Jake Nice of Archer Lewis Recognized in Crain's Chicago Business 40 Under 40

Archer Lewis CEO Jake Nice: A Rising Star in the Finance World

On October 7, 2026, Archer Lewis proudly announced that its CEO, Jake Nice, was included in Crain's Chicago Business 40 Under 40 list for 2026, a prestigious recognition that highlights influential leaders in the Chicago area who are under the age of 40. This accolade not only celebrates individual achievement but also underscores the significant impact Nice has made within the accounting industry since the establishment of Archer Lewis in 2024.

Since its inception, Archer Lewis has experienced remarkable growth. Under Nice's guidance, the firm has successfully merged 42 accounting companies from various parts of the nation, creating a strong unified brand that specializes in tax, attest, and client accounting services. As of now, Archer Lewis stands tall as one of the top accounting firms in the United States, ranked within the top 70 and boasting an impressive team of over 600 professionals serving 63,000 clients. Furthermore, the firm has been recognized as the seventh fastest-growing firm by Accounting Today, a testament to Nice's exceptional leadership.

When asked about this achievement, Nice expressed gratitude, saying, "I'm honored, and I want to share this with everyone at Archer Lewis. We asked a lot of people to join something that didn't exist yet, and they said yes and then did the work." This statement reflects Nice's collaborative spirit and the strong foundation of teamwork that has propelled the firm to its current stature.

Jake Nice's journey to success is also noteworthy due to his previous endeavors. Before taking the helm at Archer Lewis, he co-founded StoicLane in 2021—a private holding company focused on finance, insurance, and real estate services—where he served as Chief Financial Officer. His experience also includes a significant role as a Principal at Nationwide Ventures, where he led investments in financial and insurance technology startups. Notably, Nice began his career as an investment banking analyst at BMO Capital Markets in New York City, providing him with a solid foundation in finance and investment.

In addition to his professional achievements, Jake Nice is a graduate of Villanova University, holding a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. He currently resides in Chicago, where he continues to lead the charge at Archer Lewis, championing innovations that streamline operations and enhance client services. He emphasized the importance of ongoing investment in tools and people, stating, "We're going to keep moving, and keep investing in our tools and our people so our teams can spend less time on busywork and more time helping clients."

As Archer Lewis continues to grow, it is clear that Jake Nice's leadership will remain instrumental in shaping the future of the firm. His recognition in Crain's Chicago Business is not just a personal honor, but also a reflection of the strength and potential of the firm he leads. For those interested in learning more about Jake Nice's contributions and insights, Crain's full profile can be found at Crain's Chicago Business.

About Archer Lewis

Archer Lewis is a national accounting firm established in Chicago in 2024. With a focus on providing high-quality tax, attest, and client accounting services, the firm delivers localized support while maintaining the capabilities of a national firm. Committed to excellence, Archer Lewis is dedicated to serving its diverse clientele, which includes individuals and small to medium-sized businesses. To learn more, visit Archer Lewis.