HMWC CPAs & Business Advisors was founded in 1969 by Robert Sterman.  After a number of years as a CPA with accounting firms in New York and the Los Angeles area, Mr. Sterman saw an opportunity and need in Orange County for a highly personalized and sophisticated accounting service.  Under his leadership, Sterman, Higashi & Herter developed a strong reputation in the real estate, healthcare, professional, service and other industries, becoming known for innovative tax planning strategies. 

Gerald “Jerry” Higashi joined Mr. Sterman in 1969 in the formative stages of what was to become Sterman, Higashi & Herter Accountancy Corporation.  Mr. Higashi previously worked as a closely-held business consultant and tax specialist for a large regional CPA firm in Beverly Hills.   Gerald “Gerry” Herter joined the firm in 1977, after serving as an army officer in Vietnam and the small business audit staff of Arthur Anderson & Co. in Chicago. 

The firm grew significantly over the years and saw additions in partners as well as retirements.  In 2001, Sterman, Higashi & Herter announced a name change to HMWC CPAs & Business Advisors to recognize the contributions of all of our partners and reflect our growth.  In 2002, we moved to our current facilities, purchased by the partnership in order to facilitate future growth.

The firm has always sought ways to better serve our clients, both through traditional tax and accounting services, as well as through developing and creating affiliate companies.  Our affiliate companies now include:

• Charitable Trust Administrators, Inc. (provides state-of-the-art administrative services for the establishment and ongoing operation of charitable trusts)
• Creative Retirement Solutions, LLC (as a third party administrator, provides pension plan design, administration and consulting services)
• Groupsource, LLC (provides office, equipment and medical supplies to health care practices)
• MedDirect Executives, Inc. (provides medical management consulting services to physician practices, hospitals and non-profit healthcare organizations)
• Yosemite Capital Management, LLC (designs investment strategies and manages investments)

The past 40+ years have been tremendous for HMWC CPAs & Business Advisors.  We look forward to serving our clients today and in the future.