DALE J. Garabedian, CEO, Owner
The Garabedian Group

What we do: 

Founded on over 30 years of public accounting experience, The Garabedian Group (TGG) has assembled a team of highly qualified professionals who work to achieve our fundamental philosophy of becoming an effective team player in our clients’ financial well-being.

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Having worked with a variety of clients — from individuals to multi-million dollar corporations — we understand how to optimize our team members’ specialties and sculpt our advisory services to further clients’ specific financial goals. The customized solutions generated for each client are designed to maximize their financial benefits while minimizing risk.

Education: 

Graduated from McLane High School. 1970

Attended Fresno State and received a Bachelor of Science in accounting, 1975

Age: 60 

Family: Married to Kandy Garabedian for 37 years. My two children, Aaron and Lauren, work for the Garabedian Group, making it a family business.

About how many businesses do you serve? Can you give me an example of some, DALE? 

We serve over 100 businesses such as real estate investors, convenience stores, real estate sales, packing houses, wholesale distributors, retail stores, auto repair, farmers and many others.

What are some of the latest tax credits and incentives that businesses should know about, DALE?

There are four big tax credits and incentives that businesses should know about. 

1.California Enterprise Zone – If your business is located in a California Enterprise Zone, a business can qualify for hiring tax credits of up to $37,500 per new hire.

2.Cost Segregation – If you own real property, a cost segregation study can result in 20% – 70% acceleration of depreciation

3.Research and Development – lab coats and microscopes are not required for this tax credit. Most companies creating new products, processes or software will qualify.

4.Federal Work Opportunity – Income tax credit of $2,400 to $9,000 per qualified new hire. 

What’s the most rewarding part of what you do, DALE? 

Being able to assist our clients (who are now not just clients but our friends too), achieve the goals and aspirations they aspire to through a collaborative effort of business coaching, financial planning and tax efficiency. 

What innovations are you most excited about, DALE?

We offer a work environment that evaluates employees on results, not presence or time spent at work, allowing team members to manage their lives at work and personally. We have also implemented technology that allows our team to reach all of the firm’s information from wherever they are.

What do you feel you have accomplished and what would you still like to accomplish in life, DALE?

We believe our firm is changing and improving the lives of all those we work with on a daily basis. We have a successful firm because of the team members we have and the innovative structure of the firm, how we work, and how we care about all those involved.  

We believe our philosophy of collaboration with clients has brought us long-term relationships that are very meaningful to the client and team so much that we really are involved in our clients’ lives. Improving each life as our mission states.

What got you interested in becoming an accountant, DALE?

While a business student at Fresno State I took accounting courses and just became enthusiastic about it. I really like the way everything needs to be orderly, balanced and present a final result.

What was your first job and what did you learn from it, DALE?

1^st Job in accounting:

I started as an intern at LeRoy H Gunter & Co. my senior year in college and they offered me a fulltime position as of January 1, 1976. I actually performed an inventory observation that day in San Rafael with one of the partners and one other staff member.  

I learned from this job that the client comes first and you need to communicate with them in order to determine what their needs are and what they are really looking for.  

1^st job ever:

15 years-old and I worked at a grape dehydrator stacking wooden trays of grapes and pushing them into the sulfur houses to dehydrate. Long days, hot, sweating and itchy (from the sulfur). I learned manual labor was good for your soul but I would prefer some sort of career that did not include manual labor.

What are your roots in the San Joaquin Valley, DALE?

My roots are in the San Joaquin Valley. I am second generation and was born, raised, went to school and have always worked in Fresno. I love this town and area. None better. I am very fortunate in that my entire family is basically here in the Central Valley or California.   

This is the greatest place to live. Three hours to S.F. or L.A., five hours to Tahoe or Las Vegas, one hour to the Sierra’s for skiing, 2 ½ hours to the Pacific Ocean….how much better can that be?

What do you do in your spare time, DALE? 

Spend time with my family, go to Morro Bay, ride Harley’s, play golf, snow ski, fishing and boating.