Local CPA celebrates 50+ years of doing business in Coral Gables

In 1959, Frank Sinatra and Doris Day were two of the most popular singers, the Barbie dolls were introduced to the world, and Alaska and Hawaii became the 49th and 50th states of the union. The average cost of a new house was $12,400, a load of bread cost .20 cents and the average yearly salary was just $5,010.

That’s also the year when J. Alan Cross Jr., a native Miamian, established his new CPA business in the sleepy town of Coral Gables. Five decades later, the local accountant is still doing business at the same office location, although his surroundings have changed quite a bit.

“I’ve seen the growth of downtown from my window,” says Cross, who made the choice of establishing his business in Coral Gables because of the nice environment. His office at 1700 Ponce de Leon Boulevard is still open today and he has no intention of retiring - or moving anywhere else. “I’ll keep on going as long as I can,” he says.

Before attending the opening of Bacardi’s new headquarters in Coral Gables, Mayor Don Slesnick paid a visit to Cross’ offices to thank him for being a long-standing member of the business community.

“It’s nice to welcome new companies to our city, but it is specially rewarding to recognize those businesses that have stayed in Coral Gables for such a long time,” says Slesnick who presented Cross with the official seal of the City of Coral Gables.

“It is a small token of our appreciation for his longevity and commitment to being part of this business community for more than 50 years,” says Mayor Slesnick.