When a firm reaches its 100-year anniversary, the milestone invites reflection. What has endured through tax law changes, economic shifts, and decades of evolving business needs? For JAK, the answer is simple: a culture rooted in integrity, people-first values, and trust.
As JAK celebrates a century of service, it’s clear that its success rests on more than technical expertise. Clients and employees alike describe a firm that balances tradition with innovation and always prioritizes people.
Integrity at the Core: The Foundation of JAK’s Culture
Integrity has been a constant since JAK’s founding in 1925. From the beginning, clients valued not only the accuracy of the work but the honesty and dedication behind it. That tradition lives on today.
One client, Sture, recalled how much confidence his business placed in the JAK team:
“They were always quality people — friendly, trustworthy, and enjoyable to be around. We’d give them a key and let them lock up!”
That kind of trust doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built on years of detail-oriented, principled work. Sture remembers founder Jack Knutson spending hours tracking down a five-cent discrepancy, a small example that illustrates a larger truth: integrity matters at every level.
People-First, Inside and Out
JAK’s culture is defined by its people. Interns grow into partners, employees are encouraged to pursue advanced degrees, and quiet introverts often discover their leadership potential.
Todd, a long-tenured employee, shared how JAK invested in his professional development:
“JAK supported me through my MBT and CFP. Their investment in people is what makes them different.”
That same people-first mindset extends to clients. As client Chris put it:
“When you work with people on your personal finances, it gets very intertwined with the rest of your personal life — and to have people that you trust and like is important. That’s what I get with JAK for sure.”
Employees echo the same sentiment. For Chris Bertz, who joined JAK during the Great Recession, the support was immediate and life-changing:
“On day one I had to ask for an employee loan just to put a security deposit down for an apartment. JAK supported me from the very beginning — through the CPA exam, my MBT, and even welcoming me back after a two-year stint at another firm. More than that, they’ve always had the faith and trust in me, pushing me, listening to me, and giving me space to grow.”
For long-tenured staff, the culture has proven both steady and adaptable. “Supportive” is how Joy McAdoo describes her 23 years at JAK:
“In my 23 years at JAK, they have supported my career and personal choices, always understanding how life changes and adapting. My entire professional development has happened here, and the firm has provided the education and opportunities I needed to reach my goals.”
Culture also thrives in the small, daily moments. As Nathan Graf shared:
“The camaraderie in the lunchroom is the main reason I come to work each day rather than work from home. It’s way better than everyone just eating at their desk so they can leave sooner.”
Together, these stories illustrate a culture that values people in ways big and small.
Growth and Adaptability, A Firm That Evolves with Time
From ledgers and pencils to cloud-based automation, JAK has embraced every era of change while holding onto its core values. Todd summed it up best:
“From erasers to automation, I’ve witnessed how JAK evolves while staying people-first.”
Employee perspectives echo the same theme. “Evolving” is how Chris Bertz describes JAK’s culture, noting that while the heart of teamwork remains, the way it’s cultivated has shifted as the firm has grown.
That adaptability benefits clients, too. Chris noted how JAK’s modern workflow technology keeps him informed and confident, while also making complex financial management simple.
And JAK doesn’t just grow internally; it grows alongside its clients. Mike’s construction company expanded from $3 million to $60 million in revenue with JAK as a steady partner:
“We’re still with JAK because of the relationship. Good people, good advice, it works.”
Collaborative Relationships with Clients and Colleagues
One hallmark of JAK’s culture is collaboration. Clients don’t belong to just one partner; they benefit from the collective expertise of the entire firm.
That same collaborative spirit exists internally. “We truly operate as a team and foster encouragement and growth over competition,” said Joy McAdoo. “There is room for everyone to be successful at JAK, and that success looks different for each employee based on personal goals.”
Clients feel that same collaboration. Todd emphasized JAK’s unique approach:
“At JAK, clients aren’t just clients of a partner, they’re clients of the whole firm.”
That collaborative spirit has built trust across generations. Mike shared how JAK helped guide his company through succession planning, and Sture described how the firm’s advice shaped major investment decisions, from cranes to capital planning.
This team approach ensures clients get the right answer, not just a quick one.
Leading Beyond the Numbers
JAK’s impact extends well beyond tax returns and audits. The firm encourages employees to lead in their communities, support charitable initiatives, and contribute to statewide professional organizations.
Todd shared how JAK empowered him to take on leadership roles:
“I went from answering tax questions alone to leading the Twin Cities Tax Professionals.”
Inside the firm, leadership also means supporting each other. “I’m especially proud of how the team all comes together to help everyone out whenever needed,” said Matt Luckmann. “Whether it’s a deadline, a time crunch for a special project, or a personal matter, the team at JAK steps in without hesitation to take care of what is needed.”
Mentorship is another key piece of JAK’s leadership culture. As Matt explained:
“All of the partners throughout my career at JAK have been a big influence. They always challenged me and helped me grow and improve in every area. The partners work with all the staff to help them succeed in their careers.”
This culture of leadership and service creates ripple effects, stronger employees, stronger clients, and a stronger Minnesota community.
Today’s JAK: Building the Next 100 Years
Even as the workplace has changed, JAK has stayed progressive and flexible. Sture pointed to the firm’s remote work policies as a reflection of their employee-first values. Meanwhile, Chris (client) has seen the team expand and grow while still delivering the same dependable service.
Looking ahead, employees see the importance of holding onto core values while adapting to the future. “As long as we’re able to maintain the underlying culture while adapting to changing technologies and a changing workforce, I think success will continue,” said Chris Bertz.
Matt echoed this vision:
“I hope to see JAK continue to be a trusted business partner with everyone we work with, and continue to work with great people, clients, coworkers, and referral sources.”
Honoring the Past, Building the Future
JAK’s century-long story is a testament to the power of culture and values. By putting people first – employees, clients, and community – the firm has created a legacy that spans generations.
And as clients like Mike, Sture and Chris, along with employees like Chris Bertz, Joy McAdoo, Matt Luckmann, and Nathan Graf remind us, those values don’t just live in mission statements; they show up in everyday decisions, long-term relationships, and the trust that defines JAK.
Here’s to the next 100 years, built on the same foundation that got us here.