This week we get to know the team at GBQ Partners, our sponsor for “Member of the Week”.
Member of the Week is sponsored by GBQ Partners: GBQ is a top 200 tax, accounting and consulting firm with 175+ associates serving clients throughout the region.
Like many of the companies that GBQ serves, they were founded in Central Ohio. After more than 60 years, they are the area’s largest independent accounting and consulting firm. While their size permits them to serve even the most complex organizations, their independence allows them to keep all decision-making authority in one place. GBQ’s entrepreneurial spirit is most evident in the close personal attention provided by our associates. They deliver a no-nonsense approach with local expertise and a broad range of consulting skills—a combination that saves you both time and money. Discover why forging a relationship with GBQ could be one of your very best business decisions.
(Pictured: Bob Kling, Director, Tax & Business Advisory Services, Pam Lynch, Tax Manager, Brad Daughert, Director, Assurance & Business Advisory Services, Dave Folkwein, Director of Business Development, Greg Heimkreiter, Director, Tax & Business Advisory Services)
How long have you been in your current position?
Bob – I have been in my current position about a year and a half with GBQ. GBQ bought Ernst and Rabe in January, 2016. Ernst & Rabe has been in business in the Cincinnati area since 1978. Ironically, I got my start working on taxes with Ernst & Rabe back in 2001. It’s amazing how things have come full circle.
Pam – I have been in my current position as tax manager with GBQ since 1.1.16 (one day after E&R acquisition.) Prior to that I worked at Ernst and Rabe for 7 years.
Brad –A little over a year.
Greg –A little over a year.
David – 8 months.
What do you love most about your job?
Bob – What I love most about my job is helping my clients. I also love the fact that I am always learning something new.
Pam – What I love most about my job is the opportunity to have ongoing client relationships that extend throughout the year after the tax returns are filed. There is so much more to the job than just preparing the tax return annually. Clients come to us year-round with all kinds of questions about the tax consequences of life events such as college tuition, planning for retirement, changes in employment or starting a business, just to name a few. We can help them evaluate options based on their financial situations and really make a difference. It can feel very personal and gratifying.
Brad – What do you love most about your job? I get to meet with business owners, learn about them and their companies, and find ways to help them grow their organizations.
Greg –Helping Clients.
David – I enjoy connecting people, helping our clients grow, which ultimately leads to healthier communities.
Who has had the biggest impact on your career & why?
Bob – Two people. My grandfather had a huge impact on my learning how to manage and treat people. I also was fortunate to work for an individual named Mike Wirth for ten years when I first became a controller. He was always willing to jump in and help when I needed it. In addition, by working with him I learned how to approach problems in a systematic way to arrive at a logical conclusion.
Pam – By far, Paul Gaffney, GBQ tax partner, has had the biggest impact on my career. I have worked for Paul for nearly 25 years. He is a tremendous mentor and role model and has allowed me to grow professionally and take on new challenges. Everyone should be lucky enough to have a strong supportive mentor. It makes all the difference and helps me give the best possible service to our clients because I always have a resource to offer advice and assistance.
Brad – The two partners at GBQ who introduced me to the opportunity to join them in the Cincinnati market, as they opened the door to a possibility I would not have otherwise ever even imagined
David – My wife Kristy has had the biggest impact on my career; by modeling the way, being a great listener and telling me “when I’m off track”-honest feedback.
What do you find most beneficial about being involved in the Chamber?
Bob – I’ve met a lot of nice people and it enables me to positively impact the community.
Brad – Connectedness with other Chamber members.
David – Being new to the community the Chamber has been a fantastic way to connect with many awesome people and companies in a short period of time; which made the transition much easier.
Tell us about your family and what you like to do in your spare time.
Bob – In my spare time I love attending my kids sporting events. There’s nothing like seeing them trying hard and eventually succeeding.
Pam – I am married and our blended family consists of three children and three grandchildren with a fourth on the way. We are empty nesters and love attending plays and concerts, traveling and playing golf.
Brad – My wife and I welcomed our first son, Drew, to our family last July. We enjoy spending time with him as he grows oh so quickly. I also enjoy running and have completed 10 Flying Pig Marathons.
Greg –Outdoor activities
David – My wife Kristy and I have been married for 32 great years and we have two children a daughter, Caitlin (27), who is married to Jayce Stewart and they have two children, Ryder and Emme; and we have a son Mark (25). In our spare time, we enjoy spending time watching our grandkids have fun, and playing and watching golf.
What is your favorite Chamber event?
Bob – There are so many great events at the chamber, it’s hard to pick just one. Business @ Breakfast, The economic forecast breakfast, Jingle & Mingle. They are all great. And what’s not to love about the summer tailgates. You can’t beat hot dogs, baked beans etc. on a nice summer day.
Pam – My favorite chamber event is the golf outing. This was my first year to volunteer with GBQ and I met many nice and generous people willing to contribute to the cause! It was great fun!
Brad – Business@Breakfast
David – So far, my favorite Chamber event has been the Annual Golf Outing!
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Bob – When I was a kid, my goal was to grow up and play for the United States Olympic basketball team. Unfortunately, with being too short and slow, that never worked out. However, my grandfather was fortunate enough to run in the Olympic Torch relay for the Salt Lake City games. When he passed, I inherited the torch he ran with. It is one of my most prized possessions.
Pam – When I was a kid, I wanted to be a professional writer when I grew up.
Brad – A doctor!
David – When I was a kid I always wanted to be a Pro Athlete.
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