DEDICATED CPAS AND TAX PROFESSIONALS

With over 40 years of experience in accounting, consulting services, and mergers and acquisitions, Richard provides planning and strategy services to individuals, partnerships, estates, professional and S corporations, and tax-exempt organizations. His areas of specialty include manufacturing, professional services, real estate, distribution, M&A, and succession planning. Richard holds a Bachelor of Applied Studies in Accounting and Management from the University of Minnesota. He’s is a dedicated Minnesota Golden Gophers fan and enjoys landscaping, music, and spending time with his family in his spare time.

Jim Stelzer is the Managing Shareholder of Barton, Walter & Krier, P.C. and oversees the vision and strategy, leadership growth and overall performance of the entire firm. He has more than 22 years of experience in servicing manufacturing, wholesale, mining, trucking, utilities, construction and professional service businesses. Jim serves as the shareholder in charge of the firms audit and accounting practice. Jim is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa. Jim is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants. Jim has served on the Board of Directors for the Wabedo, Little Boy and Cooper Lakes Association as well as the Brooklyn Park Traveling Basketball League. Jim enjoys football, basketball, baseball, hunting and fishing. He lives in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota with his wife Michelle and two daughters.

Michelle is a consultant and the leader of the BWK Transaction Advisory Services M&A Human Resources practice. She specializes in M&A, strategic planning, succession planning, change management, budgeting, and performance management. With over 20 years of experience working as both a consultant and in HR operations, Michelle has been instrumental in assisting clients with employee-related programs such as referral, processes, benefits, team building, and event planning. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. In her spare time, she enjoys house projects, running, snowboarding, and golf as well as attending her daughter’s hockey and soccer games.

Christine has over 30 years of experience in accounting for small businesses including processing payroll for clients. She assists with daily and monthly accounting in a variety of industries and prepares payroll returns and sales tax returns. She is a QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor but works with a variety of accounting systems based on client needs. Christine holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Concordia College, Moorhead where she graduated magna cum laude. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and attending activities of her children and grandchildren. She is also active in her church and is currently one of the Finance Directors on the Leadership Council.

Kristie has been with BWK for over 15 years assisting clients with their bookkeeping needs. Prior to joining the team, she worked for her family’s commercial drywall business as the office manager and bookkeeper. When she’s not helping clients, Kristie enjoys country music concerts, motorcycling, traveling, and spending time with her children, friends, and pets.

Joe has worked in public accounting since 2017. As a Manager he assists BWK clients with tax preparation and planning. Joe enjoys the opportunity to build strong lasting relationships with his clients. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from Gustavus Adolphus College. In his spare time, Joe works to perfect his swing on the golf course.

Jake joined the BWK team upon graduating from college in 2014. As a Director, he provides tax planning services, and prepares financial statements and tax returns for clients in the construction, manufacturing, and professional services industries. Jake holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance from St. Cloud State University. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family, including fishing and swimming with his young children in the Brainerd area.

Bio coming soon!

Dan works with income tax planning, business and individual tax return preparation, and financial compilations for clients in a wide variety of industries such as manufacturing, real estate, and professional services. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Mankato State University in 2009. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending his time outside biking, golfing, or at the lake.

John has over 40 years of experience in public accounting with both large and small firms as well as his own practice. He specializes in income taxation of closely held businesses, tax planning, succession, and estate planning where he works with both buyers and sellers to structure a transaction. John holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from the University of Minnesota. He enjoys a variety of activities including biking, skiing, yoga, deep sea fishing, and skating. He loves to travel and explore new places and is an accomplished numismatist (rare coin collector).

As a Senior Manager at BWK, Brad focuses on financial reporting and assurance engagements for clients primarily in the construction, manufacturing, and service industries. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from St. Cloud State University. Outside of work, Brad enjoys hunting and spending time outdoors. Brad lives in Minnetonka with his wife and two children.

Becky Manthei, Senior Audit Manager, CPA, PMP A veteran of the accounting industry, Becky is the leader in financial statement maintenance and quality assurance for a variety of BWK clients. She also plays a key role in employee benefit plan auditing services (ERISA). Becky holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN.

An integral member of the BWK team, Carol has extensive experience with all administrative tasks, including scheduling and correspondence. Carol interacts with clients on a day-to-day basis, assisting with all their business needs. She is an avid gardener, cyclist, cross-country skier and spends weekends during the warmer months on the St. Croix River. She is also a burgeoning wine maker.

Donny joined BWK as an intern in 2017 then transitioned to a full-time position upon graduation. Donny enjoys the variety of services the firm as to offer, especially tax services. When he’s not helping clients, you can find him working on DIY projects around his house, traveling, enjoying the outdoors with his dog, or watching football.

As one of BWK’s Managers, Issam primarily assists clients with financial statement audits, tax preparation, and 401k plan audits. Prior to joining the firm in 2017, he spent time in banking and worked as an internal auditor for a firm in Jordan. Issam holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting and Finance and a Master’s degree in Accounting. When he’s not helping clients, he enjoys photography, hiking, and video games.

Joey joined BWK in 2019 upon completing our internship program. He assists clients primarily with tax return preparation. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from St. Cloud State University where he graduated summa cum laude. When he’s not assisting clients, Joey enjoys playing video games, watching TV, listening to music and many podcasts, going for walks, and spending time with family and friends.

As a Director at BWK, Mike works with clients in a wide variety of industries including manufacturing, construction, real estate, retail, and professional services. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from St. Cloud State University. When he's not helping his clients, Mike enjoys golfing, DIY projects, cheering on Minnesota sports teams and spending time with his wife, son and daugher.