Last week, Wheeler’s Watsonville office held a celebration acknowledging the retirements of Dennis Campbell and Steve Stringari.
Wheeler’s partners met Steve and Dennis the same way they met several other practitioners through Michael Bryant’s peer reviews. As is often the case, during their peer review the topic of retirement came up. After a few more meetings and lunches, the framework of a deal was in place.
For Steve and Dennis, an acquisition presented the opportunity for them to find a home for their clients. For Wheeler, it expanded our firm presence “over the hill” where we have a few partners and staff that live in Watsonville.
Steve and Dennis were clear from the outset that they wanted three things. First, they wanted their clients taken care of. Second, they wanted the reputation of their firm maintained. Third, they wanted to work less. The last one took a few years to get squared away, but we finally made it happen.
Dennis has been proactive and diligent with his work and a patient teacher and mentor to others in the firm. Steve was beloved by many of his clients, trusted completely, and he wanted to be able to help everyone.
Steve and Dennis were big shoes to fill, and if that’s the case then Evan Benevento must have four feet. Evan is unafraid of hard work, bright, a quick learner, passionate, and always willing to learn and improve. Evan has jumped right into getting involved in the community via Rotary, business networking events and other local causes.
We celebrate the conclusion of two incredibly successful careers, marked by a commitment to their clients and a strong connection with the Watsonville community. Congratulations to Steve and Dennis on your retirements!