Murray, Mensch, & Brooks

A Partnership Rooted in Integrity and Community

Karen Mensch’s journey with the firm began in 1997 when she joined what was then known as Patrick L. Murray PC. After raising her three sons to the point she felt comfortable reentering the workforce, Karen was hired as an assistant to the office manager.  Her role quickly expanded as the firm experienced significant growth. "I started working here in the fall of 1997," Karen recalls, "and what began as a part-time position soon became full-time as the firm’s needs grew." Over the years, Karen’s responsibilities increased, leading her to return to school to obtain her CPA credentials—a decision that paved the way for her to eventually become a partner and, later, the sole owner of the firm.

Karen’s story is one of perseverance and dedication, not only to her profession but to the community she serves. "It was almost 30 years to the day between graduating with my undergraduate degree and completing my master’s in accounting," she shares, underscoring the commitment required to advance in her field.  While she shares these things, Karen’s genuine humility is evident, she appears to be the only one relatively unimpressed by her tenacity in furthering her education and building her career after years outside of the workforce.  Her partnership with Pat Murray, the firm’s founder, was characterized from the beginning by mutual respect and a shared commitment to honesty and integrity rooted in both her and Pat’s deep Christian faith. These values are the bedrock upon which the firm is built, guiding every decision they make.

Graham Brooks, who joined the firm more recently, brings a complementary set of skills and experiences. A native Texan, Graham’s career began in Houston, where he worked for a larger accounting firm before moving to McKinney during the COVID-19 pandemic to be closer to family. His connection to MMB was serendipitous, introduced to Karen through mutual acquaintances. "We started talking, and it became clear that we had similar goals and values," Graham recalls. His decision to join the firm was driven by a desire to work in a setting that allowed for deeper client relationships and a closer connection to the community, something that wasn’t important in his previous firm of of 150 employees.

The partnership between Karen and Graham is built on a foundation of mentorship and mutual respect, a continuation of the legacy left by Pat Murray. Pat’s emphasis on honesty, accuracy, and doing what’s right every time has deeply influenced Karen, who has, in turn, passed these values on to Graham. Together, they strive to maintain a firm that values relationships as much as results, ensuring that their clients receive not only expert financial advice but also the personal attention that makes a significant difference in their lives.

Why Collin County?

Collin County, particularly McKinney, has been a fertile ground for the growth of MMB. The firm’s roots in the community and their active involvement in local organizations like the McKinney Chamber of Commerce have allowed them to build a client base that spans both small businesses and individuals. "Being part of this community and seeing it grow motivates us to help our clients succeed," says Karen. This motivation is not just about business growth but about contributing to the overall wellbeing of the community they serve.

The appeal of Collin County lies in its unique combination of rapid development and strong community values. McKinney, in particular, has maintained a balance between growth and preserving the natural beauty and friendly atmosphere that make it an attractive place to live and work. "I really appreciate how McKinney and Collin County have maintained a lot of nature," Karen shares. "My kids grew up skating around Town Lake Park, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors, which is something I value deeply."

For Graham, practicing in Collin County offers the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of clients. "Every decision we make really helps the clients. It’s impactful and meaningful," he says. This sense of purpose is a driving force behind the firm’s approach to accounting, which goes beyond numbers to focus on the people behind the businesses and tax returns.

The firm serves a diverse range of clients, from local businesses to individuals across the globe, but their core remains in Collin County. The area’s rapid development and increasing population provide a steady stream of new clients while maintaining close-knit relationships with long-time residents. "We serve clients from all over the world," Karen explains, "but the majority of our clients are people who live in our community. We run into them at the store, see them at church, and interact with them in daily life. These are not just clients; they are our neighbors and friends."

This deep connection to the community is not just a business strategy; it’s a way of life for Karen and Graham. Their involvement in local events, their presence in community organizations, and their commitment to helping others all reflect a firm that is deeply integrated into the fabric of Collin County. "The growth in this area is tremendous," Graham notes, "and we are excited to be part of that growth, helping businesses and individuals navigate the complexities of taxes and financial planning."

The Human Touch in Accounting

What truly sets MMB apart is their commitment to understanding their clients' needs and goals. "We’re very relationship-oriented," Karen explains. This approach is not just about providing services but about being a trusted advisor, someone who clients can turn to in times of both financial growth and personal difficulty.  That’s why it’s going to be hard for me to ever leave this place, it’s the relationships that I have developed with many clients that I've worked with for decades," Karen reflects.

Graham and Karen’s dedication to their clients is evident in the stories they share. Whether it’s saving a client thousands of dollars through strategic tax planning or simply being there to listen during tough times, they are more than accountants—they are confidants and partners in their clients' journeys. "One of the things that Pat used to tell me was to think like the client," Karen says. "If you can figure out how the client is thinking and what they are thinking and understand the emotional connection they have to their business or personal finances we can help them get to where they need to go. We can find a way to bridge that gap."

One particularly touching story Karen shared involves a client who has been with the firm for over two decades. Regardless of what financial difficulties or successes she experiences, she consistently expresses her gratitude, showing the deep connection that Karen and her team build with those they serve. "Every year when we send her tax return, she sends her payment along with a thank you card," Karen shares with a smile. "It’s moments like these that remind us why we do what we do.  It happens more than you might think, we sit with people as they navigate a divorce or the death of their spouse.  Some days it isn’t about taxes, it’s about being human.”

Graham also shares a memorable experience that highlights the firm’s dedication to its clients. “Most recently it was a man that had worked his whole life and was approaching retirement but wasn’t really in a position to be able to make it happen.  He wanted to be able to retire in the next 5-7 years and I was able to ask questions and really listen to him and then with the tools I know well we were able to make that an attainable reality for him.  That’s one of the reasons I enjoy the advisory part of what we do, that’s a meaningful life change for this gentleman.”

This personal approach extends to all aspects of their work. From detailed tax planning to advising on charitable giving, MMB takes the time to understand their clients’ unique situations and goals. "We ask a lot of questions," Graham explains. “It’s not a one size fits all approach like you might experience in other firms.  We don’t just take what’s given to us and put it in the software. We review prior returns, dig into the details, and make sure that we’re covering all bases. We want to be thorough and ensure that our clients are getting the best advice possible."

Vision for the Future

As Collin County continues to grow, so does MMB’s vision for the future. Graham outlines their plan for sustainable growth, aiming to expand the firm by 15-20% annually over the next decade. This growth is not just about increasing revenue but about continuing to provide the same level of personalized service that their clients have come to expect. "We’re looking to build out a team that’s able to sustainably grow," Graham explains. "We want to continue serving our clients with the same level of care and attention, even as we expand."

The firm’s strategy involves hiring and training new talent, ensuring that their team is equipped to handle the increasing complexity of clients' needs. They also plan to enhance their advisory services, moving beyond just compliance to offer deeper, more strategic guidance to their clients. "We’re trying to bring advisory to the compliance as well," Graham says. "As we grow, we want to have those advisory opportunities, really digging into that space and seeing how we can help our clients beyond just preparing a tax return."

Karen, who has seen the firm through many transitions, is committed to ensuring that MMB remains a trusted partner for their clients well into the future. "It’s important to me that the firm continues to serve, even when I’m not here," she reflects. "We’re making decisions now to ensure that the firm is positioned to continue providing the same level of service and care that our clients have come to expect."

A Legacy of Care

At its core, MMB is about serving people. Whether it’s a business owner navigating tax complexities or an individual planning for retirement, Karen and Graham are committed to making a difference in their clients' lives. Their work is not just about numbers; it’s about building trust, offering peace of mind, and helping their clients achieve their goals. "We truly want to serve our clients and make a positive impact in their lives," Karen emphasizes.

As Karen reflects on her long career, she speaks with pride about the relationships she’s built and the legacy of integrity and care that she’s leaving behind. Graham, with his fresh perspective and shared values, is poised to continue this legacy, ensuring that MMB remains a trusted partner in the Collin County community for years to come. "The more clients we can serve, the greater difference we can make in Collin County and beyond," Graham concludes.

Murray, Mensch, and Brooks is not just an accounting firm; it’s a testament to what can be achieved when remarkable expertise is combined with genuine love for the people they serve. As Collin County continues to grow, MMB will undoubtedly be there, guiding clients with the same dedication and integrity that has defined them for decades.

Be sure to visit them online, here: mmbtaxcpa.com