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History
Jerry LaViolette began in 1978 with a modest number of clients and we still have many of those clients to this day. Jerry’s wife, Joyce, became active in the practice in 1979 and had been the office manager from that time up until she retired in December of 2007.
The company’s first office was located at 141 N. Main St., Shawano. We were in attorney John Black’s building for two years. In 1980, we expanded our practice, then purchased and renovated the building at 112 W. Division St. in Shawano. Then in 1999, we doubled the size of the building, expanded the practice again and even got through the infamous Y2K fiasco!!!!
We have seen many changes since 1978. The continuing changes to the tax laws, federal and state, our clients with changes to their businesses and families, and the never-ending changes to technology. When we first started, everything was hand-written books and records. Then along came the computer in the early 80’s. Then in this century the company moved into the arena of paperless record keeping systems and the transmitting of information electronically.
The most exciting change to Jerry’s firm was the addition of Paul F. Kersten, CPA. He purchased the office in September, 2005 and brought with him not only experience, but credentials and enthusiasm. Paul is a people person who is easy to work with. Jerry and Joyce worked for Paul during the transition period of 2005 through the 2007 tax season. After that they retired to do some traveling and spend more time with their family and friends.
Today, you can find a new face at the front desk of the company. Kelly Sigl started with the company preparing tax returns in February of 2007 and became the office manager upon Joyce’s retirement. She is most likely the first voice you’ll hear or the first face you’ll see when you contact us. Other employees you might encounter include Peggy Buss who processes most of our payrolls, Kathy Ashenbrenner who processes much of our after the fact input, and Dale Van De Loo, CPA who prepares financial statements and tax returns and assists Paul and the rest of the staff with pretty much anything they need.
The company is still located at 112 W Division Street in Shawano and pretty much looks the same on the outside as it did when Paul took over. On the inside however, many changes have taken place. In addition to going paperless, the company’s computers became networked and workstations were added to accommodate the growing number of employees.
Certified Public Accountant
Paul F. Kersten, CPA
 Paul has been working in public accounting since 1998. During that time he has worked with Wipfli, Ullrich, Bertellson, LLP and Pergande, Rudahl & Company, LLP both of Wausau, Wisconsin. He became a Certified Public Accountant in 2001.
Paul is a lifelong resident of Shawano County. He grew up helping on his Grandparents’ farms near Split Rock. He has a solid work ethic and a sincere desire to help his clients succeed. He graduated from Northcentral Technical College and Upper Iowa University. He has taught accounting courses at Northcentral Technical Colleges for several fall semesters.
Paul brings many services to the firm. He has several years of experience with QuickBooks setup, support and training and is a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor. He has worked extensively with business tax planning, succession strategies, valuation and wealth preservation issues. He also enjoys assisting individuals with tax, retirement, estate, debt management and college planning issues.
Enrolled Agent and Accredited Business Accountant
Jerry L. LaViolette, EA, ABA
Jerry has been working in public accounting for almost 30 years. This includes two years with a CPA firm. Then starting in 1978, Jerry was self-employed in Shawano for 27 years. He became accredited in accounting through the Accreditation Council of Accounting and Taxation (1982). He also became Enrolled to Practice before the Internal Revenue Service (1980).
Jerry was born and raised in Oconto. He later received an accounting degree at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. In 1973, Jerry and his family moved to Bismarck, ND as the retail accounting manager for Super Valu Stores. In 1975, Jerry moved back to Wisconsin to further his education and then entered the public accounting arena. Jerry and Joyce have two adult children.
Jerry has been active in trade associations, having been a member of Wisconsin Association of Accountants (WAA) since 1983 and served on that board of directors for nine year years. Jerry was chair of the WAA membership, education and insurance committees, and was directly involved for several years in promoting the accreditation designation, ABA, (accredited business accountant). In 1990-1991, Jerry served as vice-president of WAA, and then as president during the 1991-1992 year. Jerry has been a member of National Society of Accountants (NSA) since 1982, serving on the Accounting Standards Committee during 1995.
Jerry was a member of the Shawano Optimist Club for several years which included service as the club’s treasurer.
Jerry officially retired with his wife Joyce after the 2007 tax season in April of 2008.
Office Locations
Our main office is located at 112 W Division Street, Shawano Wisconsin 54166
We have a second office at 111 W Vinal Street, Wittenberg Wisconsin 54499
Areas Served
Although we have clients from all over the United States and even some outside of the United States, we primarily serve clients who are living in the Northeast and Central Wisconsin region. This includes the counties of Brown, Clark, Door, Florence, Forest, Kewaunee, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Oneida, Outagamie, Portage, Shawano, Vilas, Waupaca, Waushara, Winnebago & Wood.
Memberships
AICPA – American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
WICPA – Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants
WAA – Wisconsin Association of Accountants
NSA – National Society of Accountants
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