Stronger Together

A lot has changed since the accounting firm of Axley & Rode was founded more than 75 years ago. What began in 1949 with paper tax returns and a single office in Lufkin has grown into a firm offering cloud-based services from 4 locations, including offices in Livingston, Nacogdoches, and Jasper.

Despite the growth, the principles established by founders Branch L. Axley and Carl F. Rode remain intact. The firm was built on customer-focused, relationship-oriented service. Those values are also shared by Carr, Riggs & Ingram, commonly known as CRI.

Last year, Axley & Rode merged with CRI, making it part of a company ranked among the top 25 accounting firms in the nation.

Headquartered in Enterprise, Alabama, CRI operates in 10 states and Mexico. The firm was formed in 1997 through the merger of 2 established practices. As the accounting industry evolved, CRI moved quickly to adapt. Over time, the firm expanded well beyond traditional accounting, offering services that include audits, tax and business consulting, data analytics, and wealth management.

Today’s CRI workforce reflects that evolution, says Matt Broyles, a partner at CRI who leads the Livingston office.

In addition to accountants, the firm employs professionals in technology and data-related roles, bringing scientists and IT specialists together to strengthen its services.

“While we still do a lot of tax returns, we do so much more,” Broyles says.

Technology

The merger required the adoption of cloud-based programs to support clients and coordinate work across offices. That shift depended on access to fiber internet through Eastex. Firms like CRI rely on cloud-based tools to store and manage data and to handle communications between locations.

Even with the expanded technology and services, day-to-day operations at the Livingston office remain much the same. “People still want to sit down and talk to someone,” Broyles says.

Since the merger, clients have access to a broader range of services that extend well beyond traditional accounting. CRI offers specialized support across many industries, working with individuals and organizations nationwide and internationally.

“We have a long tradition of proudly serving businesses, governmental entities, nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurs, and individuals in various industries across the United States and other countries by providing a range of accounting, tax, audit, and consulting services,” Broyles says.

Those services span industries including agriculture, construction, manufacturing, education, financial services, and many more.

“Our dedication to building partnerships between our team members, clients, and the community is at the core of our business,” Broyles says. “We help our clients reach their goals more effectively by prioritizing cooperation and collaboration.”

CRI hires professionals with diverse educational backgrounds to give clients access to teams with deep and varied expertise. Throughout its history, the firm has built extensive expertise across its clients’ industries.

“This vast and ever-increasing knowledge gives us a strong and stable foundation to help our clients make ideal decisions based on their industry,” Broyles says.

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