Richard E. Gavin, CPA, CCIFP

Richard E. Gavin, CPA, CCIFP, Partner

"When formulating a succession plan for a client, we realized we had a lot of people to please. The older generation, the younger generation, and the outside credit grantors all had different needs and objectives. We created a structure that transferred the business to the younger generation without cash outlay, eliminated the personal guaranties of the older generations, and provided the credit security required by the corporate creditors-all in a way that never negatively affected the business. The operations were successfully transferred to the younger generation, and the family, who had felt pressures before we came in, was completely satisfied with the outcome."

Richard E. Gavin is a partner at Grassi & Co. and is the construction industry niche leader. He began his career more than 25 years ago and has extensive experience in operational reviews, business forecasting and projecting, business valuations, human resource advisory services, overhead analysis, internal control evaluations, and strategic tax planning.

Rick is a frequent lecturer on tax issues, financial statements, analytical reviews, fraud prevention, and internal control development. In addition to presenting to clients and contacts, Rick is an adjunct professor at Columbia University teaching a graduate level course in finance and accounting for construction contractors. Rick has numerous published articles on family business succession planning, best practices, and joint ventures. 

In order to keep current with changes and issues affecting our clients, Rick is active in numerous industry trade organizations such as the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA), Long Island Contractors Association (LICA), and the Construction Industry Council (CIC).  Rick is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA). He also serves as the chairman of the firm's construction accounting committee and is a member of the tax committee.

Always looking to support his community, Rick serves as the President of the Board of Directors of the Family Service League, a non-sectarian human services organization established in 1926 to address the issues of child welfare, unemployment and poverty. He also serves as the Board Treasurer for the Surety Association of New Jersey (SANJ).  Rick was one of the first individuals in the country to attain the designation of Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP). He has a bachelor of business administration degree from Hofstra University.