Jay Hechtman had an entrepreneurial spirit. A native of Chicago, he attended the University of Illinois and became a CPA early in his career. With a vision and the experience, Jay went on to launch two successful accounting firms: Hechtman & Associates in the mid-1970’s, and The Hechtman Group LLC in 1993.
The Hechtman Group LLC created an opportunity for Jay to bring in his son Jim as Managing Partner. Together the father-son team built a firm focused on creating effective tax strategies for small to midsize businesses as well as to hone their business advisor expertise in serving clients in the real estate industry.
Jay struggled with heart-related health problems that caused him to step away from active involvement in the business. On August 18, 2016, he passed away. Reflecting on the influences of his father, son Jim noted, “My dad often provided important life and business lessons without me realizing at that moment that he was doing it. He had a way of positively influencing people that made a difference”.
Today, The Hechtman Group LLC continues to thrive with the same entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to clients, that Jay Hechtman used as the foundation for his companies. It’s no wonder the company continues to expand, adding new clients and employees while retaining and nurturing long-term trusted relationships.
Outside of the business, family, friends, clients, and colleagues remember Jay for his avid love of Chicago sports, particularly the Cubs. A great storyteller, many of them about sporting events, Jay always had a good a joke at the ready. He is remembered as a man who loved life and leaves a wonderful legacy for his family and business colleagues.
Jay is survived by sons Jeffrey and James and daughter Jennifer Hechtman Rosen. He was the proud grandfather of Sarah, Allison, Andrew, Noah, Rachel, Owen, and Emmitt. He was a dear brother of Michael Hechtman and the loving companion of Kay Austin.