Managing Shareholder
Managing Shareholder
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.
Shareholder
Shareholder
Tom Barton, a Shareholder with Barton, Walter & Krier, P.C., is the leader in mergers and acquisition services for the firm. Tom works creatively with sellers and buyers of businesses to negotiate transactions that are both accounting and tax favorable. Tom has worked extensively with closely held businesses in management consulting, tax planning and negotiating favorable financing terms for his clients. Tom also assists his clients with succession planning and transfers of family owned businesses. Tom is a graduate of Augsburg College and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants. Tom is an avid golfer in his spare time. Tom and his wife Sue live in Maple Grove, Minnesota and have two children.
Shareholder
Shareholder
John Walter, a Shareholder with Barton, Walter & Krier, P.C., is the leader of Barton, Walter & Krier’s tax practice and has over 20 years of experience with closely held businesses. John is responsible for the strategic direction of the tax practice, as well as providing specialized expertise to help clients determine how best to organize and operate their businesses and generate the best tax results. He has extensive experience crafting tax planning strategies for unique client situations. John also enjoys assisting his clients with succession and estate planning. John is a graduate of Mankato State University and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants. He is an avid outdoorsman. John and his wife Angie live in Plymouth, Minnesota with their three children
Shareholder
Shareholder
Tony Krier, a Shareholder with Barton, Walter & Krier, P.C., works extensively with closely held businesses in the areas of manufacturing, construction, distribution and professional services. He specializes in tax planning, strategic planning and management consulting. Tony’s professional practice is rooted in his efforts to provide first-class client service and be a trusted advisor to the clients he serves. Working with each client’s significant business advisors–attorneys and bankers–Tony provides client services in the areas of business planning, transaction planning and structuring, and assistance in obtaining financing. Tony is a graduate of the University of South Dakota and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants. He has served as President of the North Hennepin Chamber of Commerce and is an avid hunter and fisherman. Tony and his wife Robin live in Minnetonka, Minnesota and have three children.
When it comes to our long-term growth and success, we believe the most important investment to make is in our people. Relationships matter, not only with our clients but with those we see every day. We’ve built a team of talented, like-minded professionals from diverse and varied backgrounds who work tirelessly year-round to deliver unparalleled service and results on behalf of our clients.
Chief Executive Officer
Managing Director Transaction Advisory Services
Director
Director
Director, Tax and M&A Consulting
Director
Senior Audit Manager
Manager
Tax Director
Director
Manager
Senior Manager
Senior Accountant
Senior Accountant
Senior Accountant
Senior Accountant
Bookkeeper / QuickBooks Consultant
Bookkeeper
Controller / Office Manager
Human Resources Consultant
Receptionist / Administrative Assistant
Senior Accountant
Manager
Bookkeeper
Manager
Staff Accountant
Administrative Assistant
Staff Accountant
Staff Accountant
Staff Accountant
Manager
JD Manager
Administrative Assistant
EA
Sr. Staff Accountant
Sr. Staff Accountant
Staff Accountant
Staff Accountant
Staff Accountant
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer Jay Trumbower collaborates with the firm’s Shareholders on ideas and strategies for BWK that cultivate growth and opportunities for the firm as well as its clients. Jay’s career began in a Big 4 accounting firm, after which he both gained and implemented invaluable experience spanning decades. His impressive resume includes CFO of a $4.5 billion banking group, corporate development leadership roles in a variety of industries, and COO/CFO in professional service firms—including five years at a regional CPA and consulting firm. In addition to earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of St. Thomas, Jay is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, Certified Valuation Analyst, and a Certified M&A Advisor . He also is Dale Carnegie Training certified. Outside the office, Jay spends his time with family and friends. He enjoys golf, pickleball, biking, hiking, reading, board games, and puzzles. Jay and his wife Pam have three children and one young grandson.
Managing Director Transaction Advisory Services
As Managing Director and Transaction Advisory Services (M&A) team leader, Blaine brings 20+ year of finance, accounting, and M&A experience working on buy side projects, sell side projects, and other M&A-related projects (i.e., succession planning, purchase price disputes, etc.). Prior to BWK, he was at PwC working in its national Divestiture Services (sell side) practice. Blaine's clients have included private and public companies, private equity firms, and individual investors across multiple industries such as manufacturing, consumer & industrial products, services, healthcare, technology, automotive, construction, distributions, and financial services. Blaine is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business degree in Accounting with a minor in Finance from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, tennis, hockey, and spending time with his family.
Director
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.
Director
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).
Director, Tax and M&A Consulting
Steve has over 30 years of tax experience in planning, compliance, and transactional analysis for both closely held businesses and individuals. Prior to joining BWK, he worked for Grant Thornton and CBIZ Mayer Hoffman McCann. Steve has significant experience in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, manufacturing, real estate, and professional services. Steve holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a minor in Economics from Augsburg University. He spends his spare time mentoring high school youth as an adult leader as well as reading, gardening, and attending Minnesota Gopher football games.
Director
Anna-Liisa Lampi, Director, serves clients in a variety of industries, providing financial statement preparation, tax services, and consulting. She also assists clients with employee benefit plan auditing services (ERISA). Anna-Liisa holds a B.S. in Accounting from Northern Michigan University and has over 20 years of public accounting experience. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Minnesota Society of Public Accountants. She is an accomplished martial artist with a black belt in Karate. In her spare time, Anna-Liisa enjoys karate and kickboxing classes, the outdoors, and spending time with her family.
Senior Audit Manager
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.
Manager
Jake joined the BWK team upon graduating from college in 2014. As a tax manager, 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.
Tax Director
As a tax director, Ben is responsible for providing tax compliance and planning services to closely held businesses and high net worth individuals. With over 19 years of experience as a tax professional, Ben works with a variety of clients across a broad spectrum of industries. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, IA. In his spare time, Ben enjoys hiking, biking, playing golf, traveling, and spending time with his wife and children.
Director
Ryan Klemmensen is a manager at BWK and works primarily in the construction, manufacturing, and distribution industries. He helps clients with a wide variety of tax and financial reporting issues, providing expert, one-on-one guidance for all their accounting needs. Ryan earned a B.S. in Accounting from St. Cloud State in 2007 and has worked in public accounting since graduating. He has been with BWK since 2008. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Minnesota Society of Public Accountants. When he’s not helping his clients, Ryan enjoys golfing and spending time with his family.
Manager
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.
Senior Manager
As a manager 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.
Senior Accountant
As one of BWK’s senior accountants, 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.
Senior Accountant
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.
Senior Accountant
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.
Senior Accountant
Joe has worked in public accounting since 2017. As a Staff Accountant, 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.
Bookkeeper / QuickBooks Consultant
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.
Bookkeeper
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.
Controller / Office Manager
A veteran of the industry, Lance started his accounting career in 1986. As BWK’s Controller and Office Manager, he supervises the day-to-day operations and administrative support of the firm. Lance holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from Luther College. In his spare time, he enjoys playing in pinball tournaments, target shooting, DIY projects, and the family Australian Shepherds.
Human Resources Consultant
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.
Receptionist / Administrative Assistant
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.
Senior Accountant
Manager
Bookkeeper
Staff Accountant
Staff Accountant
Staff Accountant
Manager
JD Manager
Similar to our machine shop, Barton, Walter and Krier, LLC delivers high quality services that we can count on. We receive their full attention from experienced CPAs who have the ability to think outside the box.
Barton, Walter & Krier, LLC delivers the highest quality professional services, with a superior level of client attention. They are reliable, accessible and responsive to our needs.
BWK has provided Milestone Systems Inc. the same capabilities as the big firms would, while simultaneously providing a high tough, "Big fish in a small pond" type of feel, that we just wouldn't get from those same Big Name firms."
The staff at Barton, Walter & Krier, LLC have served us for many years. They have helped us guide our business through the many challenges that small businesses encounter. They know our business inside and out and serve as a great sounding board.
WHAT MAKES BWK DIFFERENT
Our knowledgeable team of CPAs and tax professionals builds lasting relationships with clients. We’re dedicated to your growth and long-term financial success.
We take a holistic approach to managing your account, looking at the “bigger picture” to identify opportunities and challenges relevant to your success and tailor our services accordingly.