about us
Three Decades of Dedication and Innovation
Excellence in Every Chapter
Our story is one of dedication, growth, and a commitment to making a difference. Get to know how our journey of excellence and innovation began.
Our Beginnings
CLH, first known as Craighead and Company, P.C., was founded on June 30, 1992, by John Craighead, with just three employees: himself, his wife, and his assistant. John Craighead, a visionary leader with a passion for helping others to develop their careers, set out to create a company that would provide unparalleled services to clients in Northwest Indiana and beyond. He laid the foundation for what would become a leading company known for its expertise and client-centric approach.
Our Journey
Over the years, CLH has achieved significant milestones that have shaped our success. In 1995, Bob Lange became a partner of the firm and the company acquired a small public accounting firm in South Holland, Illinois. By 1997, Linda Hough joined the team, further expanding the firm’s reach. In 1999, John, Bob, and Linda formed a partnership that would last over 25 years. The company, then known as Craighead, Lange and Hough, P.C., experienced continual growth over the years, including moving into a larger space in Michigan City and celebrating our first decade of business.
Over the next 20 years, CLH worked hard to expand its team and its range of services. We adapted to the changing industry and shifted our focus from compliance to business consulting and advisory services. In 2016, Tony Gillisse became a new partner, marking the first new partner in 17 years. By 2017, we celebrated our 25th anniversary with a team of 25 people and opened a new office in Valparaiso.
As the firm approached its 30th anniversary in 2022, the company began to proactively prepare for the upcoming retirements of John Craighead and Linda Hough. Our growing team, now at 33 individuals, stepped up to take on new responsibilities and develop their roles in the firm. The same year we celebrated our 30th anniversary, the firm also opened up its newest office in La Porte.
The firm continued to evolve and strategically welcomed new talent to enhance its leadership team. Gretchen Kalk-Castro and Kylee Fraze Norman became partners in 2023. Both mentored by Linda Hough, Gretchen and Kylee are excited to continue the firm’s long history of supporting women in the accounting industry. In 2025, Angela Grothaus and Lisa Human became partners and are passionate about fostering the next generation of leaders within the firm and driving growth and excellence in all aspects of the firm's operations.