The History of Brown, Graham & Company, P.C.

The Birth of a Company Built to Last

Brown, Graham & Company, P.C. (BG&C) was established in the summer of 1955 in the Panhandle area of Texas. A group of associates consisting of two brothers, Bob and Howard Brown, Wilmer Graham, and Art Glover decided to form a partnership and start their own Public Accounting Firm. The story is told that while Howard was on a fishing trip, fly fishing that is, in Lake City, Colorado, he received a call from his brother Bob, stating that he had purchased a CPA practice in Hereford, Texas. Howard quickly returned home to head up the Hereford practice. Shortly thereafter Bob Brown and Art Glover opened the Amarillo, Texas, office. Meanwhile in Tulia, Texas, another practice was purchased and Wilmer Graham took over the Tulia operations. Then in 1964, Bernie Gowens, BG&C senior staff accountant, was asked to relocate to Friona and set up another office. Jack Oakes was transferred to Spearman to manage the next office. The other offices that followed were Canyon, Dimmitt, Shamrock, Dallas, Perryton, Georgetown, Pampa and Austin.

The Panhandle during the Early Years

The primary economy in the Panhandle during the mid 1950's and 1960's revolved around agricultural-related industries. In Hereford and Friona, the industries related to grain products, cotton and cotton processing, and the storage and shipping of cattle. Gas, petroleum, agriculture, and cattle were Amarillo’s principal sources of income. Tulia’s economy also centered on farming and agribusiness activities. These Panhandle communities experienced tremendous growth during the 1950’s and 1960’s, with Amarillo encountering an 85% growth rate. Brown, Graham & Company, P.C. capitalized on this growth period and expanded considerably during this time, opening the majority of our offices during this period. The majority of BG&C clients represented the agricultural industry.

The CPA Profession during the Mid 1950's

With the business world dramatically changing as it became heavily industrialized, the 1913 income tax legislation, and the Securities Acts of 1933 and 1934, the importance of the CPA’s skills were creating a steady demand for services. The practitioner in a small community like the ones where BG&C offices were established had to provide a wide spectrum of services to the client. In addition to accounting and income tax, the CPA often served as an advisor to the client regarding many of their daily business operations. The relationship between the CPA and client is one of trust and respect. These are the attributes that describe the relationships formed with clients during those early days by the BG&C founding partners.