A Profile of M.L. Seidman
Maximillian Leonard (M.L.) Seidman, son of immigrant parents, was born in Russia in 1888. While attending high school at night, he held a variety of jobs including stock boy, necktie maker and hat frame deliverer. At the age of 22, he set out on a career in public accounting, opening Seidman & Seidman in Room 715, Park Row in New York City. He earned his CPA four years later.
Characterized as mild mannered and easy going, he saw and brought out the best in people. As the moderator in heated technical debates between his brothers, F.E. and J.S. Seidman, and fellow partners, he was recognized as the leader of the firm and often called, “Chief” by family and business associates.
His leadership of the firm ran 45 years, in which time revenue grew from $511 in 1911 to over $3.5 million; the firm expanded westward opening offices in Grand Rapid, Memphis, Baton Rouge, Chicago, and Los Angeles, among other locations; a geographical management structure emerged; and resident partners, who participated in the profits of the office in which they worked, were established as the precursors to the full partnership enjoyed by many today.
Throughout his time at the firm, he wrote extensively and served in various industry groups, solidifying his role as an industry leader. His commitment to the “Total Involvement” of the firm’s professional staff in their clients’ business is best summarized in this quote from the 1944 Executive Conference in Grand Rapids: “It is the manner in which we serve our clients today that will determine whether we shall have them to serve as clients in the future.”
M.L. Seidman passed away in October of 1963.
