KOP Insiders: Michael R. Wolf, CPA Principal & Regional Director, HBK Construction Solutions

KOP Insiders delves into the stories of the people who make King of Prussia one of Pennsylvania’s most dynamic live-work-play-stay destinations.

In depth interviews provide insight into the companies that make up our diverse business community and put a face to the individuals behind the business. In this edition, we are joined by Michael R. Wolf, CPA, Principal & Regional Director at HBK Construction Solutions.

Can you share a bit about your professional journey and how you ended up at HBK in King of Prussia?

I began my career in public accounting after transitioning from the insurance industry and completing additional coursework at Villanova University to qualify for the CPA exam. After a brief stint at Price Waterhouse, I realized auditing and big firm culture weren’t the right fit, so I moved to the private sector, joining a publicly traded construction company. This transition proved invaluable, allowing me to gain comprehensive experience in corporate accounting from the client perspective.

In 1996, I joined Resnick Amsterdam Leshner, a respected boutique CPA firm in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, which had 25 employees at the time. I joined with the dual objectives of building my client base and gaining tax experience. As the firm grew, I advanced to partner status and helped develop several specialty practices, notably becoming the leading CPA firm for minor league baseball teams nationwide. Our work with professional athletes proved particularly attractive to new talent. We built a diverse client portfolio spanning manufacturing, construction, real estate and professional services, including law firms, medical practices and restaurants.

By 2016, our growth prompted us to consider merger opportunities. After evaluating several firms that weren’t quite the right fit, we found an ideal match in HBK. Their corporate culture, office size and client base aligned perfectly with ours. After several visits to their Youngstown, Ohio headquarters and various offices, we were convinced. The merger provided access to large-firm resources while maintaining our boutique approach and client relationships which was a top priority for us. In the eight years since, we’ve expanded to eight service lines and successfully relocated to King of Prussia. Though I was initially skeptical about the move from Blue Bell, it has significantly contributed to our continued growth and success.

That is what we love to hear! How did HBK end up deciding on King of Prussia when relocating three years ago?

As a top 50 accounting firm, HBK sought a prime location outside Philadelphia, so we narrowed our search to Conshohocken, Plymouth Meeting and King of Prussia. While suitable office spaces were available in all three areas, our primary consideration was attracting top accounting talent. King of Prussia emerged as the clear choice, offering a significantly larger pool of accounting graduates within a five-mile radius compared to Blue Bell. The location’s appeal to commuters has proven invaluable for recruitment, a benefit I’ve witnessed firsthand during our three years here.

The location’s accessibility has also enhanced our client relationships. Many clients find our King of Prussia office more convenient than our previous Blue Bell location, and those who travel slightly further appreciate the area’s amenities and shopping options. This combination of professional accessibility and practical convenience has reinforced King of Prussia’s reputation as a premier business hub. 

What advantages does King of Prussia offer to professional service firms like HBK in terms of access to clients, talent and resources?

The primary advantage of our King of Prussia location is access to talent. Our demographic study revealed approximately 5,000 CPAs within the immediate radius of King of Prussia, compared to roughly 850 in Blue Bell—a significant differential that expands our potential talent pool. The King of Prussia address itself carries considerable weight in recruitment; as a colleague aptly predicted, the value of the KOP zip code became evident only after our relocation.

The area’s comprehensive amenities enhance our business environment, with diverse dining options within walking distance. Moreover, King of Prussia’s pro-growth business climate and ongoing development initiatives create a dynamic professional atmosphere. Being part of this evolving business community allows HBK to contribute to and benefit from the area’s continued expansion and transformation.

Talk to me a little bit about how King of Prussia plays into employee retention and the culture.

Our cultural transformation has been driven primarily by internal initiatives, but our King of Prussia location has contributed significantly to this evolution. The modern office environment, with its efficient facilities and professional neighbors, provides the foundation for a positive workplace atmosphere. These seemingly minor improvements have made a meaningful impact on our daily operations.

The location’s strategic advantages extend beyond our office space. The proximity to retail and dining establishments allows our team to efficiently manage personal errands during breaks, from grocery shopping at Wegmans to quick gift purchases. This convenience, combined with improved commute options, promotes a better work-life balance, a cornerstone of our corporate culture.

What is your vision for how HBK and your office will evolve in the next five to ten years?

Our King of Prussia location serves as a hub for cross-office collaboration, enabling us to leverage expertise from team members across the country. We’ve moved beyond traditional office boundaries to create a more integrated network of professionals, ensuring our clients receive optimal service from the most qualified specialists in our organization. By embracing technological advances, we maintain a modern, productive workspace that facilitates this collaborative approach.

Our five-year strategic plan emphasizes the continued development of expertise across all service lines. While attracting top talent remains a priority—as it does for all accounting firms, HBK distinguishes itself through early leadership opportunities for promising professionals. We’ve enhanced our traditional technical training with intentional leadership development programs, fostering young leaders throughout our organization. This commitment to developing both technical and leadership capabilities positions us for sustained growth and success in an evolving industry.

About HBK

HBK provides small to mid-market businesses and their owners and operators with a wide range of financial solutions, including accounting, tax, and audit services; wealth management; business valuation; transaction advisory services; forensic accounting; litigation support services; and business consulting, including broad expertise in a number of major industries. The CPA firm dates back to 1949 and added its wealth management practice in 2001. HBK CPAs & Consultants and HBKS Wealth Advisors serve clients out of offices in Columbus and Youngstown, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Erie, Hermitage, Meadville, and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania; Holmdel and Cherry Hill, New Jersey; Long Island and Fredonia, New York; Fort Myers, Naples, Stuart, Sarasota, and Boca Raton, Florida; and Delhi, India. HBK also ranks in the Top 50 on Accounting Today’s list of the largest U.S. CPA firms; HBKS Wealth Advisors is a Top 100 registered investment advisory.

HBK– King of Prussia
200 N. Warner Road, Suite 210
King of Prussia, PA 19406
hbkcpa.com