SHARE

FREDERICK, MD, July 27, 2023—After founding the firm 38 years ago with Al DeLeon, DeLeon & Stang’s Co-Founding Partner, Richard C. Stang, CPA, ABV, PFS, will be transitioning his ownership at the end of 2023. While he will be stepping down from his role as partner at the end of the year, Rich will remain part of the firm as a resource for both the firm’s internal team and clients.

Rich Stang Looks Back to the Beginning & Towards the Future

What Did You Envision When You Founded the Firm?

“Truthfully, Al DeLeon and I started it on a whim when I was fresh out of college with the goal of just paying our bills,” said Rich. “As the firm grew, we became more and more sure we wanted this firm to continue to build on itself from within rather than merge with another.”

What Are You Most Proud of From Your Time Building DeLeon & Stang?

“I think I’m most proud of the base of loyal clients and employees we’ve built over the years,” said Rich. “Our company culture is unique for a reason, and seeing how it has kept people—our clients and employees—close as time passes is really rewarding.”

What Are You Most Looking Forward to in Retirement?

“First and foremost, I’m looking forward to spending quality time with my wife, Maureen, who has supported me so much over the years,” said Rich. “I’m also looking forward to spending more time outside, traveling, and hanging out with my grandkids. It’s going to be really fun to put aside the grind I’ve been so used to for so long and enjoy this new season of my life.”

Looking Back, What Advice Would You Give Your Younger Self?

“I think I would tell myself to realize sooner that the people around you are really good at what they do, so you should let them do it,” said Rich. “Brad Hoffman is a phenomenal leader, and I’m really looking forward to watching him continue to steer the firm in this next chapter as the Managing Partner.”

What’s Next

Rich’s transition marks another stepping stone in the firm’s established succession plan. The plan was thoughtfully designed by the firm’s leadership team, and has been in motion over the last two decades.

“We built this firm to be sustainable,” said Rich. “We always knew we wanted to develop internal leaders that would later become partners when we were ready for the next chapter, and I’m looking forward to seeing the firm continue to grow from within.”