Robert M. Bernstein, CPA, ESQ Partner, Automotive Practice Leader
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Robert Bernstein is a partner at Grassi and leader of the firm’s Automotive practice. He specializes in providing business advisory and tax services to professionals within the automotive industry. His clientele includes owners of new and used car dealerships, full-service and exterior-only car washes, quick lube stations, auto repair businesses, independent and franchise gasoline stations and related convenience stores.
Robert got his start in the auto industry as the CFO of two auto dealerships, Ferrari Maserati of Long Island and Ferrari Maserati of New England. As a certified public accountant, he has also advised owners of Kia and Mitsubishi franchises and several used car dealerships.
Robert helps businesses navigate the many challenges of the automotive industry. His experience includes advising on the sale and purchase of auto dealerships, negotiating with floor plan finance companies and franchisors, assessing technology needs, reviewing operational efficiencies, and developing key performance indicators.
Recently, Robert has expanded his business advisory services into the emerging cannabis industry. He advises entrepreneurs and business owners on how to maximize tax savings and meet regulatory requirements in the medical and adult-use, industrial hemp and CBD sectors. He also works with private equity firms and family offices investing in these markets.
Robert is a sought-after speaker in the cannabis industry and has presented on valuation, tax, legal and cybersecurity issues for the New York State Society of CPAs (NYSSCPA) Cannabis Symposium and HighNY, a cannabis advocacy group. He is also an active member of WomenGrow, an organization that supports the professional development of women in the cannabis industry.
Prior to joining Grassi, Robert ran his own public accounting firm, Bernstein and Seidman, which merged into Grassi in 2017. Robert graduated from Pace University and received his JD degree from Touro Law School. He is a certified public accountant and was admitted to the Bar of the State of New York in1987.