Q. What is it about the accounting or consulting profession that first drew your interest?
I was drawn to accounting because it allows me to see how entrepreneurs become successful in their fields and use some of that knowledge to help other clients. I’m excited by our ability to make a real impact on a business. I have an interest in helping clients in areas they aren’t normally familiar with, which is almost always the case with accounting issues.
Q. What law or regulation in the accounting industry would you like to see changed?
I would like to see equity-based compensation be more understandable to laypersons. It’s important that employees know what equity-based compensation means for them.
Q. Without naming names, tell us about your favorite client and why you enjoyed working with them.
I really enjoy working with hospitality clients. One in particular owns several hotels and I’m fascinated by how decisions are made in the hospitality industry. This client always calculates how any move would impact both their operations and their customers. It’s such a customer-driven industry that they’re willing to provide the very best experience possible.
Q. Describe your work style.
I’m a big believer in teaching and allowing people to grow. I try to manage at a level where I remain accessible to my team to ensure they are learning and growing. It’s not so much about supervision as it is about providing knowledge that they can use in delivering solutions to our clients.
Q. Who is (or was) the most influential person in your life?
My wife. She is also a CPA and so we occasionally would bounce ideas off each other. We provide guidance to each other both professionally and personally.
Q. If you could pass on a nugget of wisdom to aspiring accountants or consultants, what would that be?
Work with passion and always give your clients the very best of your ability. Your clients are the most important relationships that you’ll have. If you can do that, everything else will fall in place.