Bob Batz, Senior Managing Director – Tampa, CBIZ

April 2026 —In an interview with Invest:, Bob Batz, senior managing director of CBIZ, discussed the firm’s strategic approach to serving the dynamic Tampa Bay market, emphasized the utility of a multidisciplinary model, and the importance of local partnerships to provide comprehensive client support. “We are equipped to support organizations as they evolve, as we have supported a client that grew from zero revenue to $400 million over that past 12 years.”

How do you collaborate across different service lines to ensure that clients receive comprehensive, seamless support tailored to their business needs?

We dedicate significant effort to ensuring that every individual is fully aware of all the services that our organization provides. It is a primary focus for every managing director to deliver not only the most exceptional service within their specific discipline, whether that is audit or tax, but also to prioritize helping businesses grow and improve. We build that foundational partnership with each client. To facilitate this, we have implemented various programs, which we refer to as cross-selling initiatives.

For instance, within the Tampa Bay market, we conduct monthly meetings designated as organic growth meetings. During these sessions, we discuss collaborative opportunities and introduce different service line leaders to articulate their functions and experiences. This process keeps a broad service perspective at the forefront of our minds during client interactions. 

Furthermore, there are newsletters that are distributed via email to all personnel. These communications are designed to enhance understanding of current hot topics and prevalent issues. As a recent example, just on Nov. 4, a Mid-Market Pulse report was issued. The firm produces this document, which incorporates interviews with a number of executives across the middle market, posing pointed questions to them. The compiled information is then provided to us so we can identify clients in analogous situations and offer relevant support.

An additional, and somewhat new, method of collaboration stems from recent organizational changes, such as the acquisition of Marcum, which was finalized late 2024. A significant development from integrating these two large companies has been the appointment of 12 industry leaders. This initiative reflects a substantial focus on serving clients and assisting them with industry-specific challenges and specializations. There are monthly meetings associated with this program, and newsletters and informational materials are circulated. For example, as the Southeast Regional Leader for the Consumer Industrial Products space, I receive guidance on the specific topics and services we should be discussing with our clients in that sector.

That is essentially how we operate. There is a considerable amount of national support, which is then supplemented by our industry group structures. This combined approach ensures we are not merely servicing a client with a single project, such as an audit or a risk advisory engagement, but are instead bringing the full depth and breadth of services that our firm offers to help our clients excel.

How does CBIZ tailor its services to meet the specific needs of clients in different industries, particularly in the Tampa Bay area?

It is important to note that our firm is predominantly middle-market focused and that constituency is our core specialization. While definitions can vary, we generally categorize this segment as organizations with revenues between $50 million and $500 million. We certainly maintain clients both below and above that range, but that demographic is our primary emphasis.

When we engage with an entrepreneurial group or a start-up entity, we are aware that they require certain foundational services. As these clients experience growth, our prior experience informs us of what they will require, and when they will require it. We often anticipate their needs to proactively suggest the introduction of other services when the timing is optimal. This capability is derived from accumulated experience and long-term work with clients. 

A compelling example is a valued client of mine that began with zero revenue. Over a period of 12 years, the company grew to $400 million in revenue. Importantly, they did not outgrow our capacity to serve them. We initiated the relationship with very fundamental services, such as tax return preparation and a financial review for their banking requirements. As the client expanded, the relationship evolved into a myriad of additional services we were able to provide.

This growth trajectory culminated in the client’s eventual sale, during which we provided support through our transaction advisory services. This progression demonstrates our method of tailoring services, which involves beginning with essential offerings and systematically introducing more sophisticated and specialized services in alignment with the client’s development cycle and specific industry demands.

What role does technology play in delivering CBIZ’s services?

Technology represents an immensely significant area for our practice. Any individual who does not recognize its profound impact is not fully attentive to global developments. Its influence is substantially transforming our advisory practice. Our firm has established a dedicated technology division, which is a complete organizational unit comprised of professionals who possess the specialized expertise and knowledge to assist clients in improving their financial performance.

This is achieved through the implementation of innovative technology solutions and the provision of hands-on support. We are engaging clients through several key technological avenues. This includes work with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and data visualization, which helps clients comprehend the options available to them. We also provide services in cybersecurity, managed IT services, and cloud and infrastructure support.

Furthermore, we offer enterprise performance management and related technology services, such as Enterprise Resource Planning system selection and strategic information technology consulting. The division is composed of teams of individuals, each specializing in one of these specific areas, who collaborate to support clients comprehensively. In addition to these services, we recently launched a proprietary artificial intelligence product named Vertical Vector AI.

This product is specifically designed to provide our team members and our clients with a distinct competitive advantage. It is our own artificial intelligence system, analogous to a proprietary chatbot. While the intricate technical workings are complex, the platform is operational and we have begun utilizing it. The initial implementation has been quite impressive. Our objective is to remain at the forefront of technological adoption. However, it is also true that this is a rapidly developing field within both the technology sector and our own industry.

How do you see the region’s economic landscape evolving over the next few years?

The Tampa Bay region represents one of Florida’s most dynamic and rapidly growing metropolitan areas. Having been a resident since 1991, I have witnessed its substantial growth firsthand. A primary reason for this sustained expansion is the area’s highly diverse economy as there is no single industry that dominates the landscape. Florida maintains a very favorable business climate, and the Tampa Bay area, in particular, possesses a strong entrepreneurial spirit and our firm is deeply embedded within this community.

With the recent integration of the Marcum acquisition, we now operate from two established offices, where one is a legacy location in St. Petersburg with over 30 years of history, and a legacy Marcum office in Tampa, also present for over 30 years. This combination has provided us with a profound understanding of the local challenges and opportunities. Our multidisciplinary approach is our greatest asset, allowing us to offer a full spectrum of services, both locally and nationally, which positions us as an ideal partner for businesses.

A significant competitive advantage is that clients will not outgrow our capabilities since we are equipped to support an organization from its startup phase through to an initial public offering, as I shared before the story of a client that grew from zero revenue to $400 million without requiring a change in advisory firm. This deep market understanding, combined with our multidisciplinary model and strong local and national expertise, establishes our formidable presence in this market. The region’s growth, which was notable before the pandemic, has exploded since then, and I do not foresee that momentum stopping.

There is increasing investment flowing into the marketplace, especially within the technology community, including software development, cybersecurity, and startup accelerators. We have always maintained a strong manufacturing and distribution industry group here. Healthcare and life sciences are also very robust sectors. While tourism is synonymous with Florida, the hospitality industry has experienced significant growth alongside the considerable population influx in recent years, evidenced by expansion in restaurant chains and automotive dealerships.

Furthermore, real estate and construction represent a major area of activity. Our firm was recently ranked No. 1 by construction executives in their annual top 50 construction accounting firms list, which was released this past summer. The level of activity in construction is immense, and it is an exciting environment. Our ability to partner with clients and provide comprehensive solutions makes this a great place to operate.

What industries do you see as key drivers of growth for CBIZ in the Tampa Bay area, and how do your services align with the needs of these industries?

Beyond the construction sector, we are observing considerable growth and demand within the technology and innovation space. An increasing number of companies are relocating to this area, which was also a recent highlight with St. Petersburg emerging as a tech hub, and we are encountering numerous opportunities with these entities. The manufacturing and distribution sector also remains very strong, bolstered by the presence of a major port, which facilitates significant growth. In truth, there is no major industry sector where we are not currently seeing expansion.

That stated, 2025 has presented struggles for many companies. Looking ahead, the political environment and the issue of tariffs have posed a considerable challenge, both for companies directly impacted by them and those affected indirectly through supply chains. We have been able to address this challenge by developing a dedicated tariff and supply chain solution for our clients, which has been well-received and provides strategies to mitigate the associated financial impacts. This has been one of the most significant recent issues.

Additionally, elevated interest rates have been a persistent factor, placing a hamper on business deals and certain investments over the past year or so. Many anticipate this will change in 2026, and we are already observing increased movement. However, from a current advisory perspective, assisting clients with supply chain and tariff complexities has been a primary focus, and we have several successful initiatives in place to support them.