RBGA small business awardee’s service is anything but small

 

The RiverBend Growth Association has chosen Franklin & Vaughn LLC for recognition as its September 2025 Small Business of the Month.

In addition to its Riverbend location in Alton at 2852 Homer Adams Parkway, the full-service CPA firm has offices in Edwardsville and in South County St. Louis.

Co-owners Nathan Franklin and Mark Vaughn had both worked previously at small-to-medium sized businesses in chief financial officer and controller roles. And they had worked together for previous employers. It was during that time that they learned more about small businesses, how they operate, and how a certified public accounting (CPA) firm can be an asset to a small business’s success.

In Fall 2009, they decided to provide these much-needed services themselves. Franklin & Vaughn LLC was created, and the firm continues to provide full-service CPA services at reasonable rates. They have been in business for over 15 years now and employ 14.

“We have experienced the difficulties other small business owners experience,” says Vaughn. “Having sat in the seat of a small business owner allows us to help them know how to handle problems and grow their business. As a mid-sized business, we are able to provide this insight at a reasonable price to help small businesses financially.

“Owning Franklin & Vaughn allows Nathan and me to use the firm to help small businesses,” Vaughn explains further. “Many small businesses need the services we provide but cannot afford the large firm prices. Smaller CPA firms may have lower fees, but do not have the staff and experience needed. As a mid-sized firm, Franklin & Vaughn has the experience and background small businesses need and can offer those services at a more reasonable price.”

Vaughn then notes that one of the biggest challenges the firm has faced over the past few years is with finding experienced staff. “We have had to pass on many opportunities for work because the three- to five-year experienced staff members are unable to be hired. As a result, we have begun training new accounting staff to grow them to the level we need, but that takes time and has put us behind with our growth plans.”

To attract and retain staff, Franklin & Vaughn has also increased its benefits package to include the offerings of health insurance and a hybrid work schedule. They require staff to complete 40 hours of continuing education each year, and the firm covers the costs for it. Most of the continuing education is online, but Franklin & Vaughn utilizes in-person training whenever possible.

The firm has also added a summer internship program and utilizes temporary staffing to help during its busy season.

“Due to growth in our Edwardsville market, we moved locations and added three new staff members,” notes Vaughn. “We have also begun using a summer intern program to help future accountants gain first-hand, real-world experience.”

Community service is an important part of the firm’s mission and vision. The principals of Franklin & Vaughn as well as its staff volunteer both time and money to various local nonprofit organizations.

“We have not solely sponsored a community or charitable event,” Vaughn points out, “but we have provided donations to All God’s Children Shall Have Shoes, Mississippi Valley Christian School, Oasis Women’s Center, Kreative Kids Learning Center, and Alton Area Animal Aid Association, for example.”

Staff at Franklin & Vaughn volunteer with organizations including Riverbend East Rotary Club, East Alton Rotary Club Foundation, Bunker Hill Fire Protection District, William M. BeDell Achievement & Resource Center, Continental Baptist Missions, and still more.

“F&V also frequently discounts billing rates for our non-profit clients, occasionally even providing services at no cost,” Vaughn adds.

For more information about Franklin & Vaughn LLC, call their Alton office at (618) 462-1162 or visit online at https://franklinvaughncpa.com/.

The RiverBend Growth Association is the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development organization for the 11 communities known as the Riverbend. For more information about the Growth Association, visit www.growthassociation.com or call (618) 467-2280.

RBGA’s Small Business of the Month Committee recognizes a different member business each month for its outstanding efforts and leadership in the community. Committee members include Brenda Eardley, Vicki Hake, Lacey Isringhausen, Amy Roady, Martha Schultz, Erin Spain, and Alexis Weller.

To learn more about membership in the RiverBend Growth Association and the Small Business of the Month recognition, visit the RBGA website or call their Godfrey office.