Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Tacoma Washington or T-Town for those who come from the “City of Destiny”. After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School, I spent one year at Pierce College where I quickly discovered my passion for business and a strong desire to continue my education at a four-year university. Growing up a passionate Husky fan, I naturally focused my attention on attending the University of Washington. In 1995 I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from the UW. I went on to earn a Master of Science degree in Taxation from Golden Gate University.
My professional career developed in a very non-traditional manner. I spent the last two years of college working part time jobs in accounting, learning the trade that I would eventually dedicate the last 20 years my life to. Upon graduation I immediately went to work for an internet startup. This company introduced me to email. Yes, it is true. At InterMind I was employee #6 and was on board while it grew to over 75 employees in less than a year. Unfortunately, InterMind did not survive. This led me to begin my career in public accounting.
I cut my teeth on accounting, specifically tax services in Bellevue Washington. I started working for a small 20-person firm in 1998. I moved on to Berntson Porter, becoming a Senior Tax Manager. I continued my career development at Clark Nuber, a 200-person firm that is widely known as one of the top local CPA firms in Washington State. I was then offered a position as a Principal at Gallina LLP, a 350-person firm primarily located in California. My time at Gallina was short. The partners choose to merge into CliftonLarsonAllen just a year into my employment. CLA, as it is commonly known, is a large 2500+-person firm that has offices nationwide.
After several years working long hours and spending more time away from my family, BERush CPA, PS was born. My goal when I started BERush CPA was to focus my attention on businesses and individuals that needed accounting and tax advisory work not just tax preparation services. Will I prepare your tax return? Yes, but it shouldn’t be the primary focus of our relationship. It is a necessary evil. My value comes in the years of experience I have working alongside clients. Helping them build their business, assisting them during the growth phase and even during the transition to new ownership.
When I am not working, you can find me on Saturdays at Husky Stadium cheering on the Dawgs football team. I also enjoy fishing in the greater Puget Sound, woodworking in my garage or brewing beer in my home brewery. My wife, Michaela and I have been married for 13 years and we have two daughters who keep us busy with their many sports teams. Our family also includes an English Cream Golden Retriever named Little Marino “Mo” Rivera and a very large Ragdoll cat named Little Jorge “Jorgie” Posada. An ode to my beloved New York Yankees.
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