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After 21 years with Gilmore Jasion Mahler (GJM), Tax Partner Steve Schult has decided it is time to retire at the end of 2019. Steve works with many different clients, from individuals to family businesses to multi-national companies. Aside from his client service, he is a career advisor to young professionals within the firm and has taken an active role in GJM’s community service efforts. As he prepares to retire, he took some time to reflect on his years of client service and his time at GJM.

What do you like most about the work you do?

Steve: Getting to know and working with clients - and helping them not only save taxes, but also make decisions that are best for their businesses and their families. I have always said that taxes are a piece of your decision, not the whole decision. Being in public accounting my whole career, I also always appreciated the fact that I was working with the best and the brightest.  I learned something every day from not only my other partners, but everyone in the firm.

What made you decide to retire now?

Steve: My wife Diane and I both had some prior health issues.  We are fine now, but it makes you realize that life is short.  It’s time to slow down and smell the roses.  (For you Michigan fans, just FYI, you smell a lot of roses when you go out to the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl!)

What will you miss the most?

Steve: That’s easy – the daily interactions with clients and the people at GJM.  I am extremely lucky to have worked with so many smart, quality and fun people in my career.  I already know I will struggle with that.

What will you miss the least?

Steve: That’s easy too - Keeping track of time daily and the constant tax deadlines.

Favorite story about helping a client with a tax problem?

Steve: There are actually two stories.

Early in my career I had a 70-year-old client who owed a lot of money on his tax return because he had a large capital gain that was missed in his year-end planning.  I felt it would be best to meet with him to personally review the return.  I called and said I would like to meet him to review his return with him – and he said to meet him at his office on my way in to work the next morning.

After losing sleep that night thinking about the meeting, I met him at his office the next morning.  Upon entering his office, he said “Stevie, you are never going to believe what I got it the mail yesterday when I got home from work.  I applied for tickets to the Masters golf tournament 40 years ago and was informed that I am finally off the waiting list. I now have four tickets to the Masters for the rest of my life!”  Upon asking what I wanted to discuss with him I said, “You owe $25,000 on your tax return”.  He said “Stevie, no problem – I don’t care.  You must not have heard me.  I now have four tickets to the Masters for the rest of my life!”  Timing is everything!  

I also had a large business client who was going through a tough IRS audit.  While most IRS auditors I worked with were pretty reasonable, the agent on this case was very difficult.  Wanting to hopefully resolve a few issues with him, the client and I met with him one day right after he had gotten back from the eye doctor – and he was wearing sunglasses because his pupils were dilated.  Having recently watched some poker tournaments on TV, I semi-jokingly told him it wasn’t fair that he was wearing sunglasses during a negotiation.

After failing to come to an agreement, we requested a meeting with him and his case manager to hopefully resolve our issues.  Upon entering the meeting a few days later, the client team and I were all wearing sunglasses.  The IRS case manager was very amused by this, setting the tone to finally get the issues on the audit resolved.

Favorite memory or story from your time at GJM?

Steve: While there are many, my favorite memory is from our involvement with Flag City Honor Flight.  The night we raised over $125,000 we were all in shock.  Going to Washington DC as a guardian on one of the flights was also a memory I will never forget – and is something I would encourage everyone to do.

What are your plans in retirement?

Steve: Getting in shape; learning to play the guitar; hiking a few times a week in Oak Openings with my two dogs (they keep me walking at a brisk pace); XC-skiing; fly-fishing; learning woodworking from my dad and helping him on the family farm; more time with Diane, (which she may regret) kids and grandkids; getting more active on a few boards; travel; and many more fun adventures that I don’t even know about yet.

Do you have any travel scheduled?

Steve: Yes.  XC-skiing trip in January, visit cousins in Lake Tahoe in February, finally getting to go to Detroit Tigers spring training in Lakeland Florida in March, a trip to hike in the Scottish Highlands this summer, and other trips with kids/grandkids that we haven’t quite finished scheduling yet.

Are you totally disconnecting from GJM or will you be around for client issues, etc.?

Steve: While I don’t want to interfere with other people at GJM developing their own relationships with clients I worked with in the past, I will still be in the Toledo area and will be available as needed.  I want to make sure there is a smooth transition and want to also make sure our clients are being properly served.  I’m sure I could add historical perspective that may be helpful in some situations.   

Will you still stay involved in some GJM events, like the Big Brothers Big Sisters Holiday Party and Flag City Honor Flight?

Steve: If I am not traveling, I would certainly be available to help with the many great causes GJM has supported over the years.

There’s been a lot of change in the accounting industry during your time in the field.  Do you have any advice you’d give to young people pursuing the field now?

Steve: Every industry is constantly changing.  I think the best advice for any young person is pretty easy:  Work hard, communicate, get involved in your community, and show your clients, your family and the people that work with you that you appreciate and care about them.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Steve: As I mentioned before, I know I will miss the constant interactions with clients and the people at GJM.  Those people become part of your family.  I am not leaving the Toledo area.  Now that I will have the time, hopefully people will still occasionally call me for breakfast, lunch, dinner, fishing, etc.  I know Diane will appreciate them getting me out of the house and out of her hair for a while!

Established in 1996, Gilmore Jasion Mahler, LTD (GJM) is the largest public accounting firm in Northwest Ohio, with offices in Maumee and Findlay. Locally owned, GJM offers cloud-based accounting and provides comprehensive services including assurance, business advisory, tax, risk advisory, healthcare management and outsourced accounting. The Firm’s professionals specialize in industries including construction & real estate, healthcare, manufacturing & distribution and utilities.  

Gilmore Jasion Mahler, LTD (GJM) has announced some key promotions and new staff members that strengthen the Firm and its leadership team. The promotions are effective January 1, 2019.

Judy Anderson and Matt Cavanagh are promoted to partner. Anderson, a Toledo native and graduate of The University of Toledo has been with the firm for 11 years. She has over twenty years of experience in public accounting and in the healthcare industry. A member of Gilmore Jasion Mahler’s healthcare and outsourced accounting group, she works with many of the Firm’s healthcare clients providing practice management and consulting services.  

Cavanagh, a Bowling Green native and BGSU graduate, joined Gilmore Jasion Mahler in November of 2005. Also a member of the Firm’s healthcare team, Matt’s focus is healthcare services. His expertise is in ambulatory surgery centers, outsourced accounting, practice management and modeling.

“Judy and Matt are already valued members of our leadership team,” says Gilmore Jasion Mahler Managing Partner Kevin Gilmore. ”Their hard work and dedication have strengthened our healthcare specialty and the Firm as a whole. I’m thrilled to see them both reach partner level.”

The Firm also announced some other key promotions. Partner Nikki Clement has been named managing partner of Gilmore Jasion Mahler’s Findlay office. Partner Mike Brough will lead growth efforts for the Findlay office. Nikki Clement's focus is the utilities industry. She specializes in accounting for regulated utilities.

Mike Brough works across a number of industries including manufacturing & distribution, government, and nonprofit operations.

Steve Miller is being promoted to senior manager. Both Ryan Avery and Ryan Emerson are promoted to supervisor and Nick Jackson is promoted to senior associate.

Earlier in the year, Diane Stretten and Mary Jo Pitzen were promoted to senior manager. Andrea Jennex moved up to supervisor in the GJM Findlay office. Ben Lochbihler was promoted to manager and Corey Selhorst, Lauren Grana and Clay Barron were all promoted to senior associate.

The Firm also brought on well over a dozen new employees in 2018 to further strengthen GJM’s administrative team and client service. They include Elijah Blackburn, Alyssa Essert, Alexandria Frances, Courtney Haas, Nicole Hartranft, Jennifer Henning, Dana Herr, Thomas Keyser, Jessica Knepper, Dylon Lause, Wendy Long, Tim Merkel, Madeline Mielcarek, Caleb Neeper, Joe Osentoski, Tina Rochowiak and Logan Sager.

“I couldn’t be happier with the staff we have in place headed into 2019,” says Gilmore. “When you have great people, great things happen. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish at a team.”

Established in 1996, Gilmore Jasion Mahler, LTD (GJM) is the largest public accounting firm in Northwest Ohio, with offices in Maumee and Findlay. Locally owned, GJM offers cloud-based accounting services and provides comprehensive services including assurance, business advisory, tax, risk advisory, healthcare management and outsourced accounting. The Firm’s professionals specialize in industries including construction & real estate, healthcare, manufacturing & distribution and utilities.

Too many job openings and not enough people to fill them: Perhaps the number one challenge facing manufacturers across northwest Ohio and the country. Public accounting firm Gilmore Jasion Mahler works with many clients in the manufacturing space and is bringing them and other manufacturers together with educators, students, parents and other officials to discuss ways to work together to overcome these challenges. 

“Help Wanted: Getting Students and Manufacturers to Speak the Same Language” is an interactive panel discussion scheduled for Thursday, May 25^th in both Maumee and Findlay. The events are from 11:30 am-1 pm at Findlay Country Club at 1500 Country Club Drive in Findlay and from 3-5 pm the same day at Brandywine Country Club at 6904 Salisbury Road in Maumee.

“We know that the lack of young people pursuing the skilled trades has strained area manufacturers for many years,” says CPA Charlie Heid, who leads Gilmore Jasion Mahler’s Manufacturing Specialist Group. “We hear from our manufacturing clients this is perhaps the biggest challenge they continue to face. We also know we can’t solve this in an afternoon, but we’re hoping to move the needle and offer some valuable takeaways and action items for our attendees.”

The moderated panel discussions will include Toledo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Romules Durant, Penta Career Center Superintendent Ron Matter, Pam Hamlin, Career Tech coordinator at Millstream Career Center in Findlay, and others committed to addressing the lack of a skilled labor workforce. Young people and their parents will also be part of the panel discussions. The events are open to financial executives from area manufacturing & distribution businesses and their HR representatives. Some business executives from the construction industry will also attend, as many of them face the same workforce shortage challenge. Other special guests at the Findlay and Maumee events will include:

• Julie Baker, Executive Director, Owens Community College, Findlay
• Ryan Burgess, Director of the Ohio Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation
• LuAnne Cooke, Governor’s Liaison to Northwest Ohio
• Greg Edinger, Superintendent, Vanguard Sentinel Career & Technology Center
• Andrea Kramer, member of Governor Kasich’s Executive Workforce Board
• Tim Meister, Superintendent, Four County Career Center
• State Representative Bill Reineke
• Carolyn Rodenhauser, Regional Talent Acquisition Manager, Regional Growth Partnership
• Michael Veh, Dir. of Business and Workforce Services, Lucas County Department of Planning and Development

Manufacturers and area educators know all too well that they face a number of challenges in connecting young people with careers in manufacturing. Most agree there are many contributing factors, including the nature of the current generation.

“Many students lack the mind-set to want to work hard,” says Millstream Career Center’s Pam Hamlin. “We also face a negative perception of what manufacturing looks like. We are trying to expose students and provide them with the opportunity they have in front of them.”

Penta Career Center Superintendent Ron Matter joined GJM Partner Wes Beham for an appearance on 13abc's Conklin & Co. with Lee Conklin to discuss the upcoming roundtable events. Matter is very vocal about his distaste of the current narrative. He agrees we need to change the conversation when it comes to young people pursuing vocational education.

"For too many young people the only message they hear in the media, from their peers, from their parents, from their counselors and teachers, and from political leaders is that a four-year degree is the only path to success," says Matter. "At Penta Career Center and across this region we know that this message could not be further from the truth. I believe training beyond high school can and should look different for all adults - depending upon what it is they want to do and what is the training/education needed to get there."

Laurie Zydonik leads a nonprofit in Findlay called Raise the Bar which has taken the lead on workforce issues in Findlay and Hancock County. Zydonik says the organization is looking at the short term and long term in regard to the need for stronger “soft skills” in young people. They’re working to implement “The Leader in Me” program in Hancock County schools which is based on Franklin Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People.”

“This is a large scale project based on the long-term benefit of empowering and developing youth from an early age,” says Zydonik. “If we can provide the foundation of learning so they are prepared to research, explore and experiment with what they are passionate about, the skills they have become accustomed to (and are now habits) will naturally enhance their growth instead of impeding it. For example: If you have spoken in public since you were in kindergarten, speaking in a meeting at work is not scary, it just feels normal.”

There is no cost to attend the GJM Manufacturing & Distribution Financial Executive Roundtable events. The Findlay event includes lunch. The Maumee event includes an optional social hour from 5-6 pm. Manufacturing financial executives and their HR representatives can RSVP via email for either roundtable event to info@gjmltd.com. Please specify which event you’ll be attending.

Gilmore Jasion Mahler (GJM) established the Manufacturing & Distribution Financial Executive Roundtable series after learning that area manufacturers needed a way to come together to share their challenges and successes. The events are held three times a year. Previous roundtable topics have included the economic outlook, company culture, employee engagement and the state of Ohio manufacturing.

Established in 1996, Gilmore Jasion Mahler, LTD is the largest public accounting firm in the region, with offices in Maumee and Findlay. Locally owned, GJM offers comprehensive financial services including assurance, business advisory, tax, risk advisory and healthcare management. GJM’s professionals specialize in industries including construction & real estate, healthcare, manufacturing & distribution and utilities.

A familiar face has returned to Gilmore Jasion Mahler. Lauren Webber is back on board as a Tax Supervisor and member of GJM's Construction Specialist Team and Manufacturing Specialist Team. Enjoy this Q&A. Welcome back, Lauren!

When did you start employment at GJM? 10/28/19 – formerly employed 2015-2017

Why did you choose the accounting industry? I like working with people and numbers.

What do you like best about accounting? Helping people solve problems/reach goals.

Are you from the Toledo area originally? If not, where are you from? I am from Toledo.

What do you like about living in Northwest Ohio? I love the greater Toledo area!  It’s a community-minded and engaging place to be.

Anything you’d like to share about your past professional experience? I am proud to have been the Owens Corning Volunteer of the Year in 2018.

Do you have any pets, hobbies, family? I have way too many pets- cats, dogs, fish, reptiles, small mammals, you name it.

How do you like to spend your free time? With pets/family/friends.  I also enjoy running, painting, reading, playing piano.

Favorite song or music? That’s too hard to pick!

Favorite book or movie? Book- A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving | Movie- Donnie Darko

Are you involved in any community organizations, do any volunteer work? I am the treasurer for Paws & Whiskers Cat Shelter and for Toledo Streets Newspaper.

What is something people may be surprised to find out about you? I hope to have farm animals one day.   

Gilmore Jasion Mahler’s (GJM’s) Mary Jo Pitzen, CPA has been promoted to partner with the firm. Mary Jo has been with GJM for over 12 years. She is a member of the firm’s Construction Specialist Team. Mary Jo provides tax planning, compliance and business advisory services for individuals and all types of businesses in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and professional services.

“This is a very well-earned promotion. Mary Jo provides great client service and has done an excellent job in helping to continue growth in our construction practice,” says GJM Managing Partner Kevin Gilmore.

Mary Jo is a member of the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) Northwest Ohio chapter. She is also a member of the local chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), holding a board position with the organization for the last four years.

A graduate of The University of Toledo, Mary Jo joined GJM upon graduation and has been with the firm ever since.

“I love who I work with, both within the firm and the clients we serve. We have a great group of people at all levels who work well together, share and encourage each other to grow. I love our team-oriented atmosphere.”

Mary Jo is also a graduate of Leadership Toledo and will soon be a graduate of the Partner Development Program (PDP) through the RSM US Alliance. The program offers training to improve leadership skills.

“My biggest take away from PDP is a better understanding of who I am. It will make me a better coach for young people coming up in the firm and allow me to better serve my clients as well.”

Mary Jo lives in Waterville with her husband and 6-year-old son.

Established in 1996, Gilmore Jasion Mahler, LTD (GJM) is the largest public accounting firm in Northwest Ohio, with offices in Maumee and Findlay. Locally owned, GJM offers cloud-based accounting and provides comprehensive services including assurance, business advisory, tax, risk advisory, healthcare management and outsourced accounting. GJM’s professionals specialize in industries including construction & real estate, healthcare, manufacturing & distribution and utilities.