In September of 1952, Harold D. Kirkpatrick and S. M. (Lee) Utgaard formed a partnership, which established the firm of Kirkpatrick & Utgaard. The office was located in Colfax, Washington in the Old National Bank building, which is now U. S. Bank. The staff consisted of Harold, Lee and a full time secretary. During tax season they would hire a typist. In 1956 a new secretary, Maxine Hodge, and the first staff accountant were hired. Maxine eventually became the office manager and was with the firm until June of 1998, when she retired after forty-two years of service to the firm.
When a second staff accountant was hired in 1957, office space was becoming limited so the firm was relocated to the Whitman County Growers Building at 109 E Wall in December of 1959. The business continued to grow and by 1960 employed three support staff and five accountants. John W. Perry joined the firm in 1970. John became a partner with the firm in June of 1973 and his name was added to the firm's so that it was now known as Kirkpatrick, Utgaard & Perry. On September 1, 1973 the firm was incorporated as Kirkpatrick, Utgaard & Perry, P.S., by which it is still know today. Larry L. Zimmerman joined the staff as an accountant in November of 1974. Larry became a principal with the firm in August of 1976.
After many long working days, Harold D. Kirkpatrick decided to retire as of August 1976. He continued to help out during tax season for another eight years.S. M. (Lee) Utgaard retired in August of 1984 but continued to help out during tax season for the next five years. Robert L. Biagi who had joined the firm in 1975 became a principal in the corporation on September 1, 1984.
The corporation of Kirkpatrick, Utgaard & Perry, P.S. moved their offices to N 223 Main Street, in Colfax in November of 1986. The active principals at the time were John W. Perry, Larry L. Zimmerman and Robert L. Biagi.
In August of 1998 John W. Perry retired and long time staff members Sally J. Bishop and Terry D. Eng became principals. While the firm is incorporated the four stockholders are generally referred to as principals.
The firm has maintained an office in St. John, Washington since 1988 and Larry L. Zimmerman is there every Friday afternoon and all day Friday during tax season.
The firm's Garfield Office was established in January of 1992 by Sally J. Bishop. She is in the Garfield office every Thursday.