Blog

The GJM family has grown in 2019, with a number of new staff members joining the firm. That includes Tax Associate Maggie Kelly, who spent time at GJM during her internship. Here’s a Q&A that offers you the chance to get to know Maggie a bit better as she settles in at the firm.

Describe your role at GJM – Performing individual, business, and nonprofit returns.

When did you start employment at GJM – September 2019.

Why did you choose the accounting industry – In my freshman year of college, I learned that accounting is the language of business. Since then, I knew accounting would be an important part of my life regardless of what business route I pursued. The more accounting classes I took, the more interested I became in the methodology, problem solving, and interpersonal communication that take place in the field.

Why did you specifically decide that GJM was a good fit for you? The culture was so welcoming, and the people here are excited and positive, even during busy season! This was so different than previous accounting firms I had interacted with, and immediately grabbed my attention.

Are you from the Toledo area originally? If not, where are you from? I am a born and raised Toledoan!

What do you like about living in Northwest Ohio? My family lives here, and most of the people from the Toledo area are really proud of the improvements Toledo has made.

Where did you go to school? The University of Toledo

Would you like to share any info on family, pets, etc.? I have a mini-goldendoodle, Bowie, named after one of my favorite musicians, David Bowie.

How do you like to spend your free time? I like to look for lucky stones and sea glass at Lake Erie whenever I have the time.

Are you involved in any community organizations, do any volunteer work? Is there a particular cause you feel strongly about? If so, why? I volunteer at St. Paul’s Community Center in Toledo which focuses on helping those in need and providing skills and nourishment to those in the Toledo community.

Favorite song or music? I love anything 80s, but my favorite song is Under Pressure by David Bowie.

Favorite book or movie? My favorite movie is 50 First Dates.

What is something people may be surprised to find out about you? I have an identical twin sister, and we are also mirrored twins. That means if we stood in front of eachother it would be like looking in a mirror. For example, one of us is left-handed, the other is right-handed.

Anything else you’d like to add? I’m ecstatic to be back!

You've worked hard to build your business, but there is a critical piece you can't ignore. What happens once you retire? Thinking you have an idea of how it will go isn't the same as coming up with an official strategic plan for the future. Experts say most business owners know how important it is to have a succession plan, but few actually have one in place. Gilmore Jasion Mahler partner Deanna Hall says she is having this important discussion right now with many of her clients.

Deanna Hall is a tax partner with Gilmore Jasion Mahler who advises many businesses on tax strategy and other critical business decisions. Her area of specialty is manufacturing & distribution.

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.

A number of new staff members have come on board with Gilmore Jasion Mahler in recent months. Among them, Cassi Cronin, who joined us as an Audit Associate. Here’s a chance to get to know Cassi better… everything from why she chose accounting to her favorite kind of music. Enjoy this Q&A. Welcome, Cassi!

Describe your role at GJM: I’m not really sure what it is quite yet since we are still in the training phases and are getting familiar with the systems, but we will be performing audits, reviews, and compilations.

When did you start employment/will you start at GJM? Sept 16, 2019

Why did you choose the accounting industry? I liked numbers and it was a class I enjoyed in school.

Why did you specifically decide that GJM was a good fit for you? The people I met were very supportive and kind and the location was perfect for me.

Are you from the Toledo area originally? If not, where are you from? Yes Fremont

What do you like about living in Northwest Ohio? Being around family and friends.

Where did you go to school? BGSU for both undergrad and grad school.

Would you like to share any info on family, pets, etc.? I have 2 older sisters and a younger brother who just started his freshman year of college at ONU. One of my sisters is married and has 2 kids, Connor (Age 7) and Cora (Age 5).

How do you like to spend your free time? Playing volleyball, playing cards/board games, and cornhole with family/friends. Traveling to places I’ve never been. I went to Vegas, Bradenton Beach Florida, Myrtle Beach, Cancun and Nashville over the past couple of years.

Are you involved in any community organizations, do any volunteer work? Is there a particular cause you feel strongly about? If so, why? I am not involved in anything right now but would like to get involved in something soon. I’m not sure what yet.

Favorite song or music?  I listen to a little bit of everything, but my go to is usually country or pop like the Backstreet Boys or Jonas Brothers.

Favorite book or movie? Book: Harry Potter, I don’t really have a favorite movie.

There are some news faces at GJM this fall. We like to share a bit about our new team members to welcome them to the Gilmore Jasion Mahler family and to give us all a chance to know them a bit better. Today we would like to introduce you to our new Accounting Services Manager Molly Wolf. Enjoy this Q&A with Molly as we ask everything from why she chose the accounting industry to her favorite type of music. Welcome, Molly!

Describe your role at GJM: Administration assistance, compliance, reconciliation and reporting for retirement plan clients. (still working on my role)

When did you start with GJM? September 10, 2019

Why did you choose the accounting industry? During high school I took a few accounting courses, which I enjoyed. I was lucky enough to find a passion for retirement plans.

What do you like best about accounting? Accounting is just a big puzzle, I enjoy finding each piece’s purpose and seeing the bigger picture.

Are you from the Toledo area originally? Yes, originally from Sylvania  

What do you like about living in Northwest Ohio? That you can have all four seasons in one day

Anything you’d like to share about your past professional experience? I have 13 years of retirement plan accounting.

Do you have any pets, hobbies, family? I am married to PJ Wolf and we have a 5-year-old son named Philip. We have two cats, Oliver and Karli. Hobbies include curling (the winter sport) tennis and softball. 

How do you like to spend your free time? Playing board/card games

Favorite song or music? Alternative and folk rock

Favorite book or movie? On Moonlight Bay

What is something people may be surprised to find out about you? I wish I could have met Doris Day.  

Anything else you’d like to add? I live in Portland, OR for the past 4.5 years and moved back to Ohio a few months ago.

Welcome to the team, Molly!

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.

It’s pretty simple. The happier your workers are in their roles, the more likely they are to stay with your company. Figuring out a way to make that happen however, is anything but simple.

It’s no secret that manufacturers across northwest Ohio and southeastern Michigan are struggling with workforce issues, as are manufacturers across the country. Industry watchers say one of the key problems is that not enough young people are pursuing careers in manufacturing. The dilemma makes recruiting and training efforts even more critical for manufacturing businesses in the attempt to bring in and keep good people.

And then there’s the employee engagement piece.  So, how exactly do you engage your employees? That’s the topic of an upcoming Gilmore Jasion Mahler Manufacturing and Distribution Financial Executive Roundtable.

“Your Not-so-Secret Weapon for Employee Engagement” is a panel discussion that offers a vehicle for engaging, empowering and connecting with your workers. It is scheduled for Thursday, August 11 from 2-5 pm at the Pinnacle, 1772 Indian Wood Circle in Maumee. A second event featuring a panel discussion will be held Wednesday, August 17 from 11:30 am-1:00 pm at the Findlay Country Club, 1500 Country Club Drive, Findlay. Details to come on our featured panel members.

The Gilmore Jasion Mahler Manufacturing & Distribution Financial Executive Roundtable Series was established by our Manufacturing Specialist Team when area manufacturers expressed frustrations with the fact that they had no venue to come together and share struggles, best practices and victories.  The events are held three times a year for financial decision makers within manufacturing businesses. Manufacturing executives can RSVP for either event at info@gjmltd.com or by calling 419-794-2000.