We couldn’t be more proud of our story.
Founder Herm Kruggel, a South Bend native and graduate of the University of Notre Dame,  knew this was where he wanted to raise a family with his wife, Beverly. Shortly after serving two years as an audit agent for the Army in 1956, he opened his own accounting practice on Jefferson Boulevard in South Bend. By 1975 the business was thriving. Herm invited his longtime friend, Roy Lawton, to join him and the firm then became known as Kruggel, Lawton & Company, LLC.
Kruggel Lawton’s mascot KLark was introduced in 2022.
We are Kruggel Lawton CPA
Together they provided a wide range of audit, accounting, and tax services to clients – primarily closely held, family-owned businesses. When you talk to Herm, he will tell you that their clients were really more like friends…who they just happened to do business with. Herm and Roy knew about their clients’ families, hobbies, worries, and joys. And they wouldn’t have it any other way.
Now over 65 years later, the firm has grown to nearly 150 employees and 20 partners. Although Kruggel Lawton is now the largest locally owned accounting firm in the South Bend/Elkhart Region, the same business philosophy still drives us. Our people are some of the most talented and experienced professionals you will find. But what matters more is that you can talk to us. We’re down-to-earth, we understand your business, and we understand you. Let’s get to know one another!
Firm Facts:
Founded in 1956
Office locations in South Bend, Elkhart and Goshen, Indiana, Portage and St. Joseph, Michigan, and Knoxville, Tennessee
Nearly 150 talented team members
4 primary service lines (tax, assurance, CAAS, advisory)
Independent member of BDO Alliance USA
