Richard Abbott and Robert Stringham were introduced by an attorney in May of 1977.  Each was in the process of setting up his own accounting practice.  After a few meetings and discussions they decided to work together as an association.  The original office was an executive suite in the Pruneyard Towers in Campbell.


By July, the practice was underway and it became evident that larger quarters would be needed.  New office space, consisting of four rooms (approximately 600 square feet), was secured at 675 North First Street.  At that time, a partnership was formed as Abbott, Stringham & Company and the first employee, a secretary, was hired.  The practice grew rapidly, but not fast enough to satisfy the aggressive owners.  They took the opportunity in the spring of 1978 to purchase the accounting practice of Edward Velasquez in Sunnyvale.  Dick became the partner in charge of the Sunnyvale office, assuming responsibility for its three employees, while Bob remained in San Jose with the other two, a secretary and a staff accountant.


Morgan Lynch, a partner in a Big 8 accounting firm, approached the partners in 1980.  He was thinking of leaving rather than be transferred out of San Jose.  He liked what he saw, and joined the organization as a tax partner.  Morgan started with the firm in November 1981 as the organization moved into new quarters in Santa Clara's Commerce Plaza building under the new name of Abbott, Stringham & Lynch.  Finally, all were together in one office.


In January 1987 another relocation was required to obtain larger, more convenient offices and the firm moved to facilities off South Bascom Avenue, in Campbell.  It was also at this time that the organization incorporated and became Abbott, Stringham & Lynch, A Professional Corporation.


In June 1994, Dick Abbott retired to Utah to play golf.  Having served as the managing partner of the firm for many years, he was a driving force in helping ASL achieve its current level of success.


In May 1997 another significant event took place as the practice of Cooper, Pors & Pfaffle was merged into ASL, bringing three new principals, several new staff and numerous clients.  Doug Cooper, Pete Pors and Louise Pfaffle added a new dimension of experience to the capabilities of the firm.  Since then the three principals have moved on over the years.  Louise Pfaffle passed away in March 1998.  Doug Cooper retired in 2000 and Pete Pors has moved his practice to a smaller firm and reduced his hours significantly.


In the Fall of 2004, another significant merger occurred.  Pascuzzi, Hedblad & Company was merged into ASL, bringing two new principals, additional staff and clients.  Mike Pascuzzi retired from the firm in 2006 and Pam Hedblad was recently named Chief Recruiting Officer.


In December 2006 the firm moved to a newly renovated office building at the corner of Hamilton and Leigh in San Jose.  The new offices span over 18,000 square feet and house the firms approximately 60 employees.


Over the years the firm has maintained steady growth, mainly by referrals from our existing clients, bankers, attorneys and other friends of the firm.  ASL is ranked by the San Jose Business Journal as one of the 15 largest local CPA firms in Santa Clara County.


The shareholders and staff are active in the community, in various church and charitable organizations and in the State CPA society.  Bob Stringham has served as president of the San Jose Chapter of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants and remains a board member of the California State Society Board of Directors.  Morgan has served as president of the Better Business Bureau and was a member of the board at the Triton Museum for many years.  Mark Sheffield is serving on the board of the Volunteer Exchange, and Bob Simmons is active in the Kiwanis Club.