identify with the company’s vision. They certainly work differently; technology is second nature to them in many respects, and they’re able to do a whole lot more. It’s a more pronounced contrast than less. But they are just as industrious and ambitious as their predecessors.

How do you balance work and family?

At this point in my career, I spend all the time I need to enjoy my recreation and my family. But I’ve always felt that staying balanced was important. There are a number of activities I enjoy doing during my downtime – skiing, sailing, scuba diving. I go hiking as often as I can. Next month, I’ll be in the Caribbean with family and friends. We charter a boat each year, and go fishing and diving and exploring.

You said your father influenced your career choice. Have you had a similar impression on your kids?

I have a son and daughter. With my son, I saw his aptitude in the field of technology. Today, he’s in his 50s and works in computer consulting. My daughter has a very strong mind. I don’t know that I ever was able to influence her.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Be true to your values, and be consistent with your ideals and your actions. My father told me that. He was a brilliant guy.

Which person, living or otherwise, do you most admire?

I used to love Winston Churchill’s style. He’s an icon. He was articulate and able to inspire people to his vision, which is something that we try to do here.