53 Years Later…What Would Mr. Horne Think?

Today marks the 53^rd anniversary since the founding of HORNE. Five decades of serving clients!

When someone recently asked me what I thought Mr. Horne, Sr. would say if he could see us now, I chuckled and told her that Mr. Horne would probably have more than a few words for me! I know he would ask “What is this Wise Firm?” and “Why are we putting so much knowledge out on our website?” In many ways, we are very different than that sole proprietorship he established in 1962. That transition began with Roy Ward (our second executive partner) who was our managing partner for more than 20 years. Mr. Ward laid out the initial vision to be a statewide Mississippi accounting adviosry firm with offices about 90 miles apart focused on key healthcare clients. Dr. Hugh Parker helped expand that vision to a strong regional firm with national influence. Today, we have sharpened our focus to be unrivaled regionally and recognized nationally in our seven areas of focus. With continuing emphasis on people, clients and community, the HORNE brand is making an impact as an influencer within the profession. We are a multi-generational team of more than 500 team members with clients in almost every state. We’re more complex, yet more effective. More innovative in bringing solutions to our clients. More nimble and more collaborative. More anticipatory. More inclusive. We are becoming more like the Wise Firm.

But, thank goodness, we’ve remained the same, too. I think Mr. Horne would be proud that we’ve held close to the core values that he and Roy Ward set forth all those years ago. I am sure he’d be very proud of the way we have remained committed to developing our people in reaching their full potential. He would be proud of the way we’ve remained committed to client service. And I know he’d love the way his entrepreneurial spirit has become ingrained in the very fabric of our firm. Dr. Parker loved to remind people that HORNE has failed at more things than most firms ever attempt. That statement is spot on. Our commitment to growth and opportunity for everyone means we’ll continue to challenge the status quo, take measured risks and remain devoted to “We and Service” as our foundation of strength. 

Every year we mark the anniversary of HORNE’s founding—while we are committed to forward thinking and the windshield view of the Wise Firm, it’s also important to remember where we’ve come from and celebrate the journey. It is important to celebrate all of the team members including our founders who paved the way for the opportunities that we enjoy today. 

Yes, Mr. Horne might never have envisioned all HORNE would become, but I do believe he would be proud.

About the Author:
Joey Havens, CPA, is the executive partner at HORNE LLP, where he passionately lives out his life’s calling to help others see and reach their full potential. He is a husband, father, grandfather, avid outdoorsman and fanatical college sports fan.