Firm History
Celebrating 80 Years of History
On September 18, 1939, Floyd L. Sanford, George W. Myers, and James A. DeWald opened an office in the Lincoln Tower that began the firm that is now Dulin, Ward & DeWald, Inc. The firm was known as Sanford, Myers and DeWald until 1972. Floyd Sanford began his public accounting career with Ernst and Ernst in Indianapolis and moved to Fort Wayne in 1927. In 1931 he formed the company Pease, Sanford and Reinking. George Myers was also with Ernst and Ernst and then Pease, Sanford and Reinking. James DeWald had previously worked at Fort Wayne National Bank.
DWD moved to 1610 Spy Run Avenue in October 1957. The offices were significantly expanded in April 1973.
DWD opened an office in Marion, Indiana in 1981. On May 1, 1985 DWD acquired the office of Wayne Hall in Marion. This was a major acquisition that gave us a strong presence in community. The Marion office is now managed by Mike Ernst.
Computer operations for the firm began in the late 1950’s. In these early years DWD outsourced computer processing to companies in Peoria, Illinois and Lansing, Michigan. Later on, the processing was performed in Fort Wayne, but still outsourced. Finally, in 1970 the firm acquired their first IBM System/3 computer. The firm continued to process information using an IBM mini mainframe until PC’s became prevalent in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s.
The computer consulting side has changed dramatically over the years as well. DWD did a considerable amount of programming up until the late 1980’s. Now the technology consultants assist clients with hardware, software and network installation, along with training and support. Our computer division now operates as DWD Technology Group.
In June of 2007, DWD moved its Fort Wayne office to its current location, 9921 Dupont Circle Drive West, Suite 300. On October 1, 2013, DWD acquired The Bair CPA Group which included 12 additional employees.
In our eighty years of existence there have been eight managing directors. George Myers and then later James DeWald succeeded Floyd Sanford as leaders of our firm. Frank Dulin, Allen Ward, Michael DeWald, Jim Doty and now Jeff Taner have also headed the firm.
One final thought - In 1939 the highest income tax rate was 79% for individuals and 38% for corporations. In 1944 the highest income tax rate for individuals was at an all-time high of 94%. Currently the highest income tax rate is 37% for individuals and 21% for corporations. So for those of you who think income taxes are high today, think again. Our predecessors have experienced much higher rates.
Chronology of Partners
1939 – Floyd Sanford
1939 – George Myers
1939 – James DeWald
1953 – Frank Dulin, Jr.
1953 – Paul Shirmeyer
1958 – Allen Ward
1966 – Howard Westerhausen
1968 – Michael DeWald
1973 – James Wine
1978 – Robert Meyer
1980 – James Doty
1980 – James Hindle
1986 – J. Nelson Coats
1993 – Michael O’Brien
1996 – Jeff Taner and Mark Westerhausen
2001 – Mike Ernst, Bob Kohlmeyer and Byron Price
2010 – Casey Scheurich
2014 – Burt Brunner
2016 – Valerie McHarry and Jessica Ogle
2017 – Carrie Minnich
2019 – Chris Mengerink
2020 – Zach Richards
Managing Partners:
Floyd Sanford
George Myers
James DeWald
Frank Dulin
Allen Ward 1/1/79
Michael DeWald 1/1/93
Jim Doty 7/1/02
Jeff Taner 7/1/09