I have always been passionate about helping small business owners. My first professional career was in marketing, where I helped small brick and mortar business owners reach more customers. It was in this role where I saw the impact good accounting could have on making smart business decisions.

I then got my degree in accounting from Central Washington University and become eligible for the CPA exam. I eventually passed the exams on the first try. While in college, I worked as an interim accounting manager for a local farm. It gave me an insight into how I could further help other small businesses. I also worked in our university’s entrepreneurship department, helping students start and grow their businesses.

My first professional job out of college was for the 4th largest global accounting firm, KPMG. It was here I worked on many mergers & acquisitions. From giants like Chess.com to small startups, I learned the technical skills required to perform financial due diligence and give valuations.

My next job was at a top 10 national firm, Moss Adams. While they were a large firm, our office focused primarily on small business taxation and accounting. I learned many technical tax and accounting skills in this role relevant for entrepreneurs. My last job was at a small regional firm where I further specialized in small business accounting and taxation. It was here I also worked on small business acquisitions, performed financial statement clean-ups, and multi-state taxation.

At every firm I worked at, I saw many clients who weren’t getting the level of service they deserved. Traditional public accounting firms are understaffed and overworked, causing your needs to be overlooked and the majority of your work to be performed by an unlicensed trainee. Most firms only perform the basic compliance services without going above and beyond to help with their overall financial success. They also bill by the hour, not the value they provide. I truly wanted to make a difference for my clients, which is why I started Fitzpatrick CPA.

I currently reside in the greater Seattle, WA area in Port Orchard, WA. I grew up here but lived all throughout Washington state and Idaho. I’m married to my wife Marissa and love traveling the world together and taking our corgi on walks.