Here's a report out of the Orlando Sentinel that KPMG is considering Orlando as a site for a mega training facility and conference center. The location isn't so much of interest as is the fact that KPMG is planning a $430 million, 800,000 square-foot campus. If you're wondering if that's bigger than Deloitte University, the answer is — yes, it is.
If you recall, DU aka Deloitte DisneyLand is 700,000+ square feet and cost a measley $300 million. Don't get me wrong, it's still a whale of a time, but I am impressed that KPMG — KPMG! — has plans to top them. Here are some details from the article:
A spokesman for the firm, New York-based KPMG, confirmed that Orlando is a finalist for the center, which could bring 80 jobs with an average pay of $66,000. The firm says Dallas and Atlanta are also being considered.
KPMG is seeking the 54-acre site for an 800,000-square-foot training and conference center and lodging facility for employees.
Personally, I'm pulling for Dallas because it would put the new Kamp KPMG close enough to Deloitte Delta Chi so the two could engage in accounting firm prank wars.
But ultimately, the location will be irrelevant. What's really important is how the new KPMG facility will surpass DU in its lavish accomodations. I just re-read this GC post from March 2015 on DU and it made me remember how ridiculous it all is. Food, booze, games, activities, exercise rooms, snacks, Starbucks carts, etc. etc. You better believe that KPMG will spare no expense to at least match it. Maybe Phil Mickelson stops by regularly? Maybe they'll have Omaha Steaks in the welcome gift bags? A bunch of people standing around just to give free hugs?
It's all very exciting and the motive for investing nearly half a billion dollars is pretty obvious. A comment from the DU post sums it up well:
As a Partner who has spent 3 decades at Deloitte and at Touche Ross, this is the greatest thing I have seen us invest in. I am in charge of recruiting at a school where we had the ability to bring the best and brightest who had offers but were undecided. After the visit, within 3 days we had 100% committed.
The CEO's of the other big 4 firms wondered how our CEO got us to say yes. It was simple, this is the only place of its kind right now. The ROI in terms on talent is off the charts. We only have one asset at professional services firms, and if you want the best folks, you make the investment. Further, having DU means we will not stop training people in downturns. Having been with Deloitte over 30 years, I have seen this occur again and again. I proudly think this says a lot about our culture…Our partners are willing to invest $300 million of their capital in people. And yes, there are leaders at this facility constantly.
Right, so now Deloitte will have some competition in this regard. Reactions, Klynveldians? This should be a cause for celebration.
