Grant Thornton Probably Didn’t Realize They Were Quoting Nietzsche in Their New Slogan

Posted on by Caleb Newquist

A bookly tipster sent us the following:

Grant Thornton ads and tattoos aren't the issue — Has anyone else noticed that Grant Thornton's new slogan– An instinct for growth — is totally lifted from Nietzsche's The Anti-Christ: "Life itself appears to me as an instinct for growth, for survival, for the accumulation of forces, for power; whenever the will to power fails there is disaster." Now, the Marketing Braintrust that brought us those creepy teeth ads promising that public accountants "help their clients win" (Say what? Independence?) is too clueless to know about Nietzsche, and their $$ ad agency didn't think to Google the expression (or maybe they did?), but it seems a rather not-so-good message for an accounting firm to be associating themselves with the anti-christ or the will to power. Should anyone be lifting a great thinker's words (and thoughts) without giving the poor guy credit? Perhaps the Chipster is out to lunch? Skipped class the day they went over Nietzsche?
First off, this fresh "Instinct for Growth" slogan was news to us, but lo and behold, it be there (and trademarked!). But does this mean "What Wins" is retired? There's still a website but it does say, "What Wins for Growth" so maybe there are some changes in the works. 
 
As for this alleged ripping off of Freddy, one has to think that this completely slipped by the literary scholars inside GT's marketing department. After doing some cursory research, it seems that explicit plagiarism requires intent, which would make this a fairly harmless lack of attribution. Worse than the tattoos? Debatable. Sloppy as hell? Yes. Malicious use of someone else's work intended to be passed off as GT marketing genius? Hardly.
 
But whatever the situation, don't take it personally, GT marketing folks. What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger, amirite?  
 

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Grant Thornton Picks Up Four Tax-Exempt Experts from WTAS

We’ve confirmed that Grant Thornton has poached four tax-exempt experts from WTAS, LLC. Presumably beefing up their NFP practice is part of the experienceAugust that Stephen Chipman told the GT troops about last week. Grant Thornton employees received an email last night about the news:

“In line with the strategic plan of our firm and in support of our growing not-for-profit industry practice we are pleased to announce that four experienced tax professionals, formerly of WTAS LLC, have joined our Firm. Frank Giardini, who lead WTAS’ National Exempt Tax Advisory Services Practice (ETAS) as well as Ron Taxin, ETAS Director, Russlee Armstrong, ETAS Director and Andrea Kyzyma, ETAS Manager recently joined us. These individuals bring over 70 years of combined experience in providing tax services to significant non- profit organizations, especially in the higher education and healthcare industries. They have served the tax needs of many large public charities and private foundations. Frank and his group are based out in our Philadelphia office, but will serve clients in both the Northeast and Southeast regions. This group will also play a key role assisting our national NFP tax leader, Dan Romano, in serving GT’s national clients as well as supporting the NFP tax professionals throughout the firm.

A source familiar with WTAS, confirmed these departures, saying that they occurred earlier this summer and thought the move was “a good opportunity for them.” Emails and morse code messages sent to Grant Thornton have not been returned.

Comp Watch ’11: Grant Thornton Auditors Want Some Love After a Tough Busy Season

From the mailbag:

Apparently, management finally recognizes that this was a real shitty busy season and as a last ditch effort to keep hemorrhaging seniors, is going to give some large bonuses and raises. Audit is to get increased comp because of how bad it was on our side. I mean GT-Chicago lost 3 seniors right before and 3 during busy season. Plus, we had a team working on a restatement that were working 80-100 hour weeks since November. I know GT will never pay out like the Big 4, but I’m curious to see if we’re in the ballpark this time around.

Who doesn’t love aggravated Grant Thornton auditors on a Monday morning? Frankly (and I know I’m not alone here), I’ll be floored like an Animal Kingdom Superfecta ticket holder, if GT pays out like the Big 4. However, because Stephen Chipman and GT have been on such a tear the past year – shedding less dynamic offices, making dynamic acquisitions – it’s possible some at GT may see better raises this year but it I’m guessing it won’t be the audit practice.

But our tipster’s email seems fairly optimistic (in a bitter, burned out auditor sort of way) since the attrition variable seems to be in full effect. If GT SAs are indeed heading for the exits, then perhaps there will be some pleasantly surprised GT dynamos after last year’s disappointment. Keep us updated.