DEDICATED CPAS AND TAX PROFESSIONALS

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!