A trusted relationship spanning generations

Over the past 40 years, Rothfield, has transformed from a small print brokerage into a multi-location marketing services, technology and logistics operation. Throughout that journey, King & Whittle's role has evolved alongside it; from accounting and establishing business structures to providing increasingly strategic advice as the business’ needs have changed. The result is a relationship that has survived not simply because of its history, but because it has continued to provide trusted value.

“It’s been a fruitful, longstanding relationship, which I look forward to continuing.”

For Rothfield founder Hank Rothfield, the relationship with King & Whittle began well before he started his own business. Hank's father was a King & Whittle client and, as Hank recalls, the relationship between the two families extends back three generations.

That family connection was initially what brought Hank to the firm when he established Rothfield in 1987. But while history may have started the relationship, it is the trusted advice, accessibility and value he has received over the decades since that has sustained it.

From a basement start-up to a national business

Like many success stories, Rothfield began with Hank working from his basement, initially operating as a print brokerage, connecting clients with the right print suppliers rather than owning the presses itself. Over the decades both the communications industry and Rothfield have evolved considerably.

The business grew through the 1990s, expanding its team, facilities and geographical reach. As digital technology transformed the communications landscape, Rothfield continued to adapt. From developing digital systems, expanding from Victoria, into New South Wales and Queensland, opening warehousing and digital print facilities, and broadening its capabilities well beyond traditional print.

Today, Rothfield is an integrated marketing services business with operations across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland and representation in China. Its services span print, design and direct communications through to branded merchandise, uniforms, signage, e-commerce, warehousing, inventory management, fulfilment and 3PL logistics.

That ability to continually adapt has allowed the business to work with organisations across sectors including financial services, retail, FMCG and professional services.

Advice that evolved with the business

Just as Rothfield has changed, so too has the role King & Whittle plays in Hank's business. In the early years, the relationship was largely centred around the fundamentals of preparing accounts, taxation compliance, and helping establish the structures and trusts needed to support the business.

As Rothfield grew, diversified and became more complex, Hank increasingly looked to King & Whittle for broader advice. Hank's primary relationship today is with King & Whittle Director Paul Dimech.

“As the business has become larger and more complex, I’ve begun to use Paul’s services in a more strategic way.”

The relationship has consequently evolved from predominantly accounting and structural support into broader business advice and strategic guidance. That has also included connecting with external specialists when additional expertise was required.

Support when the stakes are higher

Running a growing business for almost four decades inevitably brings more complex financial, taxation and structural issues. One area Hank particularly recalls is the support King & Whittle provided in navigating matters involving the Australian Taxation Office.

For Hank, having advisers who understand both the history of the business and its broader circumstances mean he has people he can turn to when more complex issues arise, without having to start again explaining the business and its history. That continuity has become increasingly valuable as Rothfield has grown.

Approachable, available and there when needed

When asked what he values most about King & Whittle, Hank's answer is simple.

“They’re approachable and available, which I think is really important.”

For Hank, accessibility is not just about being able to get someone on the phone. It is also about having a relationship where he feels comfortable asking for advice without every conversation feeling transactional. He contrasts that experience with the traditional professional-services model where clients can sometimes feel that the clock starts running the moment they make a call. Instead, Hank believes King & Whittle takes a practical approach to its client relationships and focused on what represents fair value for both parties.

“I don’t get the sense that they’re just there for the billing. They represent excellent value.”

It is an approach that has allowed the relationship to develop beyond accounting transactions into something much closer to a trusted business relationship.

Different businesses, similar philosophies

There is also a natural alignment between the way Hank has built Rothfield and what he values in his advisers. Rothfield's own approach is based on understanding what individual clients need rather than providing an off-the-shelf solution. As the business has expanded into increasingly sophisticated marketing, technology and logistics services, that emphasis on tailored solutions and long-term client relationships has remained.

It is unsurprising, then, that Hank values many of those same qualities in King & Whittle: accessibility, personal service, understanding the client and providing advice that reflects their circumstances. For a relationship that began through family connections three generations ago, that shared philosophy has helped it endure.