Company Address:
Main office: 1208 W. Layton Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53221. Branch office: Suite 201, N35 W23877 Highfield Court, Pewaukee, WI 53072.
Company Website: www.haucpa.com
Industry: Public accounting firm since 1981.
Number of employees: 26
Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance, Marquette University; CPA since 1971.
Family: “My wife, Ruth, and I have a blended family that includes nine children and stepchildren, plus six grandchildren.”
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
“We opened a branch office in Pewaukee, expanding our sphere of influence and creating opportunities to support another growing business community. In addition, we became charter members of Firm Foundation, a national organization devoted to providing resources, experience and professional advice to CPA firms such as ours. Our membership helps us live up to our commitment to always stay on the cutting edge of developments.”
What’s new at your company?
“We recently completed our Spanish web site. It can be accessed through www.haucpa.com. This web site and our Spanish-speaking professionals enable us to better serve the growing Latino business community in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties.”
Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
“We will most likely hire two to three additional staff. We intend to make significant upgrades to our IT function, adding another file server as we move toward paperless accounting and auditing.”
What will be your company’s main challenges in the next year?
“Finding talent; continuing to stay abreast of the constant changes in accounting standards and tax matters; and implementing tax strategies for new clients as they come on board.”
What’s the hottest trend in your industry?
“Paperless accounting and auditing, as well as increasing connectivity between the CPA firm and its clients.”
Do you have a business mantra?
“Ask the right questions, so we can guide our clients to the right answers. Since no two clients are alike, no two solutions are alike, either. Show clients of all sizes that they’ve come to the right place to achieve their goals.”
From a business standpoint, who do you look up to?
“Warren Buffett. He is a man of great integrity, focuses on sound fundamentals and evidences a real ability to translate social consciousness into actions that benefit our society.”
What was the best advice you ever received?
“It’s the little differences that make all the difference. Never be content with where we are; always find ways to improve quality and to adapt to changing circumstances.”
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you in your career?
“Back when computers had little memory, a major client and I were working together on an Excel spreadsheet that grew more and more complex – until a “memory overload” message flashed onscreen, and the spreadsheet vanished. My client heard some ‘technical’ words that were new to his accounting experience.”
What do you like to do in your free time?
“Shoot pool, sing karaoke and work at mastering The New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle.”
