Innovative, forward-thinking partners

I have 18 years of experience with BPEH, the predecessor firm to Ascend. I specialize in real estate, private equity and high net worth individuals/family office. My most significant project is leading the charge to get Ascend up and running and bringing a new generation of accounting services to our clients. I take great pride in being a key member of their team and being available when situations arise. My connection with my clients goes beyond just a professional endeavor. I am invested in the success of each one of my clients on a personal level as well. I am a member of CALCPA, AICPA, Conejo Valley Estate Planning Council (treasurer), Highrise Networks, and Provisors. I love spending time with my young children, coaching local baseball and basketball leagues.

I have 30 years of experience with specialties in real estate accounting, tax, transaction and structuring, as well as estate planning and not for profit including private foundations. In May 1993 I received my undergraduate degree from Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles). I am a Certified Public Accountant in the State of California and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. In 1994 I joined BPE&H and was admitted as a shareholder in 2006. I became a tax principal at Krost when the firms merged and am now a founding partner of Ascend. I am a results-oriented consultant who particularly enjoys solving problems and helping people succeed. Helping colleagues and clients succeed, spending time with family and three dogs, working with my hands, hiking and the outdoors are things I enjoy.

I have over 40 years of experience in specialty practice such as real estate, professional service firms, investment companies, operating and purchasing businesses, and business consulting in both tax and accounting. Proudly graduating from the University of Arizona in 1978, with Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with a Major in Accounting, I went on to receive my CPA in 1981. I worked as a senior auditor for firms based in Los Angeles until 1987, eventually meeting some great colleagues, as manager of Block, Good & Gagerman. In 1988 I joined BPE&H, working as a senior manager, and then becoming a partner. In 2022, merging partners and I became the founding members of Ascend Tax and Business Advisors. I have been married to my lovely wife Leslie for over 40 years, we have two boys, Corey, and Eric. My personal hobbies include the passion of wine collecting, golf, watching professional tennis and Arizona basketball – Bear Down!

Born and raise in Munich Germany I came to the United States to attend college at the University of Arizona. After graduating with a BS in Finance, I moved to Los Angeles for what I thought was going to be a short time. Little did I realize that I would come to love living in this community and serving our wonderful clients. As our clients grew and prospered, I concentrated my efforts in areas that are of critical concern to our clients; structuring buy/sell and merger transactions, estate and business succession planning and sound financial retirement planning. I specialize in taxation of passthrough entities, real estate transactions and personal service companies. My strength lies in truly understanding my client’s goals and aspirations and customizing a plan that fits their specific needs and objectives. I look forward to assisting you and your loved ones in achieving your ambitions.

I have 21 years of experience. My expertise is in real estate financial statements, real estate taxation, taxation of professional services and multi-state partnership taxation. I am detail-oriented and proactive. I am a member of the AICPA and Cal Society of CPAs. I like to cook, go hunting, and enjoy being outdoors and spending time with my family. I am currently the Treasurer of Bridge to Home, a nonprofit homeless shelter.

I have over 17 years of experience in public accounting and am a licensed CPA with a Master of Science in Taxation from Golden Gate University.

My areas of expertise include federal and multi-state tax compliance and consulting for high-net-worth individuals, partnerships, and corporations. I serve clients in various industries including but not limited to the real estate, restaurant, medical, and entertainment industries.

I am passionate about real estate and enjoy helping real estate professionals maximize their wealth and minimize taxes by utilizing complex tax strategies that include the use of 1031 exchanges and cost segregation. I have consulted many real estate professionals and CPAs over the years and have written articles, spoken at CalCPA conferences, and given webinars on the complexities of the interaction between 1031 exchanges and cost segregation.

I am dedicated to helping Ascend be a workplace where its people truly matter and every voice can be heard. I believe that employees who feel appreciated and are happy will care more about their jobs and are more likely to go the extra mile to provide exceptional service to our clients.

Outside of work I love to travel and spend time with my wife and two daughters. I also enjoy rooting for UCLA football & basketball and the Lakers.

Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois I served in the U.S Navy for 5 years during the Korean War as a Lieutenant. I received my CPA license in 1961 and became a partner in my first firm in 1964. I've now been working in accounting for over 60 years. I have been a partner in my own firm with several clients who have been with me over 50 years. I was married to Barbara for 48 years and have 2 children, 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

I belong to the Valley Chesters Charity Group. We raise money for several charities including the Junior Blind, etc. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family. I am an avid golfer and belong to a country club. I enjoy reading and doing crossword puzzles.

Upon graduating from the USC masters of business taxation in early 1980’s I joined the firm which was then known as Ernst & Whinney (currently known as Ernst and Young) and worked exclusively in the Century City office’s tax department.

Upon leaving Ernst & Whinney I spent most of my professional career in private industry in such areas as commercial real estate development before re-entering on a permanent basis into public accounting when I joined the predecessor CPA firm of BPEH which merged with Krost CPA’s and lately spun off to form Ascend Financial Services.

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