It is with a mix of gratitude and bittersweet emotions that we announce the retirement of two invaluable members of The Hechtman Group family, Robert (Bob) Echales and Sandra (Sandy) Crowe, who will both be stepping into retirement at the end of October.
Robert Echales: A Remarkable Journey in Public Accounting
Bob Echales’ illustrious career has spanned decades and touched countless lives. After graduating from Northern Illinois University in 1979, Bob began his career at a Fortune 500 company before starting his own CPA firm. In the following years, Bob’s firm grew through several iterations, including the formation of Echales, Benjamin & Company in 1994 and Echales, Benjamin & Simkin (EBS) in 2014, before merging with The Hechtman Group in 2021. This merger marked a significant chapter in our firm’s history, bringing Bob’s wealth of experience and deep client relationships.
Known for his unwavering commitment to his clients, Bob has been an invaluable part of our team. “Bob’s counsel was always sharp and definitive. He watched out for blind spots and has been a fierce advocate for his clients, especially with the IRS,” said Paul Benjamin, Partner. Bob’s passion for public accounting is evident in his own words: “Public accounting is a way of helping people reach their goals and objectives, and we’ve been able to do that for both companies and individuals. I can’t imagine anything more rewarding.”
We are grateful that Bob will continue to serve the needs of his wealth management practice, ensuring that his clients remain in good hands. At the same time, Bob is looking forward to enjoying more time with family and friends, as well as indulging in his love of travel, cycling, hiking, and charitable activities in his well-deserved retirement.
Sandra Crowe: A Legacy of Leadership and Growth
Sandra Crowe joined The Hechtman Group in December 2011, bringing with her a diverse background in public accounting, audit, and finance management. Her journey took her from San Francisco to Chicago, where she quickly made her mark by managing large client groups and overseeing the growth of our Client Advisory Services (CAS) department from a one-person team to a robust, six-person operation.
“Sandy has a unique combination of technical expertise and conversational skills that make her relatable to clients and staff,” noted Jim Hechtman, Managing Partner and CFO. “Her ability to mentor and manage with grace and professionalism has been a model for our team.” Sandra reflects fondly on her time with us, particularly cherishing the relationships she’s built along the way: “The best part about The Hechtman Group is the people. I’ve worked with some great people, many of whom have become friends over the years.”
As Sandra prepares for her next chapter, she shares her excitement for what lies ahead: “I’m taking a gap year. After my last day of work, I want to be at the airport with my suitcase, ready to start new adventures.” We are excited for Sandra as she embarks on this new journey and wish her all the best as she spends more time with family and less time in front of the computer.
A Fond Farewell
Jim Hechtman reflects on Bob and Sandra’s impact on the firm: “Each of them has been a key building block during a rapid growth period. Without their contributions, we wouldn’t have had the bandwidth to grow as much as we have. Their input and counsel have been invaluable, and I’ll miss the experience and wealth of knowledge they’ve brought to the team.”
This dual retirement is a first for The Hechtman Group, and while we will miss Bob and Sandra, we are immensely grateful for all they have done to help shape our firm’s success.
Please join us in celebrating Bob and Sandra as they embark on this exciting new chapter in their lives. We encourage you to send your well-wishes and share your memories with them as they transition into retirement.
With warm regards,
The Hechtman Group