2021
YEAR IN REVIEW
MESSAGE FROM OUR MANAGING PARTNER To our valued clients and friends of the firm, I hope this letter finds you and your loved ones well. As Managing Partner of Sax, I am thrilled to present to you our 2021-2022 Year in Review, as there is much to share. As we’ve navigated our personal and professional worlds through the ongoing pandemic – just like you – we are proud of the milestone year we’ve had. Between marking our 65th anniversary, moving into our new flagship office, expanding our remote workforce in 10 states, enhancing our leadership team, and adding new service lines, we continue to honor our past, celebrate the present and strengthen ourselves for the future. A particular standout for me this year was the feedback I received when speaking with clients at our 65th Anniversary Celebration held at our new headquarters. I was repeatedly asked whether Sax still considered ourselves an accounting and tax firm because of our wide-ranging and expanding services. To that I say, in our next 65 years, our firm will continue to evolve and expand to meet the growing needs of those we serve from an overall business advisory vantage point. Our clients need more than just traditional accounting and tax services – but rather business partners who can propel them forward at every level. However, it is important to note that we will never waver from providing the accounting and tax services you have come to know and depend on. We will never move away from the foundation we’ve stood on for 65 years – no matter how high and wide we build. As we look back at the success we’ve had since our firm was established, we recognize that this success could not have been achieved without our team members, clients, professional relationships and support systems. We are very grateful for the continued confidence in us and look forward to further elevating those we serve, and in-turn our firm, as trusted advisors. We wish you and yours nothing but health, happiness and prosperity in 2022. Warmest Regards,
Joseph A. Damiano CEO and Managing Partner
2021 AT A GLANCE AT A
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1-2
The Sax DNA
3-4
Banner 65th Anniversary Year
5-6
Key Management
7-8
Accolades and Achievements
9-10
Next Generation of Sax Leadership
11-12
Retiring Partners
13-14
Expansion and Enhancements
15-16
Thought Leadership
17-18
4th Annual Founders' Award
19-20
10th Annual 4 Miler at Garret Mountain
21-22
A Culture of Support
3
37
196
OFFICES
PARTNERS
TEAM MEMBERS
1,640,000,000
$
ASSETS UNDER UNDER MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT ASSETS
55,500,000
$
REVENUE
628 ISSUED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
7,682 TAX RETURNS
183,146
$
RAISED FOR CHARITIES
90,000
$
RAISED FOR ST. JOSEPH'S CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
THE SAX DNA For lasting relevance and impact, we continue to transform for the future, but our Vision, Mission and Core Values remain unchanged. Our unwavering commitment to our clients, our people, our knowledge and our high performance has been the foundation of our success for the past 65 years.
OUR VISION is to achieve exceptional growth opportunities for our clients, for our people and for our firm by striving to be a Top 75 firm by the year 2022.
OUR CORE VALUES RESPECT We treat each other with respect and dignity; encouraging cooperation and teamwork INTEGRITY We are honest and ethical in everything we do COMMITMENT We will meet our core commitments 100% of the time EXCELLENCE We are passionate about the pursuit of excellence in everything we do
We do the right thing for our clients. We do the right thing for our firm. We do the right thing for our people.
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SAX 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW
OUR MISSION is to be our clients’ #1 advisor by understanding their Vision and providing solutions that exceed expectations to assure their success. We are dedicated to continually building a great firm that attracts, develops, excites and retains exceptional people.
ASPIRATIONAL STATEMENT We will cultivate a collaborative culture by fostering knowledge transfer, defining roles and building a skillset to drive client engagement, enhance the client experience and become our clients’ #1 advisor.
SAX 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW
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CELEBRATING
AS YOUR TRUSTED ADVISOR
Future-focused Sax showed no signs of slowing down this year while celebrating the firm’s 65th anniversary. This included new service lines, new Partners, a new website and more – all detailed in this 2021-2022 Year in Review. The biggest “move” was that of Sax’s new flagship office within the campus, LATITUDE in Parsippany, NJ. The new office address is 389 Interpace Parkway, STE 3 – and the move combines state-of-the-art design and a workplace that fosters a productive and dynamic work-life experience. Sax has also been making a name for itself through state and national recognition. The firm was named a 2021 Best of the Best public accounting firm in the nation by INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA) for the second straight year. This list evaluated and ranked the top performers within the profession that demonstrated superior results, planning for long-term sustainability and growth, and offering both clients and staff a successful future. IPA also annually ranks the Top 100 largest public accounting firms in the nation by revenue, and Sax came in at #94 overall for 2021 – moving up five spots since the firm debuted on the prestigious list in 2019. According to IPA, this list is the most comprehensive list of North American public accounting firms available.
Sax has received other noteworthy accolades in 2021 that can be found under Accolades and Achievements.
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SAX 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW
OPEN HOUSE
Sax held its Open House and 65th Anniversary event on Thursday, October 21 at its new headquarters in Parsippany. The event included great food and company while clients, team members and friends of the firm gathered to celebrate the opening of Sax’s flagship office and anniversary milestone. Click here for photos from the event.
SAX 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW
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KEY MANAGEMENT
CEO & MANAGING PARTNER JOSEPH A. DAMIANO, CPA
EXECUTIVE BOARD JOSHUA CHANANIE, CPA JOSEPH A. DAMIANO, CPA ERMAL LUZAJ,
CPA, MBA
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES SHARON BLEIBTREU, PHR DIRECTOR OF IT FREDERICK DELACRUZ FIRM ADMINISTRATOR VIRGINIA DENNERLEIN, SHRM-CP PARTNER-IN-CHARGE OF QUALITY CONTROL JEFFREY HOLT, CPA
JOSEPH SHANNON, CPA/ABV, CVA, CFE KYLE R. STAWICKI, ChFC®
OFFICE LEADERS IN CHARGE
CANNABIS TODD W. POLYNIAK, CPA
PARSIPPANY NJ JOSEPH A. DAMIANO, CPA
CONSTRUCTION ERMAL LUZAJ, CPA, MBA
PENNINGTON NJ JEREMY RHEN CFP®
FOOD & BEVERAGE KATHLEEN ALEXANDER, CPA, MST, CFE
NEW YORK CITY W. MICHAEL CURRY, CPA, CCIFP
HEALTHCARE DEBORAH NAPPI, CPA, MST SUSAN E. REED, CPA, CFP®
FIRM OPERATIONS
MANUFACTURING & DISTRIBUTION JOSHUA CHANANIE, CPA
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER / HEAD OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LEON GRASSI
NOT-FOR-PROFIT TODD W. POLYNIAK, CPA
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER MICHAEL ROLLS
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PRACTICE LEADERS
SAX 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW
REAL ESTATE JOSEPH SHANNON, CPA/ABV, CVA, CFE
SAX CAPITAL ADVISORS JEROME FUSCO
TRANSACTION ADVISORY TODD W. POLYNIAK, CPA
SAX WEALTH ADVISORS KYLE R. STAWICKI, ChFC®
TRUSTS & ESTATES JOY MATAK, JD, LLM
S2 TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS CARL VAN DUSEN
VALUATION, FORENSIC & LITIGATION MEGAN SARTOR, CPA, ABV, CFF
SERVICE LEADERS
RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
ACCOUNTING + AUDITING JEFFREY HOLT, CPA
W. MICHAEL CURRY, CPA, CCIFP
CRYPTOCURRENCY SHIVANI JAIN, CPA, MST
VIRGINIA DENNERLEIN, SHRM-CP
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN AUDITS JENNIFER L. MOROZ, CPA
JEFFREY HOLT,
HR CONSULTING SHARON BLEIBTREU, PHR
MICHAEL ROLLS
NEW LEASE ACCOUNTING JASON BOROFSKY, CPA, MBA PRIVATE CLIENT CRAIG CASSANO, TAX SHIVANI JAIN,
CPA
FREDERICK DELACRUZ CHRIS GAFFNEY, CPA, MST CPA
JOY MATAK, JD, LLM KYLE R. STAWICKI, ChFC®
COVID-19 RECOVERY TASK FORCE JOSHUA CHANANIE, CPA STEPHEN J. EHRENBERG, CPA, MBT
CPA, MST
TAX CONTROVERSY FRANK CENTRELLA, CPA, MST
TODD W. POLYNIAK, CPA JOSEPH SHANNON, CPA/ABV, CVA, CFE
SAX 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW
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ACCOLADES AND ACHIEVEMENTS Sax continues to strengthen its reputation as overall business advisors and experts in the areas that matter most to those the firm serves. This year was no exception with the firm and team members receiving the following noteworthy accomplishments:
SAX LLP RANKED
8
#
Recognized on the list of America’s Best Tax and Accounting Firms by Forbes for the second straight year.
Top Workplace by NJ.com in the “mid-size” category.
RANKED #95 on Accounting Today’s prestigious Top 100 list of accounting firms in the country and a "Regional Leader".
RANKED
25
# RANKED #94 on INSIDE Public Accounting’s prestigious Top 100 list of accounting firms in the country, up four spots since 2020.
Named to INSIDE Public Accounting’s list of the Best of the Best Firms in the nation, made up of top performers in the profession.
on Construction Executive’s list of The Top 50 Construction Accounting Firms in the nation.
RANKED
RANKED
RANKED
19
14
#
on Accounting Today’s list of Top Mid-Atlantic Firms.
Please click here to reference important disclosure information regarding this award.
SAX 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW
#
by NJBIZ on their list of Top New Jersey Accounting Firms.
SAX WEALTH ADVISORS
7
96
#
RANKED
43
#
on NJBIZ’s list of the Top 250 Privately Held Companies.
on the “Wealth Magnet” list of the Top 150 Firms by Assets Under Management by Accounting Today, making “The Billion Dollar Club”.
TEAM MEMBER ACHIEVEMENTS JOSEPH A. DAMIANO, CPA was named to NJBIZ’s Accounting Power 50 list for the second straight year. This list recognizes the most influential men and women in the profession who have demonstrated time and again the sort of forward thinking and professionalism that businesses need to operate at a high level – especially during challenging times. CANDY GORDON-GEANOULES, CPA was the recipient of the 2021 Ironman Award from The Builders Association of Northern NJ. Candy was chosen in recognition of her remarkable representation of the Association through exemplary participation in committees and activities. JOY MATAK, JD, LLM was elected to the Board of the Estate Planning Council of Northern New Jersey. KATHLEEN M. RUTCH, CPA was selected for inclusion on Crain’s 4th annual “Notable Women in Accounting & Consulting” list for New York City. MELISSA O'SHEA, CPA was named an Ovation Award winner by the NJCPA for her exemplary efforts and stellar achievements advancing New Jersey’s accounting profession. Missy was specifically named to the WOMAN TO WATCH category which recognizes leadership, potential, contributions, and commitment to fostering the success of colleagues.
SAX 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW
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NEXT GENERATION OF SAX LEADERSHIP The following individuals have been named Partner and the newest members of Sax’s leadership team due to their embodiment of Sax’s core values and results delivered as their clients’ number one advisor. We congratulate them on this pinnacle of professional achievement:
CRAIG CASSANO, CPA specializes in high-net-worth tax compliance and advisory, as well as gift and estate compliance and planning. He is a Leader of the firm’s Private Client Practice and has a working knowledge of the hedge fund, private equity, real estate, and the entrepreneur space with individual clients exceeding $2 billion net worth. FRANK CENTRELLA, CPA, MST has been practicing public accounting for almost 35 years and delivers effective tax services and business advice to clients across various industries. Frank is Leader of the firm’s Tax Controversy and Dispute Resolution Practice and is responsible for all controversy matters at the firm, including examinations from federal and state tax agencies, offers, compromises, and compliance with FBAR matters. APRIL KUSHNER, CPA is a key member of the firm’s Not-for-Profit Practice and has a passion for helping non-profits overcome the challenges they face. She has years of experience auditing and reviewing various types of not-for-profits, such as religious organizations, membership organizations, and social service organizations. April’s expertise includes federal and state grant compliance and Uniform Guidance requirements from a wide variety of government agencies that fund not-for-profits.
RISING LEADERSHIP We congratulate the following team members on their internal promotion to the level of Manager and above due to their demonstrated work ethic, client commitment, and growing expertise.
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ZACHARY ADLER, CPA promoted to Controller
GAYLE BOECKSTIEGEL, CPA promoted to Tax Manager
LISA DINOZZI, CPA promoted to A&A Manager
NIMRA AHMED, CPA promoted to A&A Senior Manager
LOUIS CALAMUNCI promoted to Tax Manager
MAT GIORDANO, CPA, EA, MST promoted to Tax Senior Manager
MICHAEL ALBERT, CPA promoted to A&A Manager
JOE DEBARR, CPA, M.S. promoted to A&A Senior Manager
MATT GOLDSTEIN, CPA promoted to A&A Manager
SAX 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW
Congratul Sax team their CPA
• ALBION
HELENA LYNCH, CPA, MST has over 20 years of individual and business tax experience, and currently oversees the firm’s Private Foundation Practice. She provides clients with a wealth of knowledge in tax strategies, charitable giving, legacy planning, and transaction support, and leads firm engagements with an emphasis on high quality client service, expertise and proactive business advice. DEBORAH NAPPI, CPA, MST is Co-Leader of the firm’s Healthcare Practice and specializes in consulting services, revenue cycle management and physician productivity in the rapidly changing landscape. She serves as interim CFO during M&A transactions, mitigating risk and ensuring a smooth and successful process. She conducts due diligence for private equity, analyzes Healthcare related transactions on the buy and sell side, reviews practice evaluations and manages post-close transactions. JOSEPH PIELA, CFP® is an important member of Sax Wealth Advisors. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ with over 20 years of experience and specializes in helping high-net-worth individuals and families, professionals and closely held businesses reach their financial goals. He creates and maintains tailored, holistic financial plans that include portfolio management, tax strategies, wealth transfer considerations, business consultation and retirement planning.
ELENA KLARBERG, CPA promoted to A&A Senior Manager
JOE SAVERINO, CPA promoted to A&A Senior Manager
MAGGIE KROWKA promoted to A&A Manager
STEPHEN TELLIAN promoted to A&A Manager
ERICK MORILLO, CPA promoted to Tax Senior Manager
JESSICA VIDAL, CPA promoted to A&A Manager
Congratulations to the following Sax team member who passed their CPA exams in 2021: ALBION DERGUTI
SAX 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW 10
RETIRING PARTNERS In 2021, we bid farewell to three Partners who have been instrumental to the success of Sax. These individuals have set the bar for what true business advisors look like and have worked to transfer their knowledge to those advisors they’ve paved the way for. We thank them for their tremendous contributions and dedication to the advancement of Sax and wish them the best in their future endeavors.
ROBERT (BOB) HOPPER, CPA has been a member of Sax for over 40 years, and a Partner for more than 30 years. As a leader of the firm and long-standing member of the Executive Board, Bob was very influential in the direction and growth of the firm and in building the foundation of the core values and principles Sax stands by today. Bob came from a background in Manufacturing and Distribution and leveraged his expertise to create Sax’s M&D Practice which he led and grew for 30 years to one of the largest niches of the firm. His passion has always been in guiding his clients as their trusted advisor through both business and personal issues and to help them become more successful in all aspects of their lives. He also found great satisfaction collaborating with team members and molding younger advisors. The enjoyment he experienced coming to work every day, and through the achievements of his career, will only be surpassed in retirement by his excitement for spending more time on the beach, golfing, traveling – and most importantly, spending more time with his grandchildren.
MICHAEL A. MONGELLI, CPA started his career in public accounting in 1975 and became a Partner of the firm on October 1, 1979 at the age of 25. An alumni of William Paterson University, he truly enjoyed practicing in the CPA profession. He has been a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and The NJ Society of CPAs throughout his career. Michael took pride in being a part of the Sax team for over 45 years and was an integral part of the evolution of the current firm and its predecessors, to Sax LLP. During his time at the firm he served on the Executive Board, and was the leader of the Real Estate Practice for over 20 years. Michael advocated for his clients passionately and specialized in providing meaningful business
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SAX 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW
ROBERT HOPPER
MICHAEL A. MONGELLI
RANDAL M. NATOLI
and tax advice to Real Estate owners, developers, managers, lessors and other businesses. He was looked to by the firm’s clients, partners, and staff as a trusted advisor. Among many other things in retirement, Michael is looking forward to spending more time with his expanding family, spending more time at their beach home, traveling a bit once COVID allows, and never missing a day at the gym!
RANDAL M. NATOLI, CPA has over 35 years of public accounting experience and spent his whole career, which began in 1982, with James D. Miller & Co. out of New York City before it joined with Sax in the 2019 merger. Randy served as Partner-in-Charge of the NYC office located within the Empire State Building and oversaw the firm’s NYC client engagements. Randy focused his time in the area of taxation, concentrating on individual, fiduciary and corporate income tax compliance and planning and was a well-respected advisor to his clients and fellow team members. Randy is looking forward to moving into the next stage of his life, and although he has no set plans for retirement, his priorities include spending more time with his eight-year-old son and the rest of his family.
SAX 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW 12
EXPANSIONS AND ENHANCEMENTS
CANNABIS AND CRYPTOCURRENCY PRACTICES
Cannabis and Cryptocurrency are two important, emerging markets that are only just starting to find their footing. Sax built out new practices to focus advisory services on the quickly evolving laws and regulations around each market. The changing federal and state guidelines with regards to cannabis and digital assets are complex, and in challenging regulatory environments, internal controls and financial reporting are as important as they are difficult. Sax’s dedicated advisors in cannabis and cryptocurrency help businesses and individuals navigate the wide range of complex tax issues, manage and increase cash flow, appropriately prepare financials for review, implement a strong compliance program and build an infrastructure that is designed for long-term growth and success.
CLIENT PAYMENT PLATFORM
Sax implemented a new payment platform to make paying invoices easier for clients. New functionality includes user-friendly payment options, saved payment methods, scheduling future payments, how-to-videos, live chat and more.
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ENHANCED FIRM TECHNOLOGY
As Sax continues to grow and have team members scattered across the country, enhanced technology was needed to more easily connect everyone – especially in our remote work environment. Sax’s new Employee Directory allows team members to search for others by department, title, office location, and more and is a valuable resource to identify advisors by areas of expertise and contact information. The firm also implemented a new phone system within Microsoft Teams for seamless mobility, better call management, and easier collaboration tools while completely integrating with the firm’s existing technology infrastructure.
PRIVATE CLIENT PRACTICE
To further address the needs of clients, Sax enhanced its already robust Private Client Practice to help private businesses, high-net-worth individuals, and family offices preserve their wealth, effectively manage their estates, and secure their legacy. The firm’s advisors that specialize in this space add significant value to family and business operations that not only creates a high level of efficiency, but more security. The goal of the Practice is to take
care of the day-to-day and year-long administrative functions needed behind the scenes to provide clients with financial and administrative freedom. Enhanced services include but are not limited to investment management, cybersecurity, multi-generational succession planning, and philanthropic planning.
Managing Director. Jerome Fusco brings over 15 years of experience assisting clients in all industries and across the spectrum of financial analysis, investment banking, credit analysis, corporate financial planning, debt and equity raising and business development.
REAL ESTATE EXPERTISE
Sax unveiled its newly redesigned website at www.saxllp.com to showcase its full portfolio of what the firm can offer and features a streamlined design, improved navigation, and functionality. The new Sax website features a more modern feel and is in line with the firm’s emphasis on value and sophistication, assisting as a meaningful resource to those the firm serves by providing easy-to-access, up-to-date information relevant to their states and businesses.
Sax welcomed Eddie Rivera as a Partner in the firm’s established Real Estate Practice. He brings over 15 years of experience, and in his leadership role at Sax, Eddie will work with the firm’s clients on ensuring they are compliant with the latest tax laws, maximizing tax strategies, and informed on the impact of changing regulations.
SAX CAPITAL ADVISORS
Sax Capital Advisors is a wholly owned Investment Banking Practice of Sax LLP which expanded the firm’s existing Transaction Advisory Practice to meet the growing needs of businesses. Sax Capital Advisors specializes in assisting clients with selling or acquiring a business, preparing for sale, raising capital and/or restructuring the organization. To lead the firm’s Investment Banking Practice, Sax brought on Jerome Fusco as
SAX WEBSITE
STATE AND LOCAL TAX EXPERTISE Sax welcomed Edvin Givargis to lead the firm’s established State and Local Tax (SALT) practice as Partner. He brings nearly 20 years of experience to Sax, effectively managing national state and jurisdictional tax matters. His expertise lies heavily with developing and advising on efficient tax structures and operations within a complex state framework.
SAX 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW 14
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP Sax strives to demonstrate strength and knowledge in challenging times, and stands as a thought leader, resource and trusted advisor. Clients, team members and business partners have come to know and depend on Sax’s webinars, podcasts, eblasts, newsletters and industry update events that arm them with timely updates and information on issues relevant to their unique situation and needs. Here are a few 2021 highlights.
COVID-19 RESOURCE CENTER
It’s hard to believe the COVID-19 pandemic is still impacting our businesses and daily lives at this point in time. Sax’s COVID-19 Resource Center continues to house important updates and relevant information to our states and businesses with regards to relief programs, business resources, tax alerts and more.
INFORMATIVE WEBINARS & PODCASTS
In 2021, Sax held close to 100 external and internal webinars and podcasts to disseminate meaningful information on important matters to those we serve, whether that be with regards to emerging and evolving industries, changing legislation, updates relating to the COVID world we are working within, and more. Our quarterly TAX with SAX webinars are designed to keep people informed on shifting tax policies, while our TAKE 5 with SAX podcasts are created to provide quick and timely highlights on a variety of business topics. Sax also showcased our resident experts in a wide-range of capacities through webinar topics that included Infusing Value When Selling Your Business, Charitable Planning Techniques for Transferring Wealth & Reducing Tax Burden, and Financial Planning for Young Professionals.
RECOVERY TASK FORCE
Sax’s Recovery Task Force was created to support clients through a disruptive pandemic and position them to regain strength. The Task Force works to consistently relay vital information and provide advisory services to businesses and individuals on COVID-19 loan programs, forgiveness strategies, tax considerations and more.
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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS Here are a few testimonial highlights we received from clients this year: Having SAX in our corner provides an incredible peace of mind. They are a great sounding board for ideas and are always there with great advice. It’s great to have a partnership with them!
Sax has proven to be the most professional, reliable and responsive adviser in this difficult period. I’ve never regretted utilizing their many services.
Sax Advisors and the accounting group are an extremely valuable source for me in planning my personal and business requirements. I have been a client for over 30 years. We are very happy with Sax. They treat us as if we were their only client! All our questions, big or small, are answered quickly and thoroughly. We would not be in as good financial shape as we are without them. Would and have highly recommended them!
My firm and myself have had a relationship with Sax since its inception and could not be more pleased!
Our team is excellent to work with. Professional and friendly and very quick to respond to any inquiries. Their knowledge and experience make me feel very safe and secure. Their knowledge, professionalism and accessibility have and continues to give me great confidence in my financial stability. Sax has been a valued partner for our organization. Their expertise, professionalism and customer service remain outstanding. The Sax team has always been responsive and offered courteous, professional advice, on both a business, and on a personal level. I deeply appreciate the very personal attention I receive, and the care with which I am kept up to date on changes in tax matters.
I have had experience with Sax partners for many years. They are knowledgeable, experienced advisors. They are quick to reply and a pleasure to work with.
SAX 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW 16
4TH ANNUAL FOUNDERS' AWARD
17 SAX 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW
First Place Winner
Second Place Winner
Third Place Winner
Sax’s 4th annual Founders’ Award was given to Fighting Children's Cancer Foundation for best addressing this year’s theme – using imagination in the face of adversity. The organization walked away with $15,000 to support their mission of providing needs-based financial assistance to families struggling with pediatric cancer. Sax’s Nonprofit Practice initiated the application process and nearly 150 nonprofit organizations submitted non-professional videos for their chance to win the award by answering specific questions. Five independent judges went through the submissions in a thorough review process to determine the winner, in addition to 2nd and 3rd place who received volunteer hours donated by Sax employees to support their missions.
What an incredible honor to be the recipient of Sax’s 2021 Founders’ Award! We are grateful to be recognized for the imagination and heart that went into supporting families as they navigated pediatric cancer AND COVID-19 this past year. On behalf of our Board of Directors, volunteers, and most importantly, the children and families who will be helped because of this award – thank you! Andrea Inauen, Executive Director of Fighting Children’s Cancer Foundation
To view the event video which highlights the missions of the Top 75 applicants of the Founders’ Award, please click here.
What your firm is doing is truly remarkable. Not only will your Founders' Award impact the winner, but hopefully, it will also inspire other companies to support the nonprofit world the way that you do. Thank you. 2021 Founders’ Award Applicant
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10TH ANNUAL 4 MILER AT GARRET MOUNTAIN
Sax is proud to announce the success of their 10th annual 4 MILER at Garret Mountain event held on Saturday, October 2, 2021 to benefit St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. This year, over 400 participants, 40 volunteers, 40 sponsors and 100 donors came together to raise $90,000 for St. Joseph’s Child Life Department! St. Joseph’s Child Life Department offers high-impact holistic therapies to their pediatric patients, including art therapy, animal-assisted therapy and horticultural therapy. These therapies are funded by outside support only and are shown to be highly beneficial in mitigating the negative effects of hospitalization, particularly for patients with chronic, life-threatening or terminal illness. Since its inception 10 years ago, the 4 MILER has now raised over $685,000 for the Children’s Hospital and has become the largest financial contributor to the Child Life Department. Sax’s 4 MILER event makes it possible for our pediatric patients to have fun and learn with our amazing Child Life staff while they undergo treatment and care, said Robert Budelman, Vice President, Chief Development Officer of St. Joseph’s Health Foundation. Our children face many challenging obstacles, but through the efforts of the Child Life Department, we can provide them with an array of programs and services that work to alleviate much of their stress and anxiety. We thank Sax for their tremendous support, and for allowing us to address the unique needs of our young patients in meaningful ways.
We thank all those who contributed to the success of the 10th annual 4 MILER, with a special acknowledgment to the following companies who sponsored the event at $2,500 and more:
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The family-friendly, run/walk event is coordinated and facilitated by Sax. The firm’s philanthropic arm, The Sax Charitable Foundation, absorbs all costs of the event so that 100% of funds raised go directly to benefit the Child Life Department at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital.
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A CULTURE OF SUPPORT Sax understands the importance of finding fulfillment and success in our roles inside and outside of the firm. By providing tools and resources for continued education and a work/life balance, the firm strives to create an atmosphere team members enjoy while setting them up for future success.
TEAM COMRADERY
Sax strives to provide opportunities for team members to enjoy time away from their work and spend time together. In 2021, Sax held “thank you” events after the tax deadlines which included a virtual “dinner and a show” that featured stand-up comedians, team luncheons, and ice cream and pizza trucks. Sax also held an End-of-Year Celebration as a way to get the firm’s team members – including those from around the country – together for an evening of great food, drinks, and dancing to celebrate a successful year together.
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION OF WOMEN FOR EMPOWERMENT & RESULTS (P.O.W.E.R.)
The mission of Sax’s P.O.W.E.R. group is to support women employees, embrace inclusiveness and collectively address a woman’s role in the evolving business environment. The group focuses on their Four Pillars: Professional Development, Networking, Community Outreach and Support. In 2021, the Group held events/seminars for team members such as Mindfulness Yoga, Coping with COVID and Financial Planning Now for your Future, geared towards providing tools that help foster success personally and professionally.
Congratulations to our team members who had new additions to their family in 2021:
VICTORIA HOCHMAN welcomed baby
ERMAL LUZAJ welcomed baby
Raegan Madelyn Hoffer on January 27.
Brianna on May 22.
MELISSA BOLLINGER welcomed baby
GINA PERRONE welcomed baby
Octavia Mae on February 22.
Violet Rose Telfeian on August 21.
SAX 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW
INTERNAL TRAINING & MENTORSHIP
Sax works to leverage mentorship programs and facilitate on-going internal trainings so team members can take advantage of the expertise of the firm’s subject matter experts. Sax assigns a performance manager to each team member to provide leadership, coaching, training and feedback to help ensure their success. Sax also holds an annual Pathway to Success Program to provide team members with the professional tools to help them reach their career goals.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Sax works to foster a culture of giving by matching funds for charities, coordinate fundraisers, facilitate donation drives and offer a PTO day for volunteering in the communities where we live and work. In 2021, Sax continued its tradition of supporting Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Through a team walk and firm raffle the firm raised over $3,500 for the American Cancer Society – our best year yet! The firm also held a Community Clean-Up Day and team members were encouraged to hit their streets, parks, schools, woods and streams to collect garbage, plant flowers and improve their natural surroundings.
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Expect More. Parsippany, NJ Pennington, NJ New York, NY www.saxllp.com
2021
YEAR IN REVIEW