HELLAM, VARON - Key Persons
Alexander Gaston is a man of many interests and talents, including public accounting, which brought him to Hellam Varon in 2018 after three years of building his skills. Alexander was drawn to business and public accounting in college and found he loved the mechanics of how taxes work. "There is so much to learn", he says. "While I can never master it all, I will definitely master parts of it. I like that I can never cap out." Alexander has been inclined toward estate and trust work because he likes the complexity and challenge of it. "No two estates are the same, so there's more opportunity to learn", he comments. When asked why Hellam Varon, Alexander explains he was attracted to the firm's estate and trust specialization. Also, he feels in a smaller firm he will be able to build long term relationships more easily with his clients, because he has access to them earlier in his career. "And then, of course, there are the people here…they are great!" he grins.
Born and raised in Washington, Alexander has collected a number of hobbies and outside interests. Listed among them is playing the piano, rock climbing, shooting sports, hiking and backpacking, camping, martial arts, snowboarding, archery, igloo building, foosball, and Rubik's cube solving…to name a few! Having earned his Eagle Scout rank, Alexander credits his involvement in the Boy Scouts with shaping the person he is today. He loves the outdoors and definitely prefers to participate in sports rather than be a spectator. And like many of our Hellam Varon staff, Alexander enjoys traveling and has visited Australia, Italy, Hungary, Poland, and many parts of North America. Next on his list is Japan.
Alexander approaches work with the same gusto he does life and with an unending eagerness to learn and grow. He was a great fit for Hellam Varon right from the start!
Anne Weltner was drawn to Hellam Varon in 1987 because of the importance the shareholders placed on families, a culture that permeates the firm to this day. During her time at Hellam Varon, Anne has grown from her beginnings as a tax and accounting staff member to the tax department coordinator, a role that is essential to the success of the firm. Anne thrives on multi-tasking and the long hours of tax season each year. "I love the activity during busy season. We get to see a lot of clients and help them through their problems. That's the best part of the job!" She also values working in an environment with very knowledgeable people who are friendly and willing to help.
Education
Oregon State University, B.A. in Business Administration, Accounting
Certifications
Certified Public Accountant
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Accounting, Auditing and Tax Consulting for Closely Held Businesses and Not - for - Profit Groups
Brenda Bartlett has supplied Hellam Varon with her considerable talents since 1999. She describes herself as a generalist with a significant background in both audit and tax. As a specialist in working with closely held businesses, she enjoys all the direct contact with her clients, and, as she puts it, "removing the pain from the audit process. My goal is to maintain auditor independence without forgoing trust, empathy, respect, and an interpersonal relationship."
Accounting, auditing and tax consulting for closely held businesses and not-for-profit groups
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director of Technology
When Brian Sears agreed to join the firm in 2014 as our first Director of Technology, Hellam Varon felt like we had hit it out of the park! Brian comes to the firm with over 30 years of experience in managing and leading IT, telecommunications and customer service solutions-based activities. We feel very fortunate to have Brian heading our continued investment in technology to streamline our processes for staff and clients. He has a particular emphasis on information security, including protection and safe handling of client data.
Brian began his career in technology as a cryptologist in special intelligence communications with the U.S. Navy, laying the foundation for his focus on security. With 10 years of military service under his belt, Brian met and married his wife, Paula, and they followed the technology boom out to Seattle. He spent his first five years in Seattle as the senior systems administrator for a healthcare organization, making the jump to the accounting industry in 2001. In addition to working as the manager of IT and security for an accounting firm in the Puget Sound area, Brian spent four years chairing the Committee for IT Directors for the Washington Society of CPAs.
When asked what attracted him to Hellam Varon, Brian comments, "I was looking for a good team of people to work with, managed by strong, competent leaders. That is how I see Hellam Varon." Brian was a natural fit with the firm right from the start. Within a remarkably short time, it felt like Brian had been with Hellam Varon for years!
When Brian isn't sitting in front of a computer screen, he and his wife can often be found on their Bayliner cruising through the San Juan Islands. He also has a passion for photography, specializing in wildlife and nature (http://naturesimage.biz/about.htm). Brian brings great energy and skill to the firm, and we are all still doing a happy dance that he is here!
Chris Hardman's path to Hellam Varon may be best described as a "long and winding road". But when he walked through the door here in 2014, he knew he had found his accounting home. "Hellam Varon has a collection of kindred spirits," Chris comments. "People here genuinely care about each other and their clients." From life insurance to legal work, self-employment to the Big 4 firms, Chris' breadth of experience gives him a unique perspective on the work he does with clients, taking a holistic view of their circumstances.
Chris is passionate about helping families use their wealth to create lasting, positive legacies that provide security for future generations and positively impact their communities. He has strong technical expertise with Federal and multi-state tax compliance for individuals, trust & estates, and he is well-versed in estate planning and philanthropy.
When Chris is not taking care of his clients, he can be found at home enjoying family time with his wife and two children. Chris is unabashed in declaring that he and his wife, Linda, are fanatically passionate about college sports, particularly their alma mater, UCLA. "In college, people still play for the love of the game," says Chris. A self-proclaimed foodie, he views cooking as his artistic outlet. Chris and the family spend much of their free time sampling cuisines from around the world and looking for the latest "hidden gem" of a restaurant.
Passion and family are two common themes used when describing Chris. It's not surprising Chris found kindred spirits here at Hellam Varon!
Education
University of California Los Angeles, B.A. in Economics
Golden Gate University, Master's Degree in Taxation
Certifications
Certified Public Accountant
Job Titles:
- Accounting, Auditing and Tax Consulting for Closely Held Businesses and Not - for - Profit Groups
Cynthia Petrie arrived at Hellam Varon back in 2000 bringing with her 18 years of experience in the accounting world. Originally a psych and English major, she describes her descent into accounting as "sheer luck and serendipity". "I'm lucky that my career path has taken me towards estate and trust work because I get to really help people, sometimes during very difficult periods of their lives," she says. "I know I make a difference." Cynthia currently specializes in estate planning and taxation, trust income tax planning, fiduciary accounting, and gifting issues, as well as planning and tax compliance for complex individual situations, closely-held businesses, real estate and family partnerships. She is adept at teaming up with her clients' attorneys and investment advisors to translate complex estate and tax planning ideas into understandable terms.
When Cynthia is out of the office, and not busy elsewhere (a decidedly rare condition) she might be found enjoying a round of golf during a weekend get away at her Hat Island cabin, reading mystery novels, or - now that her sons are grown and she is no longer running water polo and swim teams! - just hanging around the house with her husband, Roger and their two dogs, Gus and Phoebe. She was bitten by the travel bug starting with her 1972 move from Minnesota to Seattle with her cat in a '57 Ford Fairlane, and has logged trips over the past 10 years to Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland, the U.K., South Africa, Guatemala, Australia, and Hong Kong. She continues to take numerous journeys around the United States between overseas jaunts, albeit using more dependable modes of transportation, and sans cat.
When it comes to Hellam Varon, Cynthia couldn't be happier with where she's ended up. "The people here really do respect and care about each other, and our clients and business colleagues are the best," she says. "I love the people and the work." Serendipity, indeed.
Education
University of Washington, B.A. in Business Administration, Management, honors
Certifications
Accounting, auditing and tax consulting for closely held businesses and not-for-profit groups
Education
Western Washington University, B.A. in Business Administration, Finance
Certifications
Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor
Job Titles:
- Director of Sales and Marketing
A long time friend and professional resource to Hellam Varon, Debbie Berry joined the firm in 2012 as the Director of Sales and Marketing. Debbie's relationship with Hellam Varon and its people spans nearly 30 years. "I have so much respect for the firm and the caring approach they take with their clients, their people and their community." Debbie was introduced to the partners of Hellam Varon during her 16 years she spent as a commercial loan officer at a large national bank. "I knew they offered something different when my meetings with them focused largely on building a relationship with me as a professional. It was not all about getting business for the firm."
Debbie stayed in touch with the firm during her 6 years as sales director for a large regional accounting firm. When she started her own practice as a business consultant and performance coach, Hellam Varon was quick to involve her in their strategic planning and to use her for management coaching. After 14 years of individual practice, Debbie agreed with Hellam Varon to form a more permanent arrangement. "I am thrilled to be working with such a great group of people!"
When Debbie takes off her professional hat, she dons a riding helmet. Besides family, which includes husband Kevin and daughter Lloyd, Debbie's passion is horses. "My horses have taught me about myself…my strengths, my fears and in the end how to be a better human being." She also enjoys snow skiing with family and friends, and can often be seen behind the lens of a camera!
"I have so much respect for the firm and the caring approach they take with their clients, their people and their community."
Education
College of William and Mary, B.A. in Government
Education
University of Washington, B.A. in Business Administration (Accounting)
Certifications
Certified Public Accountant
Education
Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Bachelor's in Business Administration
University of South Carolina, Masters in Accounting
Certifications
Certified Public Accountant
Erin Harth found her way to the Hellam Varon family in the fall of 2012 and quickly demonstrated her value to the firm and its clients. She fit right in as a sharp, hardworking member of the administrative team. Erin was originally drawn to Hellam Varon for the opportunities it presented for professional growth. And in 2018 in addition to processing tax returns and her other administrative tasks, she began working with our Business Support Services group developing her bookkeeping skills, handling payroll for clients, and preparing Department of Revenue returns, as well as the various city returns. "I like the challenge of broadening my skills", says Erin.
Erin has also come to relish the friendly and supportive environment at Hellam Varon. "This is a place with a sense of humor", she comments. "You really get there's a personality here." And we love she is part of that personality!
Erin is not a person to idle away time at work or at home. Away from the office, she, husband Chris, and son Merrick, can be often be seen hiking or camping…or maybe feeding the ducks in their nearby park! Any time spent out of doors is time well spent according to Erin. Other hobbies include square dancing, which is how she and her husband met, and currently Erin is trying her hand (or feet) at clogging. Don't let Erin's quiet demeanor fool you…there's a lot of energy packed into that petite package!
Education
Bucknell University, B.S. in Business Administration, Accounting
Certifications
Certified Public Accountant
Education
New Mexico State, Bachelors of Accountancy
Harold Speer joined the Hellam Varon team in 2004, bringing his specialization in tax planning and operational management to assist the firm with closely held businesses. When asked what he enjoys about the job, the first thing Harold mentions is his approach to working with clients. "A successful relationship is about being more than a tax specialist. It's important to understand the story behind the numbers, not just the numbers themselves." By following a strategic thinking process, Harold helps clients find solutions for many of the issues they may face.
Outside of the office Harold spends as much time as he can on the water with his family, crabbing, clamming, and fishing. On weekends and vacations, he can often be seen with his head down a hole in pursuit of geoducks, which he says are delicious "pan seared or simply eaten as sashimi." Harold has also climbed both Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams, and as an avid SCUBA diver spends nearly as much time under Puget Sound as on it.
When it comes to Hellam Varon, Harold is decidedly focused on the future. "We have exceptional people here who work incredibly well as a team," he says. "I am committed to maintaining and building on the quality of our team approach and continuing to foster our great work environment."
Education
University of Washington, B.A. in Business Administration, Accounting
Golden Gate University, M.S. in Taxation
Certifications
Certified Public Accountant
Job Titles:
- Member of the Shareholders Committee
- Shareholder
Jennifer Allen has been an integral part of Hellam Varon since 2001. Jennifer decided she did not want to be just a number in a large firm and sought out a smaller accounting firm where the feeling was more like family. Hellam Varon was fortunate to be at the top of her list! As the shareholder in charge of our Business Support Services Group, Jennifer focuses on helping clients with high-level bookkeeping, payroll support, and business tax needs. She is an Enrolled Agent, certified as a QuickBooks ProAdvisor, and is the Xero cloud-based accounting specialist in the firm. Jennifer thrives on the challenges of helping her clients move towards new accounting technology. She loves the variety of the work, the relationships and the ability to really connect with clients in a meaningful way. "We never stop learning here at the firm. I like sorting through business and bookkeeping issues and helping find solutions that fit each client", she comments.
Originally, from a small town on the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia, Jennifer found her way to Seattle by way of Hawaii. She enjoys travelling to exotic places, such as Morocco, and hopes to include India on that list one day. Jennifer is not just hands-on at work. She spends much of her spare time on remodeling and decorating her house or refinishing furniture. Or maybe just kicking back with husband Reggie and their Pomeranian, Bear.
We all agree that Jennifer is the consummate positive, happy person! And she is happiest helping people. Whether working with a client or helping a colleague, you can always count on Jennifer's thoughtful, caring and professional style to smooth the way!
Education
Bellevue College, A.A. in Accounting, honors
Certifications
Job Titles:
- Member of the Shareholders Committee
- Co - Managing Shareholder
- Technical Reviewer
Kai is a technical reviewer of peer reviews required by all WSCPA firms, one of only three such persons to hold this position in Washington. Such technical expertise bodes well for Hellam Varon clients!
Education
Pacific Lutheran University, B.A. in Business Administration, Accounting, magna cum laude
Certifications
Certified Public Accountant
Karen Tavenner says she has always had an eye for detail. It's one of the many reasons she is a terrific fit at Hellam Varon. From the moment she joined our Business Services group in 2019, it felt like she had spent her entire career with us! Karen's background in industry and accounting makes her a natural advisor for our business clients. Much of Karen's skill has been developed working in the construction field. Her experience includes auditing subsidiary businesses for a parent company, and she has a specific love of and proficiency at job and project costing. Karen also managed her own bookkeeping practice for over ten years and worked with a local CPA preparing tax returns.
Karen particularly enjoys working with clients and the variety of personalities she meets. "I love that clients appreciate you and everything you do for them", she comments. In helping her business clients, Karen thrives on the opportunity to work through many different issues that crop up for businesses, giving her a wide range of expertise.
Karen and her family live on the Eastside in the foothills of the Cascades. She enjoys the myriad of outdoor activities that the foothills afford. Karen is one of those rare folks who was born and raised in Western Washington, and she loves the fact that she could raise her own daughter here.
When asked why she chose Hellam Varon, Karen reflects that after the very first interview she told her husband, "Hellam Varon is more than a company of people. They are a people company. And I want to be part of it." Well, Karen, we are so glad you found your way here to be a part of our team and our family!
Kristi Duffey introduced herself to Hellam Varon in 1997 and never looked back. She simply loves the people and the work. Hailing from Heimdal, North Dakota, a town of 30 people, one could certainly make an argument that she was under socialized growing up and is simply making up for lost time. "I like working out of the office. Meeting people," she grins. "I like easing people's minds about the audit process." A specialist in auditing small businesses as well as 401k plans, she has ample opportunity to make new friends, a difficult thing to do as an auditor. That is, unless you are as naturally friendly as Kristi. "It really isn't that scary," she says. And she loves nothing more than proving that point.
A season ticket holder to the Seahawks, her life outside the office seems equally gregarious. She plays softball, beach volleyball and flag football, sings alto in the Master Chorale Eastside, and tries to squeeze in a few Mariners games when she can. Perhaps her loquaciousness stems back to her upbringing, or the time she ran over a garter snake with a riding mower. ("It was traumatic!") Whatever the explanation, her clients aren't complaining.
Education
University of North Dakota, Bachelor of Accountancy, summa cum laude
Certifications
Certified Public Accountant
Education
Central Washington University, B.A. in Business Administration, Accounting
Certifications
Certified Public Accountant
Job Titles:
- Associate
- a Young Accountant
Education
Washington State University, BA in Business Administration - Accounting and Finance
Certifications
Certified Public Accountant
Outside of work, Parker is a runner and a musician. In fact, his first visit to the office was on a Sunday when he ran from his home in North Seattle to Bellevue. Did we mention he has a lot of energy? Parker has played the guitar and studied music since he was 10 years old. He is the guitarist and sings vocals in a band dubbed "Pardon the Boys" and gets to apply his education in music theory to new arrangements of Tom Petty's and The Eagles' music. With the same kind of passion he shows for work, Parker comments, "Running and playing music are as important to me as breathing."
Education
University of Colorado, B.S. in Accounting
Texas A & M, B.S. in Educational Curriculum and Instruction
Golden Gate University, Masters in Taxation
Certifications
Certified Public Accountant
Samuel Crosby came to Hellam Varon in 2018 in a circuitous route that gave him both practical business experience as well as accounting skills, enabling him to consult with his clients on a broad spectrum of issues. After receiving a BA in Political Science at Gonzaga University, Samuel began his foray into the business world working at a credit union, until he joined his family's winery to manage outside sales and to build their wine club. Eventually, as general manager, Samuel was introduced to the accounting end of the business, broadening his knowledge base. When the family winery was sold, he was hired by Cougar Crest Winery to open and manage their Spokane location. These commercial experiences helped to develop Samuel's interest in building small business. As a result, he began evaluating opportunities to grow his knowledge and skills to the next level. Samuel had demonstrated a real knack for accounting, and so he decided to head back to Gonzaga for a Masters in Accounting with an emphasis in tax. After spending three years at a Big Four accounting firm specializing in sales tax and state tax compliance, Samuel found Hellam Varon. The rest, as they say, is history!
When asked why Hellam Varon, Samuel comments, "Other companies want to say they are family, but at Hellam Varon it is more than just lip service. You can tell people want to be here." For Samuel, Hellam Varon is large enough to offer interesting and unusual work with clients and yet small enough that he can see this as his long-term, career home. Additionally, he says "This firm is highly ethical, and I have come to realize that's important to me."
When he is not working on complex business returns, Samuel has a variety of interests, not the least of which is time spent with his husband, Chris. Samuel is also one of two million people worldwide who speaks the international language known as Esperanto, which was created in Poland in the 1880s. Practicing the language has helped him make friends around the world. He also enjoys cooking and counters the good food with running. And on the weekends, he can be seen at a new art exhibit or taking in a movie (independent films are his favorite). With his great intellect, ready laugh and sense of fun, Samuel fit in at Hellam Varon from day one…and we couldn't be happier!
Education
University of Washington, B.A. in Business Administration, Accounting, magna cum laude
Certifications
Certified Public Accountant
Tyler Dryden joined Hellam Varon in 2012 and brought with him drive, enthusiasm and a sense of humor. After spending four years working in a lead role in the accounting department of a local water district, Tyler really appreciates the opportunity to branch out into full blown tax and accounting work. While he was not originally looking for another job, Tyler was encouraged by a friend to talk with Hellam Varon because of the firm's reputation as a great place to work. "The people here are genuine", he comments. "I really respect how everyone has each other's backs." Well, he must be sold, since one of his deciding factors for his new home was to be closer to work!
Although Tyler is focused primarily on further developing his tax skills here at the firm, he is a person of varied interests. When he is not at work, Tyler may be found paddleboarding, cheering on his favorite baseball team or maybe just relaxing with an eclectic movie selection. He loves the adventure of travelling to new places. Greece and Guatemala top his list of favorite places for world travel.
Tyler may not have been looking for a new job when he found Hellam Varon, but we are so glad he chose to come for that first interview! He has been a great addition to the Hellam Varon family.
Education
Central Washington University, B.S. in Accounting
Certifications
Certified Public Accountant