CLH, CPAs & Consultants
Advising clients, volunteerism and mentoring add up to continued success for accountant
Mentoring has been at the core of Linda Hough’s career – not only at her firm, CLH, CPAs & Consultants, but also at the nonprofits where she has given her time.
“I love mentoring young and new staff and that has even spilled over into my community work,” she said. “I am a people person. I feel that I have a responsibility to give back.”
She launched her path into the accounting industry as a nontraditional student at a community college before transferring to IU South Bend.
“When I started my college career, I already had a husband and two small children,” she said. “I always knew I wanted to be an accountant as my mom was a bookkeeper. When I received my degree, CPA certificate and first job – I felt as if I could do anything!”
Linda worked at a variety of places before being approached by former co-workers John Craighead and Robert Lange who had launched a new firm and wanted her to be on board. At that time, it was just John, Bob, Linda and one support person, Sue. That was the start of what would one day be CLH, CPAs & Consultants.
“It was the best decision I ever made,” she said. “Now, we have three offices and almost 40 employees. It’s a good firm, and one I am proud of.
“My partners were a big reason why I succeeded. We supported each other. I wouldn’t have achieved even a small portion of what I have without them.”
CLH, CPAs & Consultants is a full-service CPA firm that works with businesses and individuals on tax preparation and planning, financial statement services, estate planning, business consulting and valuation services. Linda is credited with building the firm’s quality control system in accounting and assurance, the HR system for staff development, assisted with expanded service offerings, overall company development and was a trusted advisor and consultant to her clients and their businesses.
She joined the firm in 1997, became a partner shortly thereafter and worked in that role for more than 20 years before easing into retirement. She led the opening of the firm’s third location in LaPorte, adding to offices in Michigan City and Valparaiso.
“I no longer do client work but still go in for special projects,” she said.
Linda has also been instrumental in organizations that have a special place in her heart. She has volunteered and served at Dunebrook and Paladin (formerly Michiana Resources) as well as the Regional Development Company, Michigan City Chamber of Commerce and various other community organizations.
“In order to give back and get involved, you have to have a passion for the organization and its mission,” she said.
Linda has been given the Athena Award by the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce, the Lester Radke Community Service Award by Dunebrook and the Outstanding Community Service Award from the Indiana CPA Society for her volunteer work.
On her community service, she added: “You have to commit your time, treasure and talent – if you can’t give all three, you should not get involved.”
“I really enjoy mentoring staff and when they achieve their goals it means I did too,” she said. “I was the first female partner at CLH and now two women that I hired and mentored have been named partners. I am so proud of both of them.”
CLH, CPAs & Consultants
Offices in LaPorte, Michigan City and Valparaiso