Two CPAs retire from McCrate, DeLaet & Co.

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SIDNEY — After beginning their professional careers in a two years span of each other, Dale Schwieterman and David Monnier retired from McCrate, DeLaet & Co. on Sept. 30. New partners, effective Oct. 1, are Sarah Stammen, CPA, and Mark Hoge CPA, CVA.

Schwieterman graduated from Bowling Green State University with a degree in Business Accounting in 1972 and went to work at McCrate, DeLaet & Co. within a couple of days of graduation.

“I graduated on Saturday and started the following Monday. I came to McCrate because I wanted to come back to this area. I’m from Mercer County,” said Schwieterman.

Schwieterman became a partner in 1977 and managing partner in 1987. In addition to these milestones, there are a few accomplishments in his career for which he feels the most pride.

“What we’ve accomplished over the last 44 years — the firm has grown from less than 10 people to 25, and we’re highly respected in the profession. Personally, I became recognized as an agricultural expert in this profession. Our firm is too. This is a really good place and well respected,” said Schwieterman.

Monnier graduated from BGSU in 1974 with a degree in Business Accounting. He began his tenure with the firm a week after graduation. Monnier chose to pursue employment with the firm because of their exemplary reputation and because they are situated in a small town.

“Being from Russia, a small town, I definitely like the small town atmosphere. I couldn’t see myself as a big city guy. I was looking for an opportunity in a small area, and I saw an ad that Sidney, Ohio, was looking for an accountant. It matched my desire to be in a small town,” said Monnier.

Monnier was also promoted to partner in 1987. He has had many accomplishments over the course of his career, but a few stand out for him.

“Businesswise, I’m most proud of being able to present a livelihood to 25 fellow employees. I’m very proud of new business start-ups and seeing how they progress and grow. As far as individually, I am most proud of passing the CPA test the first time in the top 10 percent when I was still a senior in college. That is something I will never forget. I have a son who has followed my footsteps, and he smoked me on the CPA test!” said Monnier.

Both men have seen many changes over their 40+ years in the field. They agree that the differences in the tax laws, as well as the new technologies, have been major changes.

“What I think has changed most is the complexity of tax law changes. That’s one. Another thing I have seen change is women in the business world. When I went to Bowling Green, in a class of 50, there were less than five women. Now it’s over 50 percent of women in business classes. In fact, one of our new partners is going to be the first female partner of the firm,” said Monnier.

“Technology is the biggest change and how it’s enabled us to stay connected and work from anywhere and stay on top of things and keep things moving,” said Schwieterman.

Although both men passed the CPA test with high scores and have dedicated many hours to the firm over the years, they both agree that they owe a great debt to their wives.

“The sacrifices that the spouses have to make because we’re in the business we’re in they’re sometimes 100 percent responsible for raising the family. We appreciate the sacrifices they’ve made for us to have our careers,” said Monnier.

“They’re probably as excited about this retirement as we are,” added Schwieterman.

Schwieterman plans to enjoy his retirement by spending time with his family, taking the time to travel to visit his five children and seven grandchildren.

“Travel and time with our family, our one son is in California. We have two daughters in Colorado. We’ll get a fair amount of travel visiting all of them and maybe do some other traveling. We’ll just get there, relax, and just see what comes. Our oldest son is a full-time farmer, and they always need help,” said Schwieterman.

Monnier has similar plans regarding his family. He also plans to continue his volunteer positions at Holy Angels, Wilson Care and The Community Foundation of Shelby County among others.

“After 42 tax seasons and 70 hour work weeks, my family calls me a workaholic, I want to turn that around and spend more time with my wife, Ann and my three children, Kurt, Kevin, and Kim. Maybe I’ll just relax a little bit before making any decisions about future plans. I’ll probably do some traveling with my wife. I haven’t really done a lot of that. And my biggest passion is, we have a cottage at Indian Lake, and I love to fish and to boat and entertain. I’ll spend time doing that,” said Monnier.

Both men enjoyed the time spent with fellow employees and the clients that utilize the firm. They consider their field a “people business” and have enjoyed the opportunity to work with such a variety of clients.

“To have worked 40+ years with the same firm has been great. I don’t think to many people will be able to say they did that in the future,” said Monnier.

Dale Schwieterman and David Monnier retired from McCrate, DeLaet & Co. after more than 40 years. Both men began at the firm upon graduation from Bowling Green State University.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2016/10/web1_CPA1.jpgDale Schwieterman and David Monnier retired from McCrate, DeLaet & Co. after more than 40 years. Both men began at the firm upon graduation from Bowling Green State University. Paula Frew | Sidney Daily News

David Monnier and Dale Schwieterman congratulate new McCrate, DeLaet & Co. partners, Mark Hoge CPA, CVA, and Sarah Stammen, CPA. Monnier and Schwieterman are recently retired from the firm.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2016/10/web1_CPAs2.jpgDavid Monnier and Dale Schwieterman congratulate new McCrate, DeLaet & Co. partners, Mark Hoge CPA, CVA, and Sarah Stammen, CPA. Monnier and Schwieterman are recently retired from the firm. Paula Frew | Sidney Daily News

By Paula Frew

For the Sidney Daily News

The writer is a regular contributor to the Sidney Daily News.

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