Q. Describe your work style.
I actually do things differently. While my work in ValueNomics, specifically litigation matters, is subject to a set of laws, they're less structured than the regulations to which, say, audit and tax must adhere. ValueNomics affords me opportunities to take a big-picture view of issues, whereas the audit and tax departments focus more on historical numerical data to ensure ongoing accuracy.
Q. Who is/was the most influential person in your life?
I have quite a few, but Dale Kimbell stands out. He was the Kimbell in Kimbell, McKenna, and Von Kaschnitz, the firm that merged with Armanino, Jones and Lombardi back in 1998. Dale stayed on after the merger and I found him to be one of the nicest people I'd ever met, and a very good accountant. I fashioned my practice after him. He also was married for 50 years and had four daughters—a good family man, someone that I've tried to model my life after. Q. Make a prediction. Describe your vision of the business future. In the valuation area, I see increased demand for that type of work. The FASB appears to be moving toward fair value standards versus historical values, thereby increasing the need for valuation services. The need for litigation services also seems to be on the upswing.
Q. If you could go back and change any aspect of your life, which would it be?
I'd have spent more time with my parents. My mom died when I was 24 and I'm not able to see my dad as much as I'd like.
Q. What one thing would you change at Armanino McKenna?
I'd get to know more people within the firm. When we were smaller, it was easy to know everyone's name. But as we've grown, it's become all but impossible to do that. However, we do make it a point to ensure that each employee knows everyone in his or her department. As always, it's an exciting place to be and our partners are highly accessible.
Beyond the Boardroom
What do you do to relax when you're not working?
Spend time with my wife and kids. I also enjoy coaching my kids in whatever sport they happen to be involved in and attend most all of their sporting events. It's a lot of fun.
Favorite vacation:
Maui – our whole family snorkels.
Quotable quote:
"Just do it."
All-time top CDs:
- U2 – Joshua Tree, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb
- Sheryl Crow – Sheryl Crow
- Bob Marley – Legend
- Frank Sinatra – Sinatra Reprise: The Very Good Years
What book(s) are you currently reading?
I just finished reading Bono: In Conversation with Michka Assayas
Word that best describes you?
Hardworking
Favorite films:
- Crash
- Cinderella Man