Darnall, Sikes & Fredrick celebrates 75 years

Darnall, Sikes & Frederick is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
How has the firm evolved since its founding?
Bobby Darnall: My grandfather founded the firm after returning from World War II. He started as a single-man shop, and I don't think he could have envisioned the size and success we've achieved today. We've grown from one person to a team of 175 across six offices. A pivotal moment was the merger between the Darnall firm and the Sikes Frederick firm in the early 90s, which set us on a major growth trajectory. While we've expanded to become a full-service firm offering specialized accounting and wealth management services that he never would have imagined, we still hold true to his core philosophy: do whatever it takes to take care of the client.
Erich Loewer, III: I remember hearing stories about Bobby's grandfather hand-delivering tax returns to clients' homes. That commitment to service is something we still practice today. In the 27 years I’ve been with DSF, I’ve seen our team double in size and our revenue increase fourfold. That growth is a testament to the foundation laid by our predecessors.
What are some of the most significant achievements in DSF's history?
Jenifer Zaunbrecher Marcial: Moving into our office in River Ranch was more than a change of address, it was a signal to clients and the community that DSF is accessible, visible and deeply invested in Lafayette’s growth. It’s helped us attract talent, host more client-facing events, and collaborate better across teams, which ultimately improves responsiveness and service quality.
Bobby Darnall: The mergers and acquisitions have been key. The initial merger in the early 90s was the big one, but since then, we’ve continued to expand by acquiring and merging with other like-minded firms. Each merger was a careful combination of firms that shared our dedication to client service. This year, we were also honored as Large Business of the Year, which feels especially meaningful as we celebrate this 75-year milestone.
How does DSF maintain its connection to its rich history while looking toward the future?
Bobby Darnall: For me, it’s very personal. I still have clients and partners who talk about my grandfather. Continuing his legacy means a lot to me, and I know he would be proud to see a descendant carrying on his work.
Erich Loewer, III: My father started our Eunice office in 1969 and rejoined the firm in 1998 when I did. We have many multi-generational connections here. All retired shareholders can look at what they created and take pride in how we are maintaining and building upon their legacy.
Jenifer Zaunbrecher Marcial: I chose DSF because of its reputation for integrity and its commitment to mentorship. Over the years, I’ve seen how the firm’s values show up in the way we train younger staff, invite diverse viewpoints, and ensure clients are never ‘handed off’ without context. That continuity is why I’m proud to be here—and why I hope to be part of our 100th anniversary.
What makes your Abbeville office so important to the firm’s success?
Bobby Darnall: The Abbeville office, which we established in 1994, is one of our main revenue centers and serves some of our largest clients. These clients are pivotal to the economy of Vermilion Parish. We recently completed a major renovation of our building in downtown Abbeville, which is a symbol of our long-term commitment to the area.
Jenifer Zaunbrecher Marcial: I started my career in the Abbeville office, and it shaped my approach to client service. In Abbeville, you learn quickly that relationships and responsiveness matter just as much as technical expertise. I worked on everything from small businesses to complex family entities, often side-by-side with owners who expected both precision and practicality. That grounding taught me to translate complex guidance into actionable steps, something our clients still value today.
Erich Loewer, III: Some of my favorite clients are in Abbeville. Although my main office is in Eunice, I make the 50-mile trip at least once a week, as being present for our clients and the community is important.
What message do you want to convey to clients and the community as you mark this milestone?
Erich Loewer, III: If I had to pick one word, it would be trust. A firm doesn’t grow to our size without a culture of trust—trust within our organization, trust with our clients, and trust in the community. That internal trust allows us to earn the external trust we value so much.
Bobby Darnall: We want clients to know that we are here to help them grow. We strive to be more than a compliance firm; we are consultants and advisors. Our goal is to help our clients achieve their business, retirement, and life goals. We've grown with our clients for 75 years, and we plan to continue doing so.
How does DSF stay ahead in a constantly changing industry?
Bobby Darnall: Our unique selling point is that we are a full-service firm. We have the knowledge and capability of a much larger national firm, but with the local touch and community focus that people value. We can handle highly complex projects while remaining accessible.
Jenifer Zaunbrecher Marcial: You see this in specialized areas, such as non-profit tax returns. New clients often come to us because their previous CPA didn’t have that expertise. We have someone in-house for nearly every need, so clients don't have to seek out a regional or national firm. We also prioritize technology and security to protect our clients’ data, which is more critical now than ever.
Looking ahead, what is the future for DSF?
Erich Loewer, III: The future is our people. We are committed to hiring only the best. We seek leadership material and top-quality individuals because this ensures we are building a legacy of excellence for future generations. Clients want an advisor they won’t outlive, and our focus on developing young talent provides the stability they need.
Bobby Darnall: Our path is always growth-oriented. This includes not just our firm's growth, but our clients' growth. We will continue to be advisors who help our clients thrive, and we will remain deeply invested in the communities we serve, just as we have for the last 75 years.