Over 80 Years of Service (1939 - Present)
Robert B. Krost Public Accountant is established in Pasadena in 1939
KROST, formerly Robert B. Krost Public Accountant, was established in 1939 by Robert B. Krost, who previously worked in the accounting offices of Lockheed Corporation. Venturing out to create his own firm he established many key contacts to help his clients through the various tax rules and regulations of the time. Some of these were with local IRS office managers and the head of the State Board of Equalization. Needless to say, these contacts were very important in resolving various tax issues for his clients which helped him grow his practice.
Robert B. Krost Public Accountant
Robert opened his accounting practice at the Security Bank building on 234 Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA.
A Family Business
In the 1960s, Robert’s sons John and Rick began working at the firm. John worked for the firm while attending college at California State Los Angeles. Rick joined after serving two years in the army, then also attending California State Los Angeles.
John S. Krost Joins the Firm
John Krost joins the firm on December 1, 1960 as an accounting intern.
Computer Technology & Automation
![Balistics Research Lab [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons](https://www.krostcpas.com/wp-content/uploads/Monrobot_Mark_XI.jpg)
“At the beginning of the computer age (late 60’s) the firm saw the benefits that automation could provide to their clients and to the office. They installed one of the first automated accounting systems (Monrobot), which was a punched tape to tape system that created the general ledger and financial statements from tape machines reading to electric typewriters. As technology improved the firm upgraded to a minicomputer (Basic 4), a big improvement over the old tape to tape machine. Once this system was installed the firm was fully automated to handle all their clients accounting needs, in fact, we were the first accounting practice in the Pasadena area to be computerized.” — Rick Krost
Rick Krost is Promoted to Partner
After passing the CPA exam, Rick Krost is the third person at the firm to be promoted to partner.
First Merger: Krost Russell and Company
In 1974, Robert was planning his retirement, so John and Rick decided to grow the firm. They purchased a well known and respected firm, William Russell and Company, along with the building the firm occupied at 719 E. Union Street in Pasadena. The firm, now doubled in size, changed its name to Krost Russell and Company.
Robert Retires
In 1974, the firm’s founder Robert Krost retires and moves to Hawaii to live out his life in a warm climate.
Roger Baumgarten Joins as Partner – Audit & Assurance Now Offered as a Service
In 1974, John’s brother-in-law Roger Baumgarten joins the firm as partner. Roger leads KROST’s first Audit & Assurance practice.
Luis (Lou) Guerrero Promoted to Principal
In 1995, the firm promoted Lou Guerrero to Principal. Today, Lou leads the firm’s tax practice.
Krost, Baumgarten, Kniss & Guerrero Moves
On July 17, 2006, the firm announced a move from their former location on the corner of Hudson and Colorado to 790 E Colorado Boulevard.
Jason Melillo Promoted to Principal
In 2007, the firm promoted Jason Melillo to Principal.
Rick Krost Retires
On January 23, 2012, KROST honored Rick Krost as he retired from the firm. A celebration was held at the University Club in Pasadena.
Jean Hagan Promoted to Principal
In 2014, Jean was promoted to Principal. Today, Jean leads the restaurant industry practice providing business management solutions to operations across California.
Name Changed to KROST CPAS & Consultants.
In 2016, Krost, Baumgarten, Kniss & Guerrero, An Accountancy Corporation rebranded and changed the company name to KROST CPAS & Consultants.
So Sum Lee Promoted to Principal
In 2019, So Sum Lee was promoted to Principal. Today, she works in partnership with Lou Guerrero to run KROST’s tax department. Lou often refers to So Sum as his “right hand.”
KROST Celebrates the 80th Anniversary
2019 marked the 80th anniversary of the firm. To commemorate the milestone, the firm released a special edition logo.
Stacey Korman Promoted To Principal
In January 2021, Stacey Korman was promoted to Principal.
Evelyn Fernandez Promoted To Principal
In June 2021, Evelyn Fernandez was promoted to Principal.
Greg Kniss Promoted To Chairperson of the Board
In January 2022, Greg Kniss was promoted to Chairperson of the Board.
Jason Melillo Promoted to CEO
In January 2022, Jason Melillo was promoted to CEO.
Keith Hamasaki Promoted To Principal
In January 2022, Keith Hamasaki was promoted to Principal.
Paren Knadjian Promoted To Principal
In July 2022, Paren Knadjian was promoted to Principal.
Brad Pauley Promoted To Principal
In July 2022, Brad Pauley was promoted to Principal.
Grant Miller Joins as Principal of Tax
In January 2023, Grant Miller joined as Principal of Tax.
Pasadena in the 1940s Source: Samhuddy at English Wikipedia. [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Monrobot Image Source: Balistics Research Lab [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Hawaiian Beach Source: National Archives at College Park [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons