Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Steven Struck, CPA, principal, Maner Costerisan, Grand Rapids, MI.
Hear Steven and Jeffrey discuss the Baker Holtz merger, West Michigan growth, workplace culture and community commitment in the SoundCloud podcast shared below:
Maner Costerisan’s growth, culture and community commitment in West Michigan is discussed by Steven Struck, a principal with Maner Costerisan and a longtime member of the West Michigan business community. He was previously a partner with Baker Holtz and joined Maner Costerisan when the two firms came together in January 2026, bringing with him deep relationships and firsthand knowledge of the Grand Rapids market.
Q1: You’ve worked in Grand Rapids and West Michigan for many years, first with Baker Holtz and now as part of Maner Costerisan. From your perspective, what does this combination mean for clients in the region?
A: For me, the most important thing is that clients can continue working with people who know them, know their businesses and know this community, while gaining access to a broader range of expertise and resources.
We already had strong relationships throughout West Michigan. Becoming part of Maner Costerisan gives us more capabilities to bring to those relationships as clients grow and their needs become more complex.
One example is Maner’s depth in the nonprofit sector. That creates opportunities to bring additional expertise to nonprofit organizations throughout West Michigan while also expanding what we can offer existing clients.
It really gives clients the best of both worlds: trusted local relationships and the broader capabilities of a full-service accounting and advisory firm.
Q2: When two established firms come together, what is most important in getting that transition right?
A: It starts with recognizing that you’re bringing together people, relationships and cultures — not simply two businesses.
Baker Holtz had built a strong reputation and deep roots in West Michigan over many years. Maner Costerisan brings additional scale, resources and areas of expertise. The opportunity is to build on the strengths of both.
That means listening to clients and team members, strengthening connections across the combined firm and being intentional about creating one culture. If we get those things right, the benefits of the combination follow naturally.
Growth only matters if it helps us serve our clients and communities better.
Q3: This year, Maner continued the former Baker Holtz charity golf outing, raising $11,000 for Family Outreach Center. Why was it important to carry that tradition forward?
A: Baker Holtz hosted the outing for 12 years, and over that time it became something our clients, business partners and longtime relationships looked forward to each year.
Having been part of that history, continuing the outing was especially meaningful to me. It gave us a chance to bring people together again while supporting Family Outreach Center and the important work it does for local families.
It also sends a message about what we want this transition to look like. The name may have changed, but our commitment to West Michigan and to being actively involved in this community has not.
Q4: Maner has earned several workplace honors in West Michigan this year, including being named a West Michigan Best and Brightest Company to Work For and ranking No. 5 on Crain’s Grand Rapids Business’ Best Places to Work in West Michigan list. At a time when attracting and retaining talent is challenging, how important is workplace culture to Maner’s ability to compete and grow?
A: It’s critical because, in professional services, our people are the business.
Clients want knowledgeable professionals who understand their organizations, anticipate challenges and can help them make better decisions. To provide that level of service, we have to attract talented people and give them reasons to build their careers with Maner.
That means meaningful career opportunities, professional development, flexibility and a culture where people feel valued and connected to the firm’s success.
The Best and Brightest recognition is particularly meaningful in West Michigan because Baker Holtz had earned that honor for 18 consecutive years. Continuing that recognition as Maner Costerisan is something we’re very proud of.
But the awards themselves aren’t the goal. What matters is what they represent: A strong culture helps us retain great people, serve clients better and continue growing.
Q5: You’ve spent much of your career working with businesses and organizations in this community. As you look ahead, what do you want Maner Costerisan to be known for in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan?
A: We want to be known as a firm that really understands West Michigan — its businesses, organizations and people — and as a partner they know they can turn to as their needs change and become more complex.
We have a real opportunity to build on the relationships and reputation that already exist here while bringing clients even greater depth and capabilities through Maner Costerisan.
We also want to be a place where talented people can build meaningful careers and a firm that continues to show up for and invest in the communities we serve.
For me, success isn’t simply about having a larger presence in West Michigan. It’s about strengthening relationships, bringing more value to clients and contributing to the continued success of a community I’ve been proud to be part of for many years.
LANSING, Mich. – Maner Costerisan announced the merger of Baker Holtz, a respected Grand Rapids-based accounting and advisory firm, effective Jan. 1, 2026. The agreement, officially signed in late October, marks a major milestone in Maner Costerisan’s five-year growth vision to expand its service capabilities and deepen its presence across West Michigan.
The merger brings together two firms that share a strong commitment to integrity, exceptional client service, and community involvement. Baker Holtz’s three partners and 28 team members will join Maner Costerisan’s growing West Michigan operation, expanding the firm’s reach and resources for clients statewide.
“This merger is an exciting and strategic step forward for both of our firms,” said Trey Williams, CPA, president of Maner Costerisan (left). “We’ve been intentional about expanding in the Grand Rapids market through internal growth and now through acquisition. Partnering with Baker Holtz allows us to bring even greater access and resources to our clients—while continuing to foster the people-first culture that defines who we are.”
Maner Costerisan opened its Grand Rapids office in 2019 and is currently expanding to a 15,000-square-foot suite designed to support current team members, welcome Baker Holtz colleagues, and provide room for continued growth. The Baker Holtz team will remain in their current downtown Grand Rapids office throughout the 2026 tax season before relocating to Maner’s expanded office later in the spring.
“Joining forces with Maner Costerisan gives our clients access to expanded resources and additional expertise, without sacrificing the personal relationships and attention they’ve come to expect,” said Ryan Holtz, CPA, CGMA, managing partner of Baker Holtz (left). “Both firms share the same values and dedication to our people, our team, and West Michigan.”
Together, the combined firm will include more than 225 professionals focused on delivering comprehensive, forward-thinking financial and business solutions to clients across Michigan. The merger enhances the firm’s ability to drive growth, support local businesses, and give back to the communities it serves.
About Maner Costerisan
Maner Costerisan is a full-service public accounting and business consulting firm founded in 1906 and based in Lansing, Michigan. With nearly 120 years of experience and offices in Lansing and Grand Rapids, the firm provides a comprehensive range of services, including audit and assurance, tax planning and preparation, business consulting, technology solutions, and wealth management. The firm is nationally recognized including being named a Best Firm to Work For, Best Firm for Young Accountants, Best of the Best Firms, and a Top Firm to Watch, among other accolades. Maner Costerisan is dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial goals through innovative solutions, personalized service, and a commitment to excellence. The firm serves a diverse clientele across various industries, including manufacturing, nonprofit, government, health care, construction, and education. For more information, visit manercpa.com.
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