WNDE CPA Becomes Citizen-Politician

May 21, 2013 Category: Uncategorized [ Comments Off ]

Baru Sanchez, 25, a senior auditor with White Nelson Diehl Evans LLP (WNDE), is more than just your typical certified public accountant (CPA). In April 2013, he was sworn in as a city councilman for the City of Cudahy.

Baru first moved to Cudahy, a small town in southeastern Los Angeles, at age 12. As has been the case with its better known neighboring city Bell, Cudahy’s city government has been rife with corruption. A recent extortion and bribery case saw its mayor, a council member and city administrator arrested.

“It was bad” admitted Baru. “Residents opposed to the city council were subject to intimidation, with their homes and vehicles vandalized. There was also voter fraud that maintained the same leadership.”

Wanting to make a difference in the community, Baru became involved in local politics and decided to run for city council. He consulted with mentors, including some of the partners at WNDE, who encouraged him to do so.

He said, “They told me to go for it. It’s a good learning opportunity and a chance to do some good in a community that has been forgotten for years.”
He teamed up with two other young, reform-minded men and became part of an opposition slate of candidates to the incumbents. They walked precincts, knocked on doors, sent mailers, engaged in phone banking and took part in a community forum. To the surprise of his opponents, the slate won.

In office, Baru hopes to bring greater transparency to the City of Cudahy. He is working on having an independent audit of the city’s finances as a first-step to “prevent fraud.” He’s using his skills as a CPA to carefully review city budget documents. He explained, “Whereas the council before was not a council who questioned city staff, now it’s different. I ask questions. I try to be a critical thinker, analyzing every detail and its impact on the community.”

One of the new council’s first acts was to impose term limits in an effort to impose a healthy turnover of council members. Other plans include encouraging new businesses to come into the community.

Baru first came to work for WNDE as an intern in 2008. He was hired full-time in 2010. He doesn’t know how long his political career will last—“I’m not a politician,” he noted—especially since being a new council member can be demanding and stressful. However, he’s pleased to be a part of Cudahy’s government at the moment, and hopes to make a positive impact on his community. He remarked, “We want to clean up the city. It’s going to take time, but I think we can make it better.”

Partner Profile: Lynne Houri

May 20, 2013 Category: Uncategorized [ No Comments ]

Lynne M. Houri, CPA, is an Audit and Assurance Partner & Operations Partner. She has worked in the accounting field for 25 years, the entire time with White Nelson Diehl Evans LLP. She also serves on the firm’s executive committee.

Lynne was born and raised in Southern California. While in school, she discovered that she had a knack for accounting and believed it was a promising career path. She earned her B.A. degree in accounting from Cal State Fullerton in 1988. She earned her CPA designation in 1990.

Lynne’s expertise is in manufacturing and distribution with a specialization in employee benefit plans and pension audits. Her professional affiliations include membership in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPAs) and the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO).

The accounting industry has changed dramatically over the last 25 years, due to the rapid change in both tax and audit laws, as well as constant technology changes, Lynne believes. She said, “As CPAs, we need to stay current with technology as well as with our professional skill sets.”

Lynne has been pleased to spent her entire professional career with WNDE, she said, because of the firm’s “excellent client service,” and because “the firm’s culture and partner group have always maintained a focus on family and work-life balance. I have always felt that the firm’s partners cared about their families as well as mine.”

Lynne noted that WNDE has given her ample opportunities for growth, as she started with the firm as an intern and is today a partner.

She is married to husband Nabil and has two children. The family lives in Irvine. Her interests outside of the office include travel, sports and reading.

Her professional interests include helping staff develop as future leaders and business developers. She said, “We are working to implement a broad curriculum of training and development activities and a mentoring program that begins when a staff member joins WNDE and lasts as long as he or she remains with the firm.”

Lynne is pleased to be a part of the team at WNDE. She remarked, “I enjoy my relationships with my co-workers and clients. I’m grateful to be part of a successful, respected and professional organization like White Nelson Diehl Evans and look forward to many more great years with the firm.”

SBA Loans Provide Opportunity for Business Owners

May 6, 2013 Category: Uncategorized [ Comments Off ]

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. Small business is critical to our economic recovery and strength, to building America’s future, and to helping the United States compete in today’s global marketplace. Although the SBA has grown and evolved in the years since it was established in 1953, the agency’s bottom line mission remains the same. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses.

The White House’s proposed FY 2014 budget contains positive news for the nation’s job-creating small businesses that will benefit from increased access to capital under SBA’s flagship 7(a) business loan program to start, build and grow their businesses. The SBA reported, “Small business loan guarantees are funded at levels above historical demand, but at a greatly reduced subsidy cost from the 2012 enacted level and the 2013 budget level, largely due to the improving economic forecast and lower estimated loan defaults.’’

This budget provides $810 million for the SBA, a decrease of $109 million from the 2012 enacted level, due primarily to the decreased estimated subsidy cost of its 7(a) Business Loan Guarantee Program. This funding supports $17.5 billion in 7(a) loan guarantees.

For the 7(a) program, the return to a zero subsidy rate removes the need to seek appropriations.

Government Believes SBA Loans Help Create Jobs

The U.S. government created the SBA loan guarantee program based on the belief that since small business create more jobs than major U.S. corporations, assisting small businesses with guaranteed loans would lead to job creation and a more vigorous economy.

The two main types of small business loans are the SBA 7(a) and the SBA 504. The SBA 7(a) is for people starting businesses; it works in a similar way to the government’s home loan program for American veterans. The 504 loan program provides financing for major fixed assets such as equipment or real estate.

The SBA does not actually fund the loan. You make your application with a lender and then the lender will determine if you are qualified to receive a loan. If you are qualified to receive the loan, then the lender will apply to the SBA for the guarantee.

This guarantee protects the lender in cases where borrowers default on the loan. If the borrower does not pay the loan back, then the SBA will pay the lender a certain percentage of the loan back to mitigate the lender’s loss.

This type of guarantee program encourages lenders to make loans to start-ups at favorable rates.

Program Highlights

SBA 7(a) loan proceeds may be used to establish a new business or to assist in the acquisition, operation, or expansion of an existing business. Basic uses for 7(a) loan proceeds include:

• To provide long-term working capital to use to pay operational expenses, accounts payable and/or to purchase inventory

• To provide short-term working capital needs, including seasonal financing, contract performance, construction financing and exporting

• To provide evolving funds based on the value of existing inventory and receivables, under special conditions

• To purchase equipment, machinery, furniture, fixtures, supplies or materials

• To purchase real estate, including land and buildings

• To construct a new building or renovate an existing building

• To establish a new business or assist in the acquisition, operation or expansion of an existing business

• To refinance existing business debt, under certain conditions

Highlights in FY 2014

The proposed FY 2014 budget includes the following about SBA loans:

• Support for equity investments in underserved markets and help for small businesses to obtain early-stage financing, including increasing the total amount of financing available for Small Business Investment Companies.

• Waives fees on 7(a) loans that are less than $150,000, where analysis suggests the largest credit gap exists and because small loans are important for underserved communities.

• Expands refinancing opportunities for small businesses, similar to the White House’s plan to help responsible homeowners refinance their mortgages, so that small businesses can lock in lower interest rates for their commercial mortgage debt and get cash out to invest in their businesses.

• Creates a single, streamlined application for all Small Business Administration 7(a) loan products, which will reduce the time and cost for lenders to process loans and encourage lenders to make more loans.

• Small businesses would again be able to refinance 504 loans. The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 allowed for refinancings only through Sept. 30, 2012. The proposal would extend the refinancing provision through Sept. 30, 2014.

• The State Small Business Credit Initiative, a program created in 2010 to help foster lending to small companies, would get $2 million to increase the assistance it gives to businesses.

• The SBA would get $4 million to hire 32 employees who would work with federal agencies to increase the number of government contracts with small businesses.

• The proposal provides for $1 billion to start a network of 15 manufacturing innovation institutes across the country. They would be modeled after one in Youngstown, Ohio. President Obama first proposed the creation of the network in his State of the Union address.

A SBA loan might be advantageous for your business. For more detailed information on SBA 7(a) loans, visit: http://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/loans-grants/small-business-loans/sba-loan-programs/7a-loan-program.

Can an SBA Loan Assist You?

To discuss the advantages of SBA financing or to be connected with an SBA lender, please email request@wndecpa.com.

Important Facts about Mortgage Debt Forgiveness

May 2, 2013 Category: Uncategorized [ Comments Off ]

If your lender cancelled or forgave your mortgage debt, you generally have to pay tax on that amount. But there are exceptions to this rule for some homeowners who had mortgage debt forgiven in 2012.

Here are 10 key facts from the IRS about mortgage debt forgiveness:

1. Cancelled debt normally results in taxable income. However, you may be able to exclude the cancelled debt from your income if the debt was a mortgage on your main home.

2. To qualify, you must have used the debt to buy, build or substantially improve your principal residence. The residence must also secure the mortgage.

3. The maximum qualified debt that you can exclude under this exception is $2 million. The limit is $1 million for a married person who files a separate tax return.

4. You may be able to exclude from income the amount of mortgage debt reduced through mortgage restructuring. You may also be able to exclude mortgage debt cancelled in a foreclosure.

5. You may also qualify for the exclusion on a refinanced mortgage. This applies only if you used proceeds from the refinancing to buy, build or substantially improve your main home. The exclusion is limited to the amount of the old mortgage principal just before the refinancing.

6. Proceeds of refinanced mortgage debt used for other purposes do not qualify for the exclusion. For example, debt used to pay off credit card debt does not qualify.

7. If you qualify, report the excluded debt on Form 982, Reduction of Tax Attributes Due to Discharge of Indebtedness. Submit the completed form with your federal income tax return.

8. Other types of cancelled debt do not qualify for this special exclusion. This includes debt cancelled on second homes, rental and business property, credit cards or car loans. In some cases, other tax relief provisions may apply, such as debts discharged in certain bankruptcy proceedings. Form 982 provides more details about these provisions.

9. If your lender reduced or cancelled at least $600 of your mortgage debt, they normally send you a statement in January of the next year. Form 1099-C, Cancellation of Debt, shows the amount of cancelled debt and the fair market value of any foreclosed property.

10. Check your Form 1099-C for the cancelled debt amount shown in Box 2, and the value of your home shown in Box 7. Notify the lender immediately of any incorrect information so they can correct the form.

Use the Interactive Tax Assistant tool on IRS.gov to check if your cancelled debt is taxable. Also, see Publication 4681, Canceled Debts, Foreclosures, Repossessions and Abandonments. IRS forms and publications are available online at IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Additional IRS Resources:

• Interactive Tax Assistant tool
• Publication 4681, Canceled Debts, Foreclosures, Repossessions and Abandonments
• Form 982, Reduction of Tax Attributes Due to Discharge of Indebtedness

IRS YouTube Videos:
• Mortgage Debt Forgiveness – English | Spanish | ASL

WNDE Staff Raises $1,830 to Fight Childhood Cancer

April 29, 2013 Category: Uncategorized [ Comments Off ]

Twelve employees of White Nelson Diehl Evans have raised $1,830 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation (visit http://www.stbaldricks.org/teams/WNDEShavees), which battles cancer that afflicts children and young adults. The employee participants included all levels of staff, from interns to partners. They solicited donations from family, friends and co-workers.

“We’re excited that we were able to surpass our total from last year,” remarked Baru Sanchez, CPA, a WNDE senior audit associate who led the effort. “Our goal is not only to raise funds to find a cure for cancer, but also to raise awareness of this disease that touches the lives of so many.”

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraiser is one of two annual cancer fundraising events WNDE employees collectively participate in; the second is “Movember” (visit http://us.movember.com/), in which male staff members grow moustaches in November to raise money to fight prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men.

WNDE participants included: Baru Sanchez, Sean Thorstenson, Thomas Miyano, Kyle Goetz, Michael Gilgren, Stephen Cahill, Aaron Gonzales, Jesse Pattison, Damon Haroutunian, Bryan Heredia, Douglas Parker and Connor Kirby.

Sanchez continued, “We want to establish participation in these two events as a tradition for our company.”

Additional donations are welcome. For information, contact Baru Sanchez at (714) 978-1300, ext. 269 or bsanchez@wndecpa.com.

Partner Profile: Robert J. Callanan

April 22, 2013 Category: Uncategorized [ Comments Off ]

Robert J. Callanan, CPA, is a Tax Advisory and Audit Services Partner. He has worked in the accounting field for 25 years, most of which with White Nelson Diehl Evans.

Bob was born on Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. Two months later, his “love for traveling” began as his father was given assignments in Montgomery, Alabama (one year), Wiesbaden, West Germany (four years), Virginia/Washington D.C. (four years) and Boston, Massachusetts (two years). During 5th grade, Bob’s father retired from the U.S. Air Force and returned to his home town of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Bob lived in Grand Rapids until 1988, when he moved to Huntington Beach. He still considers Grand Rapids home.

In school, Bob always excelled at math. His first academic exposure to accounting was in high school, when he took Accounting 101. However, he had many other opportunities to learn accounting away from school. He said, “As a newspaper delivery boy, I dealt with billing and collections. As a cashier at a major grocery store chain and a local soda pop manufacturer, I dealt with cash receipts and cash reconciliations. As a cost accountant with an auto parts manufacturer and my job at the local soda pop manufacturer, I was exposed to all aspects of accounting related to inventories. Finally, two tax-season internships during my college years with Touche, Ross and Company sealed the deal that I wanted to make a career in the accounting profession.”

Bob earned a B.A. degree in business administration and B.S. degree in accounting from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He received his CPA designation in 1993.

Bob’s professional affiliations include membership in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CSCPA). He is an at-large member of the CSCPA’s Governmental Accounting and Auditing Committee. His area of expertise is governmental and non-profit accounting and auditing.

From a technology standpoint, the accounting profession has changed much since Bob entered it a quarter century ago. He remarked, “I can remember going out on one my first audits, armed with just a calculator, paper and pencils. One year into my career, we began using a ‘laptop’ computer the size of a sewing machine case with a five-inch monochrome screen to perform basic calculations and spreadsheets. Now, the use of computers has replaced the calculator and has become a basic necessity in the performance of audits.”

Bob offered a few different reasons as to why he has chosen to make his career at WNDE. He explained, “Initially, it was the exposure to many different aspects of tax and auditing and the opportunity for advancement. Each engagement had its own unique challenges and learning opportunities. Since then, the flexibility in my work schedule has allowed me to enjoy the raising of my three children and some once-in-a-lifetime traveling opportunities.”

Bob’s wife is Brenda. He enjoys spending time with family, traveling and sports, particularly golf and basketball.

Ten Facts about Capital Gains and Losses

April 9, 2013 Category: Uncategorized [ Comments Off ]

The term “capital asset” for tax purposes applies to almost everything you own and use for personal or investment purposes. A capital gain or loss occurs when you sell a capital asset.

Here are 10 facts from the IRS on capital gains and losses:

1. Almost everything you own and use for personal purposes, pleasure or investment is a capital asset. Capital assets include your home, household furnishings, and stocks and bonds that you hold as investments.

2. A capital gain or loss is the difference between your basis of an asset and the amount you receive when you sell it. Your basis is usually what you paid for the asset.

3. You must include all capital gains in your income.

4. You may deduct capital losses on the sale of investment property. You cannot deduct losses on the sale of personal-use property.

5. Capital gains and losses are long-term or short-term, depending on how long you hold on to the property. If you hold the property more than one year, your capital gain or loss is long-term. If you hold it one year or less, the gain or loss is short-term.

6. If your long-term gains exceed your long-term losses, the difference between the two is a net long-term capital gain. If your net long-term capital gain is more than your net short-term capital loss, you have a “net capital gain.”

7. The tax rates that apply to net capital gains are generally lower than the tax rates that apply to other types of income. The maximum capital gains rate for most people in 2012 is 15 percent. For lower-income individuals, the rate may be 0 percent on some or all of their net capital gains. Rates of 25 or 28 percent can also apply to special types of net capital gains.

8. If your capital losses are greater than your capital gains, you can deduct the difference between the two on your tax return. The annual limit on this deduction is $3,000, or $1,500 if you are married filing separately.

9. If your total net capital loss is more than the limit you can deduct, you can carry over the losses you are not able to deduct to next year’s tax return. You will treat those losses as if they occurred that year.

10. Form 8949, Sales and Other Dispositions of Capital Assets, will help you calculate capital gains and losses. You will carry over the subtotals from this form to Schedule D, Capital Gains and Losses. If you e-file your tax return, the software will do this for you.

For more information about capital gains and losses, see the Schedule D instructions or Publication 550, Investment Income and Expenses. They are both available at IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Additional IRS Resources:
• Form 8949, Sales and Other Dispositions of Capital Assets
• Schedule D, Capital Gains and Losses and instructions
• Publication 550, Investment Income and Expenses
• Publication 544, Sales and Other Dispositions of Assets

Tax Tip: Identity Theft and Taxes

March 19, 2013 Category: Uncategorized [ Comments Off ]

IRS Special Edition Tax Tip 2013-05: Protecting taxpayers and their tax refunds from identity theft is a top priority for the IRS. This year the IRS expanded its efforts to better protect taxpayers and help victims dealing with this difficult issue.

When your personal information is lost or stolen, it can lead to identity theft. Identity thieves sometimes use your personal information to file a tax return to claim a tax refund. Then, when you file your own tax return, the IRS will not accept it and will notify you that a return was already filed using your name and social security number. Often, learning that your return was not accepted or receiving a contact from the IRS about a problem with your tax return is the first time you become aware that you’re a victim of identity theft.

We suggest the following tips to avoid becoming an identity theft victim:

• Guard your personal information. Identity thieves can get your personal information in many ways. This includes stealing your wallet or purse, posing as someone who needs information about you, looking through your trash or stealing information you provide to an unsecured website or in an unencrypted email.

• Watch out for IRS impersonators. Be aware that the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email or social media channels to request personal or financial information or notify people of an audit, refund or investigation. Scammers may also use phone calls, faxes, websites or even in-person contacts. If you’re suspicious that it’s not really the IRS contacting you, don’t respond. Visit our Report Phishing web page to see what to do.

• Protect information on your computer. While preparing your tax return, protect it with a strong password. Once you e-file the return, take it off your hard drive and store it on a CD or flash drive in a safe place, like a lock box or safe. If you use a tax preparer, ask how he or she will protect your information.

How to know if you are, or might be, a victim of identity theft.

Your identity may have been stolen if the IRS notifies you that:

• You filed more than one tax return or someone has already filed using your information,

• You owe taxes for a year when you were not legally required to file and did not file, or

• You were paid wages from an employer where you did not work.

Respond quickly using the contact information in the letter you received from the IRS so that we can begin to correct and secure your tax account.

If you think you may be at risk for identity theft due to a lost or stolen purse or wallet, questionable credit card activity, an unexpected bad credit report or any other way, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit toll-free at 1-800-908-4490. The IRS will then take steps to secure your tax account. The Federal Trade Commission also has helpful information about reporting identity theft.

If you have information about the identity thief who used or tried to use your information, file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center.

For more information – including how to report identity theft, phishing and related fraudulent activity – visit the Identity Protection home page on IRS.gov and click on the Identity Theft link at the bottom of the page.

IRS Works to Protect Taxpayer Refunds, Detect and Resolve Identity Theft Cases

The IRS takes identity theft-related tax fraud very seriously and realizes that identity theft is a frustrating process for victims. By late 2012, the IRS assigned more than 3,000 employees — more than double from 2011 — to work on identity theft-related issues.

The IRS continues to enhance its screening process to stop fraudulent returns. During 2012, the IRS protected $20 billion of fraudulent refunds, including those related to identity theft, compared with $14 billion in 2011.

The IRS recently announced that a year-long nationwide focus on tax refund fraud and identity theft has resulted in more than 100 arrests in 32 states and Puerto Rico. In January 2013 alone, the IRS targeted 389 identity theft suspects resulting in 734 enforcement actions. To learn more, see IRS Intensifies National Crackdown on Identity Theft on IRS.gov.

Additional IRS Resources:
• Identity Protection Tips
• FS-2013-2, IRS Combats Identity Theft and Refund Fraud on Many Fronts
• FS-2013-3, Tips for Taxpayers, Victims about Identity Theft and Tax Returns
• FS-2012-8, Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft

IRS YouTube Videos:
• Protect Yourself from Identity Theft – English | Spanish | ASL
• Are You a Victim of Identity Theft? – English | Spanish | ASL

Partner Honored for Work with Boys & Girls Club

March 14, 2013 Category: Uncategorized [ No Comments ]

Kenneth R. Ames, a Tax Advisory Partner with White Nelson Diehl Evans, has received a 2012 Super Star Award / “Hustle Award” from the California State Assembly for his work at the California Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad. The award recognizes his 10 years of active volunteer service with the Boys & Girls Club; he also received a Certificate of Appreciation from the County of San Diego and a Certificate of Recognition from the City of Carlsbad.

“I’m honored to have received this award, and I’m grateful to support the work of the Boys & Girls Club on behalf of youth in our community,” remarked Ken.

Ken serves on the Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors and assists with their fundraising efforts. He continued, “The Club plays an important role for families; it gives children a positive place to go to engage in sports, play on the playground, do their homework or just meet their friends. I’m pleased to be a part of it.”

Ken has been a member of the staff of White Nelson Diehl Evans for 10 years, working out of the firm’s Carlsbad and Escondido offices. His area of expertise is tax consulting, compliance and litigation support services for entities of all types. He has also presented seminars and authored various articles on retirement plans, tax planning and marital dissolutions.

Ken is a continuing supporter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and is a member of the 82nd Airborne Division Association, a group of current and former paratroopers of the division.

Partner Profile: Gregory N. Coleman

March 14, 2013 Category: Uncategorized [ No Comments ]

Gregory N. Coleman is an Audit and Assurance Partner. He has worked in public accounting for 20 years, all of which have been with White Nelson Diehl Evans. His responsibilities include the oversight of attestation services for large, middle market companies located throughout Southern California. Greg specializes in the areas of manufacturing and distribution, employee benefit plans, construction contracting, professional services and retail.

Greg was born in Newport Beach, and grew up in Placentia. He is a graduate of Servite High School in Anaheim.

He was first introduced to the accounting profession through his father, a CPA who worked for the company formerly known as Price Waterhouse (now PricewaterhouseCoopers, one of the “big four” accountancy firms). Greg remarked, “I knew I wanted to work in business, and with an accounting degree I knew I could accomplish more than with any other degree I could have earned.”

In 1993, Greg graduated from the University of Miami, Florida with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting. While attending the University of Miami, Greg was a member of the Miami Hurricanes’ baseball team and played in the College Baseball World Series.

He earned his CPA designation in 1999. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA). Greg also serves as a director of the Orange County/Long Beach Chapter of CalCPA.

Greg has found competition in the accounting field to be “tough and prevalent.” There are “many smart CPAs,” he continued, so employees at successful accounting firms “must develop strong relationships with their clients. Our goal is to retain clients, and the best way to do that is through strong interpersonal relationships. Our clients must enjoy working with us.”

He is involved in efforts to reach out to potential new clients. He serves as group host for Athlete’s Touch in Orange County (www.athletestouch.com), a networking group for former professional and collegiate athletes. Athlete’s Touch meets monthly at WNDE’s Irvine office. He said, “It’s been a great way to drive business and develop key business contacts. The people in the group have the same competitive drive and make-up as I do.”

Greg is involved in recruiting new talent for WNDE. He was featured in the October 2011 issue of California CPA article on the topic of mentorship programs; read the article at http://californiacpa.calcpa.org/Vizion5/viewer.aspx?issueID=10&pageID=1).

Greg lives in Brea with wife Robin and their two sons. He is active in his sons’ sports activities, as well as an active alum with Servite High School.

He is grateful for his two decades of employment with WNDE. He remarked, “I’ve enjoyed working with WNDE staff and our clients, and I find I’ve been continually challenged and held accountable for my work. It’s a great firm.”