The Lowdown: Adrian Grant

Atlanta is chock full of interesting “movers and shakers” – some bent on creativity, empire building, activism, and/or just plain having fun and living the good life. Lean in to hear some “off the cuff” remarks as to what makes our spotlight, Adrian Grant, tick.

Birmingham, Ala., native, Adrian Grant, is a master connector and networker. His recent retirement in 2024 after a 50-year career in public accounting enabled him to expand his passion for serving the Jewish community and the State of Israel.

A University of Alabama graduate, Grant moved to Atlanta in1970 to start an accounting career.  He was a founding partner of CPA firm Aarons, Grant and Habif, which eventually merged with the national firm Carr, Riggs, and Ingram. He was one of the founding members of Congregation B’nai Torah and also a member of Congregation Beth Tefillah. With his passion for Torah study, he held one of the first Lunch & Learns at his office.

Adrian currently serves on the National Board of Israel Bonds, maintains an active role in the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and led Federation mission trips to Israel and Washington. AIPAC, Birthright Israel, JNF, Atlanta Scholars Kollel, FIDF, and current vice president of Governance for Hillels of Georgia are all among the organizations that receives Grant’s magic. In 2003, Adrian partnered with Atlanta Scholars Kollel’s Jewish Networking event that brings together hundreds of people each year before the High Holidays.

Adrian and spouse, Ilene, share three sons, daughters-in-law, and eight grandchildren. Read about how Grant’s patriotic shoes secured his first job.

So, you’re a math guy, do you dream in numbers?
My wife was a college math professor, so I let her do the dreaming of math numbers. I dream of whom I can meet the next day and connect.

What was your first job?
I was a kid going door-to-door in my neighborhood selling lightbulbs, flower seeds, and fire extinguishers. I also sold diamond rings and wedding bands through my father’s jewelry store to students getting married at the University of Alabama.

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Coffee ice cream and Nancy’s deep dish cheese pizza.

What are you reading and streaming?
I love to read motivational books and current events. My favorite podcast is Dan Senor.

What is Southern about you?
My accent and passion for SEC sports.

My kids say “I’m too …”
Hyper and have to be active 24 hours a day.

What’s something silly we don’t know about you?
I used to wear the wildest clothes I could find. In my first interview for a job at a CPA firm, I wore a pair of red, white, and blue patent leather shoes and walked away with a job offer.

If they were to make a movie about your life, who should play the lead?
Tom Cruise

Your most exotic vacay?
My favorite walk is the promenade along the beach in Tel Aviv.

What’s your happy place?
Shabbos and holiday dinners with my extended family.