Celebrating 25 Years of Accruit: A Journey of Transformation and Growth

Accruit is proud to celebrate its 25th anniversary this month, marking a time for reflection, excitement, and anticipation for the future. Over the years, Accruit has transformed and evolved, overcoming industry challenges and seizing new opportunities. Under the leadership of Brent Abrahm, the company has grown from its beginnings as a Qualified Intermediary for personal property exchanges to a leader in Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 states that "no gain or loss shall be recognized on the exchange of property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment if such property is exchanged solely for property of like kind which is to be held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment." 1031 Exchange solutions for real estate exchanges, recognized nationally as an innovator in the industry. 

We recently sat down with CEO and founder, Brent Abrahm, to discuss the journey of Accruit, how it has navigated pivotal changes, and his vision for the future. 

The Early Years: Pioneering Personal Property Exchanges 

Before Accruit became a recognized leader in real estate Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 states that "no gain or loss shall be recognized on the exchange of property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment if such property is exchanged solely for property of like kind which is to be held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment." 1031 Exchange s, it spent many years as the foremost technology-driven Qualified Intermediary for personal property (or business-use assets) exchanges. In fact, prior to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, 75% of the company's focus and revenue came from facilitating exchanges for personal property - high-volume transactions that involved some of the largest corporations in the world, including British Petroleum, Caterpillar, John Deere, BMW, and U.S. Bank. 

The foundation for Accruit’s success was built on its unique strategy pioneering high-volume, lower-dollar personal property exchanges, creating a market that didn’t exist before. Beyond facilitating exchanges, Accruit distinguished itself with its ability to manage large volumes of exchanges for corporate clients and its innovative technology solution, Exchange Manager Pro^SM, the first and only patented Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 states that "no gain or loss shall be recognized on the exchange of property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment if such property is exchanged solely for property of like kind which is to be held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment." 1031 Exchange workflow technology. 

“We were known as the personal property Qualified Intermediary and the technology leader,” Brent explained. “Our first big break came from shifting the mindset of ordinary sales and purchases to efficiently capturing Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 states that "no gain or loss shall be recognized on the exchange of property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment if such property is exchanged solely for property of like kind which is to be held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment." 1031 Exchange s for any business assets.” 

Accruit’s proven track record in personal property exchanges, combined with patented technology, made Accruit a sought-after partner, even in a competitive landscape. By working with some of the world’s largest organizations, the company built a strong reputation and earned the trust of the industry. 

Adapting to Change: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017  

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 marked a turning point for Accruit and the entire Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 states that "no gain or loss shall be recognized on the exchange of property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment if such property is exchanged solely for property of like kind which is to be held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment." 1031 Exchange industry, abruptly eliminating like-kind exchanges for non-real estate transactions. This forced Accruit, and its leadership team, into a critical decision: adapt or risk falling behind. 

The sudden loss of the personal property exchange market was a significant challenge. Rather than seeing it as a setback, Brent saw an opportunity. Accruit had already spent nearly two decades building a strong reputation, pioneering technology, and forging relationships with major corporations. These assets became the foundation for its transformation into what Accruit has become today. 

“When you're a small organization and you face a massive industry shift, your only choice is to adapt or risk failure,” Brent explained. “We had to completely transform to stay relevant. And that's exactly what we did. We leveraged the technology we had, the reputation we built, and our network to pivot and enter the real estate industry.” 

That bold move didn’t just allow Accruit to survive, it was the catalyst that set the company up to thrive. By embracing change, Accruit expanded its scope, strengthened its position in the market, and paved the way for explosive growth. 

The People Behind Accruit’s Success: Building an Industry-Leading Team 

As Accruit scaled from a small company to an industry leader, one of the most rewarding aspects has been the people who have joined the team throughout the years. According to Brent, “The key to our success is the people. As long as we continue to find team members who embrace an entrepreneurial spirit, challenge norms, and think creatively, the journey stays exciting and energizing.” 

A key figure in Accruit’s growth has been Martin Edwards, one of the company’s Managing Directors and long-time 1031 technical advisor. Marty’s relationship with Brent dates back to the 1990s, when Brent was initially learning about 1031s for personal property.  

In 2011, Accruit acquired Chicago-based Qualified Intermediary, North Star A 1031 exchange conducted under the safe harbor 1991 Treasury Regulations wherein the replacement property is received up to 180 days after the disposition of the relinquished property. Typically what people mean when referring to a 1031 exchange, Starker exchange, like-kind exchange, delayed exchange, etc. Deferred Exchange , led by Marty. This acquisition not only added decades of experience but also reinforced Accruit’s entrepreneurial spirit, ensuring that Accruit’s team remained at the forefront of the industry. 

“Marty’s company was our original Qualified A person acting to facilitate an exchange under section 1031 and the regulations. This person may not be the taxpayer or a disqualified person. Section 1.1031(k)-1(g)(4)(iii) requires that, for an intermediary to be a qualified intermediary, the intermediary must enter into a written "exchange" agreement with the taxpayer and, as required by the exchange agreement, acquire the relinquished property from the taxpayer, transfer the relinquished property, acquire the replacement property, and transfer the replacement property to the taxpayer. Intermediary in the 90s when I was with Amoco Production Company. We needed a Qualified A person acting to facilitate an exchange under section 1031 and the regulations. This person may not be the taxpayer or a disqualified person. Section 1.1031(k)-1(g)(4)(iii) requires that, for an intermediary to be a qualified intermediary, the intermediary must enter into a written "exchange" agreement with the taxpayer and, as required by the exchange agreement, acquire the relinquished property from the taxpayer, transfer the relinquished property, acquire the replacement property, and transfer the replacement property to the taxpayer. Intermediary to launch our like-kind exchange program, and that was Marty,” Brent shared. “He’s been a pillar in our industry and a part of our fabric for a long time.” 

Marty’s impact on Accruit extends far beyond legal authority. His deep industry expertise helped shape Accruit’s evolution, particularly in real estate exchanges. Before Accruit’s business relationship with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Marty was one of the few Qualified Intermediaries handling personal property exchanges, and PwC was already relying on his services.  

“Marty was one of a few Qualified Intermediaries understanding high-volume personal property exchanges,” Brent explained. “He’s been in the industry for so long, and his insights and experience have been invaluable to us.” 

Reflecting on his own journey with Accruit, Marty shared, “I was a bit unsure about taking the big step to join Accruit, but I made the move because I had a lot of faith in Brent. Over time, my faith proved well-founded as I found him an inspirational leader. It has been a pleasure working with him and the Accruit team he put together.” 

The ongoing contributions from Marty and others with similar longevity in the industry have been instrumental in Accruit's success. In 2018, Accruit expanded its reach in the Rocky Mountain region by acquiring Montana-based Qualified A person acting to facilitate an exchange under section 1031 and the regulations. This person may not be the taxpayer or a disqualified person. Section 1.1031(k)-1(g)(4)(iii) requires that, for an intermediary to be a qualified intermediary, the intermediary must enter into a written "exchange" agreement with the taxpayer and, as required by the exchange agreement, acquire the relinquished property from the taxpayer, transfer the relinquished property, acquire the replacement property, and transfer the replacement property to the taxpayer. Intermediary , American Equity Exchange, led by industry veteran Max Hansen. Founded in 1991, American Equity Exchange managed thousands of successful exchanges before joining Accruit. From 2012 – 2017, Max and Brent worked tirelessly in Washington, D.C. as co-chairs of the Federation of Exchange Accommodators (FEA) Government Affairs Committee, as still Max is an active committee member. Max, now Managing Director at Accruit, has represented clients in real estate transactions for over 40 years. Facilitating his first exchange in 1978, he is a past president of the FEA and past Co-chair of the FEA’s Government Affairs Committee. He continues to serve on the FEA’s Government Affairs Committee, is a member of the Sales, Exchanges and The value of the taxpayer's investment in a property. Basis Committee of the ABA Tax Section, and mentor to the next level of specialized 1031 attorneys and business development team members at Accruit. 

Marty and Max’s expertise, along with the dedication and talent of the broader team, has made Accruit the innovative force it is today. 

Accruit’s success is built on its ability to attract and retain individuals who are passionate about innovation and willing to push boundaries. “We revolutionized Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 states that "no gain or loss shall be recognized on the exchange of property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment if such property is exchanged solely for property of like kind which is to be held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment." 1031 Exchange s. It wasn’t just a slogan, we truly disrupted the marketplace, and that success has been fueled by the team we’ve assembled,” Brent said. 

Leading Through Change and Looking Ahead: The Future of Accruit 

After 25 years at the helm, Brent’s passion for Accruit remains as strong as ever. He attributes his continued enthusiasm to the opportunities within the market and the dedicated team driving the company forward. 

In April 2023, Accruit was acquired by Inspira Financial, a leading provider of health, retirement, wealth, and benefits solutions. This acquisition was a major milestone in Accruit’s expansion, enabling the company to offer its full suite of Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 states that "no gain or loss shall be recognized on the exchange of property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment if such property is exchanged solely for property of like kind which is to be held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment." 1031 Exchange solutions to Inspira’s extensive client base of over 5 million people, with more than $65 billion in assets under custody. The acquisition was completed after an extensive process and in-depth evaluation of numerous companies, Accruit found the right match in Inspira Financial. For over 20 years, Inspira Financial has provided access to and custody solutions for alternative asset investments including real estate, making the company and its existing clients a great fit for Accruit’s real estate Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 states that "no gain or loss shall be recognized on the exchange of property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment if such property is exchanged solely for property of like kind which is to be held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment." 1031 Exchange services.   

For Brent, the synergies just don’t impact revenue growth, it’s about aligning visions and shaping the future of the industry. “We’re focused on becoming a leading force in the industry and continuing to innovate in ways that benefit the entire exchange market. Seeing our vision play out by revolutionizing the industry has been worth the 25-year effort.” 

He also emphasized the importance of education and collaboration within the industry. “I’m passionate about seeing the entire Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 states that "no gain or loss shall be recognized on the exchange of property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment if such property is exchanged solely for property of like kind which is to be held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment." 1031 Exchange industry grow,” he said. “There’s room for everyone to succeed, and I’m excited to be part of an industry that’s constantly evolving and moving forward.” 

Brent’s enthusiasm for the future is contagious. “Accruit’s next chapter is incredibly exciting. We’re looking forward to growing within Inspira Financial and seeing where those opportunities take us. The potential for expansion and innovation is limitless, and I’m excited to see how much of our vision will come to fruition in the next five years.”   

A Message to Employees, Clients, and the 1031 Exchange Industry 

As Accruit celebrates 25 years, Brent has a special message for employees, clients, and colleagues in the Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 states that "no gain or loss shall be recognized on the exchange of property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment if such property is exchanged solely for property of like kind which is to be held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment." 1031 Exchange industry: 

“I’m still wildly passionate about this industry. We’ve come a long way, but the best is yet to come. The market has incredible growth potential, and I believe that through education, collaboration, and constant innovation, we can continue to move the entire industry forward.” 

Brent's commitment to leadership, growth, and industry development has been instrumental in Accruit’s success. As we embark on the next chapter, there’s no doubt that Accruit, with the team we’ve assembled, will continue to lead with our bold vision, innovative approach, and dedication to the success of the entire Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 states that "no gain or loss shall be recognized on the exchange of property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment if such property is exchanged solely for property of like kind which is to be held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment." 1031 Exchange industry. 

Here’s to 25 years of success and to an even brighter future ahead!