Team Bios
United States
Joel L. Sinkin, President
jsinkin@transitionadvisors.com
Since 1990, Joel Sinkin has personally been involved with and consulted on hundreds of transaction closings of accounting firms from coast to coast. Joel has taught and advised accounting professionals about Mergers & Acquisitions through CPE, professional writing, workshops, web casts and coaching programs on behalf of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (for which he is an editorial advisor), national associations, and state societies. He has worked with thousands of firms including start-ups, sole proprietors, local, regional, and national firms.
Joel believes that the needs of the parties in every merger and acquisition are unique and successful execution requires a thorough understanding of each party’s objectives. The chemistry between the partners in the two firms is a key component to making the deal work. “A good deal is a fair deal. I also believe it’s beneficial to both parties for retiring practitioners to transition at a pace that meets their clients’ needs and is consistent with their personal plans. The best deals include the retirement minded professionals receiving strong compensation for their years of sweat equity while the remaining partners make more as well.”
Terrence E. Putney, CPA, CEO
tputney@transitionadvisors.com
Terry has over 30 years experience in the CPA profession. For six years, he was Managing Director-Mergers and Acquisitions for RSM McGladrey, the fifth largest accounting firm nationally, and held several executive positions with its corporate parent. He structured and negotiated many transactions resulting in the acquisition of accounting and consulting firms ranging in size from sole proprietors to firms with hundreds of professionals and multi-state operations. Prior to joining McGladrey, Terry was the Managing Partner of Donnelly Meiners Jordan Kline, a 60 associate CPA firm in Kansas City.
Terry thinks it is imperative that practitioners have a clear understanding of their objectives when pursuing a sale of their practice or the merger with or acquisition of another practice. “I've seen deals not work or not materialize because one of the parties to the succession plan had not thought through what they really wanted to accomplish. Transition Advisors will make sure the approach to executing your plan will meet your objectives. Because we are consultants and not brokers, we can be much more flexible in helping a firm succeed with its transition plan.”
Chris Frederiksen, CPA
cfrederiksen@transitionadvisors.com
Chris Frederiksen, CPA, is an internationally known consultant, author and seminar leader working exclusively within the accountancy profession. His experience includes partnership positions with two international accounting firms and building several practices in the San Francisco Bay Area. Chris' seminars are designed to help firms achieve significant growth, improved efficiency and higher profitability. He is regularly invited to speak at conferences around the world. He has also consulted with hundreds of firms throughout the USA, Canada, United Kingdom and the rest of the English-speaking world. The focus is always on helping firms and practitioners get from where they are to where they want to be - this includes mergers and acquisitions, succession and retirement, compensation agreements, partner admissions, and developing comprehensive agreements among owners. Chris has been honored as the recipient of the Everest Award for his lifetime contribution to the accounting profession and inducted into the “Accountants Hall of Fame”. For the most recent three years, Accounting Today has named him as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in the Accounting Profession.
Ira Rosenbloom, CPA, Advisor
irosenbloom@transitionadvisors.com
As an advisor to Transition Advisors, Ira has the unique perspective of someone who has achieved success as an entrepreneur leading a mid-size accounting firm, as a practice director in the corporate environment of a top-20 firm and most recently, as a sought after consultant advising on practice management solutions. During his 15 year leadership as managing member of a highly profitable 50-person firm, Ira tripled sales volume, introduced several new lines of service, effectively negotiated the retirement of four founding members, completed successful tuck-in mergers and ultimately positioned the practice for merger and oversaw its successful integration with a top regional firm. Ira’s involvement in Transition Advisors' merger activities will serve as a valuable compliment to Optimum Strategies, his ongoing practice management consulting practice.
Ira's CPA firm career path provides a perspective that stimulates strong interest in his speaking and writing. He has presented to industry associations as well as state and national societies. Ira is a long time member of the advisory board of CPA Practice Management Forum and is a contributor to Accounting Today. Licensed in both New York and New Jersey, Ira served with distinction on AICPA’s prestigious Management of an Accounting Practice Committee. Ira has served as a Trustee of the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants and has directed many initiatives for local chapters.
Ira graduated cum laude from New York University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics, and received his Master of Science degree in Accounting with honors from Northeastern University. More information about Ira’s addition to the Transition Advisor team can be found at the AccountingWeb Firm News link.
Mark Basinski, Principal-California-Arizona
mbasinski@transitionadvisors.com
As a successful executive managing accounting firm M & A and practice operations and a former managing partner of a CPA firm during the past 30 years, Mark has a hands on knowledge of CPA firm management and a strong appreciation for the pulse of the California and Arizona markets.
Mark has an extensive background in the areas of tax, accounting and financial services operations and acquisitions. He spent ten years with H & R Block, most recently as the General Manager of HRB Tax and Business Services. Prior to that he was the President of H&R Block International where he was responsible for all business operations and M & A activity outside of the United States serving over 2.5 million clients worldwide.
Prior to joining H&R Block, he held a number of positions with American Express Tax and Business Services. After selling his firm to Amex in 1992, he held the roles of Managing Director, Regional Managing Director and ultimately Vice President of Operations for the firm. In that capacity he was responsible for day to day operations, acquisition and integration of accounting firms.
Russell P. Best, Managing Director-Colorado-Kansas-Missouri-Texas
rbest@transitionadvisors.com
Russ Best has over 30 years experience in consulting with management in numerous industries, including professional services. He has practiced across a broad range of disciplines including: Mergers and Acquisitions, Strategic Business Planning, and Information Technology.
Prior to joining Accounting Transition Advisors, Russ was a Principal with Merger and Acquisition Services, a national firm that assists companies through successful transition prior to, during and following a merger or acquisition. He recently also founded Strategic Horizons Inc., a consulting firm specializing in assisting fast growth companies.
Russ has spent over 20 years of his career in Public Accounting in consulting and practice development. As the Kansas City Partner in Charge of General Management Consulting with Arthur Young, later Ernst & Young, Russ built one of the most successful practices of its kind in the nation. As Partner in Charge of Consulting with Donnelly Meiners Jordan Kline, a local Kansas City based CPA firm, he developed a successful practice based largely upon Profitability Improvement and Information Technology. As Director of Consulting with Coopers and Lybrand, he oversaw the growth of the consulting presence in the Kansas City Area.
As one of the original Independent Facilitators, Russ has assisted in the development of The Alternative Board (TAB) a concept that brings business owners together to form an alternative to a formal board of directors.
Russ has a Bachelor of Science degree from Akron University in accounting and a MBA from North Texas University. He is a Certified Management Consultant. He is a recognized public speaker on topics including Strategic Business Planning, Advanced Cost Management, Total Quality Management and Succession Planning.
John Dnyprowsky, Managing Director-New York
jdnyprowsky@transitionadvisors.com
Over the past decade, John Dnyprowsky created numerous relationships within the accounting industry from small practices to regional multi-service accounting firms. Dnyprowsky has an extensive background in business development and sales management and as a result is a valuable resource for the Transition Advisors clients he works with. As Managing Director, John is focused on finding and implementing solutions for accounting firms in the New York marketplace that have succession needs and those that are interested in growth through merger and acquisition. John’s extensive network of accounting firms developed during his career coupled with Transition Advisors existing network provide John’s clients with access to a wide array of possible affiliation opportunities. John’s deep understanding of accounting firm operations and strategies also contributes to the consulting services he provides.
John has been active with a number of associations and business groups such as: Clients for Life, Long Island Network Exchange, the Melville Chamber of Commerce and the NNA (National Network of Accountants.) Dnyprowsky actively participates with several charitable organizations including the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation a not for profit that supports research and education for the rare blood disease. John has also participated in the Long Island Fight For Charity three times and was instrumental in helping to raise tens of thousands of dollars for local charities on Long Island. In 2006, Dnyprowsky was recognized by Long Island Business News as a 40 under 40 recipient by way of his proven track record of career success and his involvement mentoring fellow business members and his desire to give back to the local business community.
Prior to joining ATA, John served 9 years as Vice President of Sales with Advantage Payroll Services based in Freeport, New York. While working with Advantage Payroll, John was recognized year after year as top in revenue sales across Advantage’s entire sales force throughout the nation. John was also responsible for motivating and training the growing sales force, using his knowledge and background to facilitate relationships between professionals particularly within the accounting industry. During his term, John's work helped the company receive a number of awards, including being nominated for business of the year by the Nassau/Suffolk Chamber of Commerce.
John resides in Port Jefferson, New York with his wife Christina.
Lon M. Goforth, Managing Director-Chicago-Michigan
lgoforth@transitionadvisors.com
Lon brings more than 25 years of domestic and international consulting experience, much of this experience focused on a Fortune 500 client base. As the founder and CEO of a Midwest based consulting company, Lon and his organization provided consulting services to mid-sized and enterprise companies doing business in more than 60 countries around the globe. As Lon built his company he acquired smaller companies and eventually sold the company he founded to one of his largest clients. This unique personal and professional experience is very valuable as Mr. Goforth consults with and advises his clients through their own merger, acquisition and succession goals in the tax and accounting industry.
Lon is also a nationally recognized and sought after speaker by many state societies and accounting associations requesting he provide merger, acquisition, transition and succession CPE to their membership base. His unique presentation and communication style makes him a popular and repeat choice. Lon has presented CPE workshops, classes and webinars for many different accounting associations including the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA), the Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS), the Indiana Certified Public Accountants Society (INCPAS) and the Independent Accountants Association of Michigan (IAAM).
In his capacity with Accounting Transition Advisors LLC, Lon has consulting and advisory responsibility within the states of Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and western Pennsylvania. His specialization is strategic transition and succession planning, practice valuation, merger and acquisition consultation exclusively within the accounting profession. Lon consults to a wide range of clients from smaller firms lead by a sole practitioner to several of the AccountingToday Top 100 firms.
Lon believes a merger, acquisition, transition or succession of accounting firms is a solution, for years to come, addressing many concerns expressed by most every firm---client acquisition, service portfolio expansion and revenue/profitability enhancements. Many understand why an acquisition or merger can produce these benefits, but many do not perceive a succession strategy as a client acquisition tool but in fact it is, if properly planned and executed. Lon asks each of you to think about this question, "Do you know where your next client is coming from?" If there is hesitancy when thinking of the response, Lon would appreciate the opportunity to work with you and your firm to examine all the possibilities for client acquisition, fee generation and profitability enhancement.
Scott Stephens, Managing Director-Florida
sstephens@transitionadvisors.com
Scott is the Managing Director for Florida of Transition Advisors LLC, a firm that exclusively consults on Mergers & Acquisitions for Public Accounting Firms. Prior to joining Transition Advisors, Scott was a Registered Representative with his own firm Stephens Investment Advisors. Scott’s background includes roles in Respiratory Manufacturing, Home Health and Office Automation. Scott is a Graduate of the University of Mississippi with a Degree in Public Administration 1990. Scott has been involved in Civic Organizations ranging from Kiwanis to Habitat for Humanity. He has served as Past Chairman of the Satellite Beach Planning Council and served on various boards with different organizations in Central Florida.
Scott resides in Melbourne FL with his Children Amelia, Ryan and Christina.
Michael Farinelli, National Business Development Manager
mfarinelli@transitionadvisors.com
Mike Farinelli has over 25 years experience working for a FORTUNE 500 Company as a Regional Director in sales and marketing managing the central part of the United States, Canada and Mexico. Upon leaving Corporate America, Mike started his own successful company from 2000 through 2007. His experience in developing partnership agreements with large companies, independent distributors and dealers led to joining Transition Advisors in the spring of 2007.
Mike has responsibility for establishing new relationships with accounting firms nationwide seeking to find solutions to succession issues, and new growth opportunities through mergers and acquisitions.
Bob Harris, National Business Development Manager
bharris@transitionadvisors.com
Bob has developed hundreds of local, regional and national contacts while creating a solid reputation as a results-oriented, high integrity, strong work ethic, effective sales and marketing professional. Bob spent his career in Broadcasting beginning his on-air career as a radio announcer and later disk jockey in 1958 and began his sales and marketing career in 1964 working for nationally know media companies including Metromedia and the Hearst Corporation where he served as Vice President and General Sales Manager at KMBC TV, Kansas City, MO. In 1984 Bob founded Harris Market Research, a firm that developed and marketed proprietary database marketing research focused on consumer behavior for more than 81 television stations nationwide. A past member of the Kansas City Direct Marketing Associate Board of Directors, member and VP of DM Days 2002, Founder and Past President of The College Boulevard Breakfast Club, Past President of the Kansas City Plaza Rotary Club, Assistant District Governor of Rotary District 6040 and maintained close contact with the advertising, sales, marketing and media community in Kansas City.
Canada
Jeff Borschowa, Western Canada
jborschowa@transitionadvisors.com
Jeff began his professional accounting career with Kouri Berezan Heinrichs Chartered Accountants, a regional firm located in Edmonton, Alberta. Jeff earned his Chartered Accounting designation and has gained international experience working with KPMG in Bermuda and a private bank in Grand Cayman. Jeff started his own accounting firm in 2008 in order to focus on his passion, small to medium sized enterprises. Jeff initially bought two small books of business and through organic growth doubled the practice in less than two years. During this time, Jeff realized that there is a significant need for a Canadian resource for accounting firm mergers and acquisitions consulting. He used his experience with the two purchases to affect a sale of his practice so that he could focus on the mergers and acquisitions, as a fellow accountant exclusively helping other accountants buy, sell and merge their firms.
Jeff brings his experience from working in firms, running a firm, and his personal experience and knowledge with both sides of the accounting firm buy/sell transaction. Jeff is passionate about adding value to both the successor firm and firms seeking short and long term succession solutions, as well as mergers, with a focus on a successful transition.
Peggy Tyers, Province of Ontario-Toronto
ptyers@transitionadvisors.com
Peggy graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a Bachelor of Business Administration; major in marketing.
Peggy has over 25 years of experience and increasing responsibility in retail/consumer marketing. This experience had been gained as an employee in general merchandising with Sears and Mark’s Work Wearhouse and as a key consultant in niche consumer businesses and brand management with Industrial Safety Equipment Company, Kodiak and Retirement Counsel of Canada.
Peggy used her experience in project management, and buying to develop 2020 Canada. 2020 Canada is part of the largest volunteer membership group for professional accountants in the world. There are over 13,000 members worldwide. 2020 Canada provides members with a one-stop resource for all the latest tools and strategies for accountants to work on their business not in their business. The innovative solutions help to improve the efficiency of their practices and ultimately improve their bottom line.
Peggy's relationships with Professional Accountants across Canada have enabled her first hand to see the growing need for succession planning; especially within small to medium size accounting firms. Her vision led her to joining Transition Advisors team of professionals to bring M & A consulting to her 2020 Canada clients and beyond in assisting them in creating short and long term succession plans as well as growing through mergers and acquisitions.