just a minute with michael burzynski Partner, Komisar Brady & Co., LLP

Company address: 633 W. Wisconsin Ave. Suite 900 Milwaukee, WI 53203
Company Web site: www.komisarbrady.com
Industry: Public accounting
Number of employees: 37
Your education: BBA with major in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Family: "Ericka and I celebrated our 10th anniversary last year. We have four wonderful children keeping us busy. Quinn, age 8; Maggie, age 5; Rosie, a definite 3-year-old; and Reed, who has been cooperative from the start by delaying his birth until after April 15th (age 16 months)."
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
"We developed teams of individuals extensively in specialty areas to more effectively allocate people to projects. Our partners have always worked in specialty areas, but we are now involving more of our staff. This was in response to a growing need in our industry to go beyond traditional services in many areas, and our staff was very willing to obtain education and change their work load to accommodate. Some areas where we had existing expertise but recently developed other individuals include business acquisition/valuations, like-kind exchanges, sales and use tax, estate planning and non-profit auditing."
What’s new at your company?
"Late last year, we formalized our firm mission statement. While we have been individually practicing the tenets of our mission, it was helpful to bring our entire company together to discuss what separates us from our competition and what our clients expect from us. We also emphasized the specifics of effectively working together and the importance of each person’s role in delivering exceptional client service."
Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
"We are always looking for professionals who bring unique experiences. Also, due to recent growth, we intend to hire at least two entry-level staff from area college accounting programs as well as several seasonal interns for tax season. As for capital investments, we have a regular annual technology budget for keeping current on hardware, software and other equipment."
What will be your company’s main challenges in the next year?
"Due to some recent growth and significant projects, we anticipate being challenged to maintain a high level of service while still developing our current people and training new staff."
What’s the hottest trend in your industry?
"Many local firms have merged into large regional or national firms in recent years. We prefer to keep a strong local focus and maintain the identity we have had for over 45 years."
Do you have a business mantra?
"Always look for creative ways to provide unprecedented service."
From a business standpoint, who do you look up to?
"I look up to one of our founding partners, Ben Komisar. He and his brother started this firm as a true small business, and he built a great deal of client loyalty through his integrity and hard work."
What was the best advice you ever received?
"When I was very early in my career, my dad offered me the advice that, ‘Hard work and confidence will translate to career success.’"
What’s the funniest thing
that ever happened to you in your career?
"Once, while driving to a client meeting, I bid several times on a radio auction item. When I reached my meeting, I found I was bidding against my client. He purchased the item."
What do you like to do in your free time?
"I enjoy my children immensely and welcome all the various games, recitals, open houses, concerts and more that will come over the next 20+ years. Our family also enjoys sporting events, local theater and bicycling. I personally spend whatever time is left fishing, playing softball, golfing, bidding at charity auctions or working on home remodeling projects."
September 3, 2004, Small Business Times, Milwaukee, WI