Roseville-based Olsen Thielen Celebrates 100th Anniversary

An anniversary celebration is often an exercise in internal reflection. For Roseville-based Olsen Thielen & Co., LTD, celebrating its 100th anniversary later this fall is more about those external entities who have made its century of existence possible. 

“We recognize this is a significant milestone, and we want to celebrate the clients and community we have been involved with for 100 years, because without them, we would not be here,” said Patrick Powers, President of Olsen Thielen CPAs and Advisors.

Olsen Thielen is a full service accounting and consulting firm listed as one of the top 25 CPA firms by various rankings in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. One hundred years after establishing itself as a Minnesota accounting firm specializing in the rural telecom industry, Olsen Thielen’s client base has expanded with particular emphasis in the manufacturing and distribution, medical and dental, not-for-profit, professional services, construction and real estate and telecommunications.  

From their Roseville headquarters and another office in Eden Prairie, Olsen Thielen provides traditional accounting and tax services, along with delivering top quality solutions for clients through advisory services, such as business valuation, outsourced accounting, employee benefits, peer review, wealth management, financial planning and fraud and risk advisory services.

“Over the last 10 years, there has been a trend in accounting firms to look at how they can contribute to client’s growth,” said Daniel Owens, Principal at Olsen Thielen and a board member with Visit Roseville. “We serve small to medium size businesses with several number services they may need to be successful.”

Trusting Relationships

Olsen Thielen was founded on the belief that personal attention, trust and quality service were the key elements to helping its clients succeed.  That commitment remains 100 years later and building strong, trusting relationships with clients is directly responsible for its longevity and growth.

Recently, the firm launched a video celebrating its 100-year milestone and acknowledging its clients’ and communities’ role in past success.

“Olsen Thielen does not manufacture a product to be shipped to customers, so we are in the relationship-building business,” said Lisa Dunnigan, Principal and CIO of Olsen Thielen. “Individuals buy the trust our services provide.”

Relationships became even more critical during the COVID-19 crisis, as Olsen Thielen had to learn how to adapt right along with their clients. 

“We pivoted very quickly to learn how to work remotely and how to take all our technology on the road, as many of our accountants work at client sites,” Dunnigan said. “There were certainly some bumps during that transition, but we were up and running quickly without a gap in our client services.” 

Roseville offers central location

After outgrowing a nearby Little Canada facility, Olsen Thielen moved to its current offices in Roseville in 2008. The city provided several advantages to Olsen Thielen, beginning with a central location that is easy to access for employees and plenty of room for commuters to park. That location also provides staff access to many client destinations quickly, with nearby lodging available for those coming from out of town. Additionally, Roseville offers many community involvement opportunities, such as the Roseville Rotary and Roseville Business Council, that offer energizing engagement and networking opportunities.

“A significant benefit to Roseville is the ongoing city development facilitating Business-to-Business and Business-to-Consumer clients that fit nicely with our services,” said Powers.

Thankful for past

There are no grand parades or celebrations scheduled for the 100th anniversary. While the company acknowledges it is a special year, it plans to take a simple approach that focuses on the good relationships it has formed over the years. The company will undoubtedly have some marketing presence this fall when the actual 100-year mark arrives, but it will focus on clients, friends of the firm and general community, said Powers. 

“We are not focused on one day or one year, but rather a milestone that is part of our brand,” he said. “We are proud of our past, with reverence to our early founders who strove through the Great Depression and various recessions to get us to where we are today.”

Looking past those first 100 years, Olsen Thielen sees technology-driven improvements in the accounting world and more advisory services coming to the forefront. Doing so will require a continued focus on trust and building good relationships.

“Our job will continue to be serving as an excellent resource for our clients,” said Powers. “We are here to give our clients guidance and that only comes from having a relationship with someone you trust.”

The Roseville Economic Development Authority (REDA) coordinates and administers economic development and redevelopment initiatives for the City of Roseville, MN. It serves as a comprehensive resource for businesses seeking to startup and grow in the area. In addition to prioritizing business retention and expansion, the REDA connects area employers with the dedicated and talented workforce they need to succeed and thrive.