Founder of Elgin CPA, management consulting firm dies
Friends and family are remembering Alfred "Al" E. Mueller, founding partner of accounting firm Mueller & Co. LLP - now Mueller - after he died last week at home.
Through his vision, leadership style and skills, Mueller has left a lasting legacy for employees, clients and the Elgin community.
Mueller, who died on March 19, served in the U.S. Army/Air Corps as a gunnery instructor from 1943 to 1946 and received his accounting degree from Northwestern School of Business. In 1968, Mueller founded Mueller & Co. LLP to serve the region's growing base of small-to medium-sized businesses, local municipalities and nonprofit organizations.
"In 1968, Al was at a crossroads in his career with the choice to join a large firm or to embark on an entrepreneurial journey and start his own firm. His focus on making sure clients received personal attention versus feeling like a 'number' aided him in his decision," said David J. Nissen, Mueller's current managing partner who was a young CPA under Mueller in the mid-1980s.
Mueller's civic and philanthropic endeavors earned him praise for his volunteering spirit and many contributions to the community. He supported the USA Council of International Serra Club, Kiwanis, Catholic Charities, Catholic Diocese of Rockford, Fox Valley Mental Health, Tuberculosis Association of Kane County, St. Joseph Hospital, Knights of Columbus, St. Thomas More Parish, First National Bank and United Way.
Mueller retired in 1988 but continued to leave a lasting mark on the firm as it grew to become one of the top 20 accounting firms in Chicago.
"We would not be the firm we are today if not for Al's vision, determination and entrepreneurship. Beyond firm longevity and size, Al's strongest contribution was to our culture. He was a people person who was always interested in other's stories and experiences. To him, employees were more family and friend and that culture exists here today," Nissen said.
In retirement, Al continued to take part in client appreciation events, employee events and company milestones. When the firm moved in 2012 to its present location in Elgin, Mueller was able to join the employees, share a few memories and cut the ribbon recognizing the move to a new location and new beginnings.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Anne, his seven children, and many grand and great grandchildren.