The History of eCPAn
How It All Started
eCPAn started in 1997 as The National Association of Home-Based CPAs (“NAHBCPA”). Its founder, Jean DeKraker, had recently started her own practice after working as an independent contractor for the firm of Bernard & Stallman. Working as a sole-practitioner with an office in her home, Jean saw the importance of having a group of colleagues available for consultation.
She contacted other sole proprietor CPAs in the greater Phoenix area, seeking to determine their level of interest in establishing a group that would cater to the needs of sole proprietors working from home. Jean had clearly tapped a need. A group of about 8 – 10 CPAs attended the Organizational Meeting that was held on October 23, 1997. Articles of Incorporation were filed with the AZ Corporation Commission on December 22, 1997. NAHBCPA was born.
NAHBCPA outgrew its name not long after inception. Some members moved to brick-and-mortar locations while others continued to operate from their homes. “Home Based” was no longer reflective of the members. What name would better reflect the group’s identity? Well, members are entrepreneurs. They’re CPAs. They like to get together. So Entrepreneurial CPA Network, or eCPAn, became the new name. (Another incident may have also had an impact on the decision: At a meeting being held at the Fiesta Inn in Tempe, the hotel directory referred to the group as the “National Association of Homeless CPAs”).
While the name has changed, the mission remains in force: to provide small-firm and sole-practitioner CPAs with peer interaction, reasonably priced quality CPE, referrals and contacts between members, and technical support. Membership continues to grow, an endorsement of the value eCPAn provides. Interested? Test drive the group by attending a meeting as a guest. Or simply click here to join now.
History provided by Rick Harrison
The People Who Made it Possible
eCPAn owes its existence to those founding members and early participants. Special thanks go to the following people who made this organization possible.
The first Board of Directors consisted of CPAs Jean DeKraker, Charlene Ives, Nancy Guy, and Rick Harrison, plus non-CPA Deborah Johnson, a client/friend of Jean’s who specialized in marketing.
Other members in the early years of 1998 – 99 included Susan Davis, Mary Fiore, Hank Winkelman, Bill Parker, Brian Miller, Lori Barrett, Annette Telfer, Clint Wasser, Libby Goff, Margaret Stallworthy, Karen Corona, Diana Heard, and Ron Taryle.
Serving as President during the early years (1998 – 2003) were: Jean DeKraker, Charlene Ives, Bill Parker, Ann Couch, and Susan Nusser.