I am a State of Florida Certified Public Accountant.  I established my own CPA practice located in Osprey.  After graduating from Venice High in 1993 I attended MCC then went on to the University of Central Florida where I earned a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Accounting.  I sat for the CPA exam in November 1999 and passed it on my first try (less than 30% pass the test on their first try).  I have worked as an CPA for both large and small companies in various industries including Law Firms, Correctional Services, Construction, and Automotive.  I am also a Licensed Registered Investment Advisor and hold a Series 65 License.

Believe it or not I have always wanted to be a CPA, even at age 6.  I got my inspiration from my grandfather who owned a few businesses.  He would also provide accounting services to other businesses.  Although he wasn't a CPA, I liked the idea of helping other entrepreneurs succeed in their businesses.  Accounting is the backbone of every business.  You will never know how well you did unless you have an accurate accounting of what you did.
 
I'm a lifelong resident of the Venice area.  All three of my kids attend the same preschool that I attended, St. Mark's.  Venice is still the small town that I grew up in.  Everyone knows everyone else.  I am the youngest of 5 so a lot of people in Venice know me as my older siblings little brother.  Most of my family still live and work in the Venice area. I really like the small town atmosphere.  It is safe and quite, most of the time.  I like the way business is operated.  It is easy to do business with people that you know.  I enjoy the beach, mainly around sunset.  I like the idea of only being 5 minutes away from a relaxing time at the beach. I like the opportunity to socialize with other professionals that are my age.  The VAYP also has a great community initiative that I admire.

Are you interested in winning a Membership Spotlight? Look for us at every Networking Event - to enter you must be a VAYP member, the cost is $1 per card put in the drawing jar. The winner is featured here and on our website. Once you win you have to wait a full year before you can try again.