Sept. 13, 2023

Nelson & Nelson CPAs marks a big birthday today.

The fourth-generation Sioux Falls firm celebrates 100 years in business, providing tax, accounting, payroll and bookkeeping services.

James Nelson started the firm in the city in 1923. After serving in the Korean War, James’ son, Wes Nelson, joined the firm in 1957. Wes’ son, Chuck Nelson, joined the firm in 1983, and Chuck’s daughter, Jillian Nelson, joined the firm in 2013.

Nelson & Nelson serves clients in more than 40 states and many countries. Chuck Nelson credits the firm’s success to the individual attention and personal services it provides to clients, building many long-standing relationships.

“Jill and myself are very honored to be able to continue the tradition of our family business and helping our clients with their financial and tax needs,” he said.

According to the Family Business Institute, 30 percent of family businesses survive into the second generation, 12 percent into the third generation and 3 percent into the fourth generation.

Nelson & Nelson CPAs is the oldest existing accounting firm established in South Dakota.

It will celebrate the milestone with a ribbon-cutting at 4:30 p.m. today and an open house until 6:30 p.m. at its office at 1701 S. Minnesota Ave.

Three generations look inside South Dakota’s oldest homegrown accounting firm