McGuire Sponsel’s Growth and the Strategic Partnership with Tilson
The Challenge: Growth Beyond Expectations
In 2007, TJ Sponsel and Dave McGuire set out with a bold vision: to revolutionize the CPA industry by offering specialized tax consulting services. With a little more than two laptops, two cars, and an unshakable belief in their mission, they began traveling across the Midwest, spreading their message. Their unique business model quickly gained traction, growing from a two-person operation to a national firm with four fully staffed offices in Indianapolis, Dallas, Atlanta, and Phoenix, and a workforce nearing 100 employees.
However, with rapid expansion came growing pains. What started as a small, nimble business soon required a sophisticated infrastructure.
As McGuire Sponsel crossed the thresholds of 10, 20, 30, and even 40 employees—adding remote workers and completing acquisitions—the complexity of managing HR operations across multiple states became a significant challenge.
The Search for a Solution
Recognizing the need for an expert partner, McGuire Sponsel set out to find an HR solutions provider that could scale with them. Their methodical approach, led them to evaluate multiple providers. They needed a partner who understood the entrepreneurial spirit that had driven their success and who could offer tailored HR support to sustain their rapid growth.
The Tilson Advantage
Enter Tilson. While other firms presented strong proposals, it was the personal connection that set Tilson apart. Tilson took the time to understand McGuire Sponsel’s culture and long-term goals. Brent, an entrepreneur himself, resonated with TJ and Dave’s journey, forging a relationship built on trust.
With Tilson on board, McGuire Sponsel gained a partner that could shoulder their HR complexities, allowing them to refocus on what they did best—serving clients and developing their people. Tilson’s expertise in multi-state HR management gave McGuire Sponsel the confidence that their workforce was in capable hands, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and a solid foundation for continued expansion.
“Tilson made a connection with us. They made it clear they were going to take the time to invest in our business–we felt we were in great hands with them.” -TJ Sponsel, Managing Shareholder McGuire Sponsel
The Outcome: A Business Poised for the Future
By partnering with Tilson, McGuire Sponsel streamlined its HR operations, enabling leadership to concentrate on innovation and growth. The firm remains committed to its people and clients, confident that the backend of its business is expertly managed. Today, McGuire Sponsel stands stronger than ever, a testament to the power of strategic partnerships and the value of choosing the right allies in business.
