About

Padgett Advisors

Since Walter Padgett first opened his business more than 50 years ago, our focus has been on supporting small businesses across America. Since we started as a small business, we know how important they are to our economy, and we understand the challenges business owners face and what they need to overcome those challenges.

Our Mission:

We empower individuals and business owners to pursue their goals and do more of what they love by providing tax, accounting, payroll, and business consulting services.

Our Values:

We believe that small businesses deserve the same resources and opportunities that big businesses have, so we want to help provide that support.

Our Vision:

We aim to continue to build a strong, nationwide community of support for small businesses through a network of individually owned Padgett firms.

An older man with short gray hair and glasses wearing a gray suit, white shirt, and black tie, posing against a plain, softly colored background.

1965

Walter Padgett started Padgett Business Services in Athens, GA to assist small business owners with their bookkeeping and tax needs. Padgett quickly distinguished itself by using a proprietary-designed bookkeeping system created especially for the small business sector.

1975

The company grew rapidly in the Georgia market and, after significant growth for several years, entered the franchising arena, opening the first franchise office in Augusta, GA, owned by Johnny Hewitt.

1976

Padgett hosts our first annual Tax Seminar to support franchisees. This event game them an opportunity to learn about new developments in the industry and build friendship and community with their fellow Padgett office owners.

A man in a white shirt and tie stands next to a large sign displaying Paquette Services aux Entreprises Business Services in a decorated room with a microphone and Bonaventure Hilton podium in the background.

1987

Having established numerous franchises throughout the United States, Padgett crossed the border and opened the first Canadian franchise.

1992

After ten years working for Walter Padgett and another ten years as president of one of the largest Padgett franchises, Roger Harris becomes president of the company. He still serves in this role today.

Two men in suits sit at a hearing table with microphones, nameplates, and metal pitchers. One man is speaking. Portraits and antlers hang on the wall behind them in a formal room.

1996

We felt like it was time to give back to our clients and be their advocate, so Padgett began working in Washington, D.C., with appearances before the U.S. Senate and House to testify on behalf of small business owners. With so much pending legislation in Washington that was so important to Padgett clients, The Padgett Foundation was born two years later.

A storefront window displays PAGETT BUSINESS SERVICES: Financial Reporting and Tax Consulting, with flower boxes and blue doors numbered 3119. The office interior is visible through the glass.

2007

The 500th office in Padgett history opens in Ohio.

2015

Padgett celebrates 50 years of supporting small businesses across the United States and Canada. By providing tax, accounting, payroll, and business consulting services, we allow business owners to do more of what they love and do best.

A person holds a magazine titled “The Top 100: The Most Influential People in Accounting,” featuring portraits of ten smiling individuals on the cover against a textured orange background.

2021

Padgett’s fourth home office leadership team member is recognized in Accounting Today’s Top 100 list, and our second executive is appointed to the IRS Advisory Committee (IRSAC).

NOW

Today, Padgett supports thousands of small businesses across North America through our network of hundreds of individually-owned locations. We continue to expand throughout the U.S. and Canada to better serve as trusted advisors to business owners across the continent.

Services