Kruggel Lawton Wins BDO Alliance Innovation Award- May 24, 2023-Kruggel Lawton is pleased to announce the firm received the Innovation Award at this year's BDO Alliance USA Conference in Las Vegas. The Innovation Award recognizes a firm that demonstrates a commitment to innovative thinking, creative problem-solving, and inspiring others to evolve beyond what is expected in order to create meaningful change. This award is Read More »
Kate Leichty, CPA, Named One of Michiana’s Forty Under 40- April 27, 2023-Kruggel Lawton is pleased to announce that Partner Kate Leichty, CPA, has been selected as one of the Michiana Forty Under 40 for 2023 by the South Bend Regional Chamber. The program shines a spotlight on 40 of the area's most talented and dedicated young executives, professionals, and leaders who demonstrate career success and community Read More »
Accounting Today Recognizes Kruggel Lawton as a Regional Leader- April 18, 2023-Kruggel Lawton was named a 2023 Regional Leader in the Great Lakes Region by Accounting Today. This is Kruggel Lawton's fourth appearance on the annual ranking of the top firms in each region of the country. The Great Lakes region includes Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and Wisconsin. About Accounting Today Accounting Today is the leading publication in Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Voted Best Accounting Firm in Michiana- March 20, 2023-Kruggel Lawton CPAs is proud to be voted Best Accounting Firm in Michiana by readers of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine. This award marks Kruggel Lawton's sixth appearance on the magazine's Best of list. NWI Business Magazine's annual Best of Business Awards are based on votes submitted to the publication by its readers. Dozens of businesses and Read More »
Beware of Phishing Attacks Related to the Silicon Valley Bank Closure- March 14, 2023-Be on guard for potential BEC and phishing attacks as a result of the closure of Silicon Valley and other banks. Threat actors may try to exploit the situation by targeting affected individuals and organizations through phishing and business email compromise attacks. These attackers often use current events such as COVID-19 and the war in Read More »
Indiana CollegeChoice 529 Plan Increases Credit Maximum for 2023 Contributions- March 8, 2023-Indiana taxpayers making contributions to a CollegeChoice 529 account now qualify for a 20% tax credit on up to $1500 ($750 for married filing separately). This is a $500 increase ($250 for married filing separately) from contributions made in 2022. Example: 2022 and earlier - $5,000 contribution x 20% = $1,000 credit. 2023 - $7,500 Read More »
Senate Bill 2 Provides a Federal Tax Savings Opportunity for Indiana Pass-through Entities- March 2, 2023-The recently signed Senate Bill 2 provides Indiana taxpayers who own a pass-through entity filing as an S-Corp or a Partnership a Federal tax savings opportunity. If elected, the Pass-Through Entity tax (PTET) allows pass-through entities to pay Indiana income tax at the entity level, based on an individual owner's state tax liability. In turn, Read More »
Terry Bush, SPHR, Named 2022 HERM Award Recipient- February 21, 2023-Kruggel Lawton is pleased to announce the 2022 HERM Award recipient is Terry Bush, SPHR. The HERM Award, introduced in 2018, is presented annually to a KL team member who exemplifies the values and spirit of Kruggel Lawton. Nominations for the HERM Award are submitted by individuals or teams at the firm with the winner Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Welcomes Three New Partners in 2023- January 4, 2023-Kruggel Lawton CPAs, a full service accounting and business advisory firm, is happy to announce that three senior managers have been named partners. Kate N. Leichty, CPA, W. Aaron O’Dell, CPA, and Kevin Zink, CPA, CGMA, CIDA, will begin in their new roles effective January 1, 2023. These appointments bring the total number of partners Read More »
Kruggel Lawton CPAs Announces Promotions- December 16, 2022-Kruggel Lawton CPAs is delighted to announce the promotion of several of its professionals in the firm. Adam Burns is a Senior Staff Accountant in the firm's St. Joseph, Mich. office focusing on assurance engagements as well as corporate and individual tax preparation for a variety of clients. Adam received his undergraduate degree in Accounting Read More »
Lucas Vervynckt Selected for Indiana CPA Society Young Pros Leadership Academy- September 23, 2022-Kruggel Lawton CPAs, a regional full-service accounting and business advisory firm, is pleased to announce Lucas Vervynckt, CPA, was appointed to a two-year term on the Indiana CPA Society's Young Pros Leadership Academy (YPLA). Lucas is a Senior Staff Accountant in our South Bend office and has been with the firm since 2019. YPLA is a Read More »
Allison Allman Named One of SW Michigan’s 40 Under 40- September 22, 2022-Kruggel Lawton is pleased to announce that Allison Allman, CPA, Manager, has been selected as one of the Moody on the Market 40 Under 40 recipients for 2022. Now in just its fifth year, the program is reserved exclusively for 40 of southwest Michigan's professionals under the age of 40. Allison joined the firm in Read More »
Wes Montgomery, CPA, Joins Kruggel Lawton CPAs- August 9, 2022- Kruggel Lawton CPAs, a regional full-service accounting and business advisory firm, is pleased to announce that Wes Montgomery, CPA has joined the firm as a Manager. Montgomery brings with him more than 20 years of accounting experience with a focus in tax, assurance, and Client Accounting and Advisory Services (CAAS). His background not only includes Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Makes Fifth Appearance on IPA’s Top 300 Firms List- August 8, 2022-For the fifth year in a row, Kruggel Lawton CPAs has been named a Top 300 firm by INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA). The IPA Top 300 recognizes the top U.S.-based accounting firms and is the most comprehensive list of North American public accounting firms available. IPA annually ranks the largest firms in the U.S. based Read More »
Michiana Benchmark Business Index Continues to Decline in Q2- July 25, 2022-DOWNLOAD PDF: Q2 2022 Michiana Benchmark Business Index by Kruggel Lawton Based on input from CFOs in for-profit companies in the South Bend/Elkhart & southwest Michigan region, the second quarter 2022 Michiana Benchmark Business Index declined for the third quarter in a row. Despite the decline, it remains at nearly 70 out of 100 points, Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Tax Consultant Accepts Teaching Position at Saint Mary’s College- June 6, 2022-While Jeff McGowan, CPA, CGMA, may have transitioned from Tax Partner to Tax Consultant in 2016, his relationship with Kruggel Lawton CPAs has remained strong. We are thrilled to share that our long-time colleague has accepted a new position as Senior Lecturer at Saint Mary’s College. Jeff’s experience in higher education includes 12 years as an adjunct professor in the University Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Named Regional Leader by Accounting Today- March 31, 2022-Kruggel Lawton was named a 2022 Regional Leader in the Great Lakes Region by Accounting Today. This is Kruggel Lawton's third appearance on the annual ranking of the top firms in each region of the country. The Great Lakes region includes Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and Wisconsin. About Accounting Today Accounting Today is the leading publication in Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Named Best Accounting Firm in Michiana- March 23, 2022-Kruggel Lawton CPAs is proud to be voted Best Accounting Firm in Michiana by readers of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine. This award marks Kruggel Lawton's fifth appearance on the magazine's Best of list. NWI Business Magazine's annual Best of Business Awards are based on votes submitted to the publication by its readers. Dozens of businesses and Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Wins ClearlyRated’s 2022 Best of Accounting® Award for Service Excellence- February 1, 2022-Kruggel Lawton CPAs, a leading accounting firm, announced today that they have won the Best of Accounting Award for providing superior service to their clients. ClearlyRated's Best of Accounting® Award winners have proven to be industry leaders in service quality based entirely on ratings provided by their clients. On average, clients of 2022 Best of Read More »
Josh Brown, CPA, Named 2021 HERM Award Recipient- January 12, 2022-L to R: Kurt Kruggel, Josh Brown, Kevin Kruggel, Barry Hall Kruggel Lawton is pleased to announce the 2021 HERM Award recipient is Josh Brown, CPA. The HERM Award, introduced in 2018, is presented annually to a KL team member who exemplifies the values and spirit of Kruggel Lawton. Nominations for the HERM Award are Read More »
Adam Schwelnus, CPA, CGMA, Promoted to Partner at Kruggel Lawton- January 5, 2022-Kruggel Lawton CPAs is pleased to announce that Adam Schwelnus, CPA, CGMA, has been promoted to partner in the firm’s Client Accounting & Advisory Services group effective January 1, 2022. This appointment brings the total number of partners at Kruggel Lawton to 15. “We are very excited to have Adam join our partner group,” said Managing Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Welcomes New Staff to the Team- December 3, 2021-Kruggel Lawton CPAs announces the appointment of several new employees in its offices in northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan. In the firm’s St. Joseph, MI office: Paul Erickson is a Staff Accountant focusing primarily on tax services to individuals and families. Paul has a B.A. in Liberal Studies from Governors State University; a Master's of Public Heath, Read More »
Kruggel Lawton CPAs Announces Promotions- November 4, 2021-Kruggel Lawton CPAs is delighted to announce the promotion of several of its professionals in the firm. Nicole Hanlon, CPA is a Senior Staff Accountant in the firm's South Bend, Ind. office focusing on audits along with corporate and individual tax preparation. Nicole received her undergraduate degree in Accounting from Grace College. In her free time, Nicole Read More »
Nicole Hanlon Earns CPA- August 18, 2021-SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Kruggel Lawton CPAs is pleased to announce that Nicole Hanlon, staff accountant, recently completed all requirements to become a certified public accountant and is now licensed as a CPA. She has been with Kruggel Lawton since January 2018. Hanlon received her undergraduate degree in Accounting from Grace College, Winona Lake, IN. Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Continues to Move Up the IPA Top 300 Firms Ranking- July 16, 2021-For the fourth year in a row, Kruggel Lawton CPAs was named a Top 300 firm by INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA). Moving up 25 spots from the firm's first appearance on the list in 2018, Kruggel Lawton is ranked at #262. The IPA Top 300 recognizes the top U.S.-based accounting firms and is the most Read More »
Anita Ison, CPA, Joins Kruggel Lawton CPAs as Senior Manager- July 13, 2021-Kruggel Lawton CPAs, a regional full-service accounting and business advisory firm, is pleased to announce that Anita Ison, CPA, has joined the firm as a Senior Manager. Ison brings with her more than 20 years of public accounting audit experience with a particular focus in employee benefit plans. Her background spans a variety of industries Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Celebrates Two Leadership Training Graduates- May 25, 2021-Congratulations to Amber Newcomer, Senior Staff Accountant, and Josh Brown, Manager, on graduating from leadership training! Amber graduated from the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Academy on Thursday, May 13, 2021. Pictures L to R: Shaun Mawhorter, CPA, CGMA, Partner, Kurt Kruggel, CPA, CGMA, Partner, Olivia Kauffman, Staff Accountant, Amber Newcomer, Senior Staff Accountant, Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Wins ClearlyRated’s Best of Accounting® Award- May 7, 2021-Kruggel Lawton CPAs, a leading accounting firm, announced that they have won the Best of Accounting Award for providing superior service to their clients. ClearlyRated's Best of Accounting® Award winners have proven to be industry leaders in service quality based entirely on ratings provided by their clients. On average, clients of 2021 Best of Accounting Read More »
Ashley Meyerdierks Named Kruggel Lawton CPAs’ Marketing Manager- April 19, 2021-Kruggel Lawton CPAs, a regional full-service accounting and business advisory firm, is pleased to announce that Ashley Meyerdierks has joined the firm as its Marketing Manager. Meyerdierks brings with her more than a decade of professional experience in marketing and communications. Her background spans a variety of industries including real estate, higher education and healthcare. Read More »
Named a 2021 Regional Leader by Accounting Today- April 14, 2021-Kruggel Lawton was named a 2021 Regional Leader in the Great Lakes Region by Accounting Today. The annual ranking highlights the Top 20 Firms in each region of the country. The Great Lakes region includes Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and Wisconsin. “Being recognized by Accounting Today for the second year in a row is a Read More »
Doug Osthimer Retires as Partner After 32 Years- February 24, 2021-Kruggel Lawton CPAs is delighted to announce that Douglas K. Osthimer, CPA, CVA, CGMA has retired from a Partner role in the firm and will continue in a newly-created role as Director of Valuation Services. As Director of Business Valuation Services, Doug will continue to lead engagements to determine the value of businesses for buy/sell Read More »
Stephen R. Varner, CPA, MBA Elected Partner at Kruggel Lawton CPAs- January 4, 2021-Kruggel Lawton CPAs is delighted to announce Stephen Varner as the firm’s newest partner, effective January 1, 2021. Stephen is based in Kruggel Lawton’s South Bend office and serves clients throughout the South Bend region. He provides corporate and individual taxation, state and local tax, estate planning and consulting services to companies and their owners Read More »
Kate Nafziger Leichty, CPA Joins Kruggel Lawton CPAs’ Goshen Office- December 10, 2020-Kruggel Lawton CPAs, a regional full-service accounting and business advisory firm, is pleased to announce that Kate Leichty, CPA has joined its downtown Goshen, IN office as a Senior Manager. Kate is a Goshen native, graduated from Goshen High School, and received a B.A. in Accounting with a minor in Business from Goshen College. While Read More »
Kruggel Lawton CPAs Announces Promotions- October 22, 2020- Kruggel Lawton CPAs is delighted to announce the promotion of several of its professionals in the firm. Ethan Kirkman, CPA is a senior staff accountant in the firm's South Bend, Ind., office. Ethan provides a variety of assurance engagements to local clients including employee benefit plan audits, reviews and compilations. He received his MBA Read More »
2020 CFO Summit to be Offered 100% Online Due to COVID19- October 21, 2020-Due to concerning trends in the spread of COVID19, we will no longer offer the option to attend this year's CFO Summit in person. We want to make sure we're taking every precaution for everyone to be safe and, unfortunately, that means making our 2020 CFO Summit 100% virtual. While we won't be meeting in person Read More »
Matie Ohms Recognized in Moody on the Market 40 Under 40- August 18, 2020-Kruggel Lawton is pleased to announce that Senior Staff Accountant, Matie Ohms, has been selected as one of the Moody on the Market 40 Under 40 recipients for 2020. Now in just its third year, the program is reserved exclusively for 40 of southwest Michigan's professionals under the age of 40. Matie joined the Kruggel Read More »
Named a 2020 Regional Leader by Accounting Today- March 26, 2020-Kruggel Lawton was named a 2020 Regional Leader in the Great Lakes Region by Accounting Today. The annual ranking highlights the Top 20 Firms in each region of the country. The Great Lakes region includes Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and Wisconsin. “We are always honored to be recognized as a leader in our profession. It's Read More »
Nick Mitchell Rejoins Kruggel Lawton as Manager of Firm Administration- March 23, 2020-Kruggel Lawton CPAs is pleased to announce that Nick Mitchell, CPA, has returned to the firm as manager of firm administration. In this role, Mitchell works out of the firm’s headquarters in South Bend, Ind., and is involved with the internal management of the firm. He oversees all aspects of the accounting function, budgeting, as Read More »
COVID-19 Updates and Resources- March 19, 2020-Resources 2021 Jan 27 - WEBINAR RECORDING of Tax Updates from the New COVID Stimulus Package Download webinar slide deck Jan 13 - WEBINAR RECORDING of Tax Implications of PPP2 & FFCRA Legislation Download webinar slide deck 2020 June 18 - WEBINAR RECORING of Analysis of the PPP Flexibility Act Download webinar slide deck May 21 - WEBINAR Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Wins ClearlyRated’s 2020 Best of Accounting Award for Service Excellence- March 17, 2020-Kruggel Lawton CPAs announced today that they have won the Best of Accounting Award for providing superior service to their clients. ClearlyRated's Best of Accounting® Award winners have proven to be industry leaders in service quality based entirely on ratings provided by their clients. On average, clients of 2020 Best of Accounting winners are 1.9 Read More »
CORONAVIRUS – Kruggel Lawton’s Modified Work Arrangements- March 16, 2020-Published March 16, 2020 Kruggel Lawton's top priority has always been to deliver superior service to our KLients. Given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, we are taking every precaution possible to protect the health and safety of the people providing that service to you - our team members. Therefore, in step with much of the rest Read More »
Kruggel Lawton CPAs Announces Several Additions to its Staff- March 16, 2020-Kruggel Lawton CPAs announces the appointment of several new employee in its offices in northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan. In the firm’s St. Joseph, MI office: Emily Hawkins is a staff accountant, rejoining the firm on a full-time basis after her internship experience and receiving her BBA in Accountancy from Western Michigan University. Jeremy Flagel, Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Appears in “Best Of Business” List- March 4, 2020-Kruggel Lawton CPAs is proud to be voted Best Accounting Firm for the Greater South Bend/Michiana Region by readers of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine for the third year in a row. The magazine's annual Best of Business Awards are based on votes submitted to the publication by readers and leaders of the regional business community. Read More »
Philip A. Shenk, CPA, Joins Goshen Office- February 5, 2020-Kruggel Lawton CPAs is pleased to announce that Philip A. Shenk, CPA, has joined its Goshen office as a manager. Shenk received a B.A. in Accounting from Goshen College, Goshen, Ind. While there, he was an Academic Peer Tutor and a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Scholar-Athlete Award recipient. Shenk began his career with Crowe Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Appoints Two Directors of Client Accounting Services- February 3, 2020-Kruggel Lawton announces the appointment of Adam Schwelnus, CPA, CGMA and Scott Dawson, CPA, as directors in the firm’s Client Accounting Services (CAS) practice. Together, the two are responsible for managing and leading all outsourced accounting initiatives, building infrastructure to support the client base, and standardizing processes within the division. Additionally, Schwelnus provides consulting services Read More »
Shaun Mawhorter, CPA, Named Partner at Kruggel Lawton- January 2, 2020-Kruggel Lawton CPAs is pleased to announce that Shaun Mawhorter, CPA, CGMA, has been named a partner in the firm’s tax practice effective January 1, 2020. This appointment brings the total number of partners at Kruggel Lawton to 14. “We are excited to welcome Shaun to the partnership group. Her expertise and exceptional leadership will Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Ranked by Forbes as one of America’s Top Recommended Tax Firms for 2020- December 12, 2019-December 12, 2019 - Kruggel Lawton was recognized this week in Forbes magazine's annual ranking of America’s top recommended tax and accounting firms for 2020. Named as a top recommended tax firm, Kruggel Lawton is one of only five Indiana-based firms listed. Forbes worked with analytics firm Statista to compile the rankings. Statista considered 1,800 Read More »
Manager Promotions Announced- December 2, 2019-Kruggel Lawton CPAs is delighted to announce the promotion of several of its professionals to manager and senior manager roles in the firm. Audrey Salesberry, CPA is a manager in the firm’s St. Joseph, Mich., office. Audrey provides a variety of accounting, tax, and other service to clients in southwestern Michigan. She received a B.A. Read More »
Senior Staff Promotions Announced- December 2, 2019-Kruggel Lawton CPAs is pleased to announce that the following members of its professional staff have been promoted to the senior staff level. Cindy Stammich and Kate Koval, CPA in the firm’s South Bend, Ind., office Elizabeth Stull, Gabe Vervynckt, and Robijo Burzynski in Elkhart, Ind. Paula Kercher and Jess Keaton in Goshen, Ind. Daniel Read More »
Thank You for Voting Us Best Accounting Firm- October 23, 2019-Kruggel Lawton CPAs is honored to have been voted 2019 Readers’ Choice Best Accounting Firm by readers of the South Bend Tribune. From July 4-13, 2019, the South Bend Tribune opened a call for nominations. The top five nominees in each category (156 categories in all) were then placed on the ballot for the voting Read More »
David Schaffer Honored With Community Leadership Award- October 23, 2019-ST. JOSEPH, Mich. – On August 23, 2019, David Schaffer, CPA, was one of 11 award honorees at 1st Source Bank’s Ernestine M. Raclin Community Leadership Award Ceremony and Luncheon. The Ernestine M. Raclin Community Leadership Award honors leaders in volunteerism through business in the local community. The award is named after Ernestine M. Raclin, Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Announces Six New Team Members- September 16, 2019-Kruggel Lawton is pleased to announce the addition of six new staff members in recent months. Kristy Kruggel, Brian Mitchell, Aaron Hoeppner, Sarah Mobley, and Olivia Seguna joined the firm’s South Bend, Ind., office. Mark Kramer joined the firm's Elkhart, Ind. office. Each of these new team members help us to serve nonprofit and tax Read More »
Over the Edge With the CPAs at Kruggel Lawton- September 4, 2019-The Kruggel Lawton team of fun-loving CPAs has signed up to do something really crazy this month. We’re going Over the Edge to help end youth homelessness! Youth served by Youth Service Bureau have had their life foundations damaged by abuse, neglect, poverty, and homelessness. Funds raised through this event help youth rebuild their foundations Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Announces New Office in Goshen, Indiana- September 3, 2019-Kruggel Lawton CPAs is expanding its Elkhart County practice with the opening of a full-service office in Goshen, Indiana in October. The regional accounting, tax and advisory firm’s newest office will be located in the heart of Goshen’s downtown at 220 S. Main Street, Suite 150—next door to the landmark Goshen Theater. This location marks Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Welcomes Seven New Team Members- August 21, 2019-Kruggel Lawton is pleased to announce the addition of several new staff members in recent months. Judy Albright joined the firm’s South Bend, Ind., office, and Robijo Burzynski, Mary Mihalik Cunningham, Jess Keaton, Alicia Kominowski, Mary Sutter, and Vicki Wason are based in the firm’s Elkhart, Ind., office. All seven new team members help serve Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Once Again Named IPA Top 300 Firm- August 20, 2019-For the second year in a row, Kruggel Lawton CPAs was ranked a Top 300 firm in the nation by INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA), coming in on 2019’s list at #288. IPA 300 firms are ranked by United States net revenues and compiled by analyzing the responses from over 550 firms received in this year’s Read More »
Brian Hake Recognized in Moody on the Market 40 Under 40- June 25, 2019-Kruggel Lawton is pleased to announce that Manager Brian Hake, CPA, has been selected as one of the Moody on the Market 40 Under 40 for 2019. Now in just its second year, the program is reserved exclusively for 40 of southwest Michigan's professionals under the age of 40. Brian started as an intern with Kruggel Read More »
Patrick Lee Joins 2019 Class of Michiana Forty Under 40- April 5, 2019-Kruggel Lawton is pleased to announce that Partner Patrick Lee, CPA has been selected as one of the Michiana Forty Under 40 for 2019 by the South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce. The program shines a spotlight on 40 of the area's most talented and dedicated young executives, professionals, and leaders who demonstrate career success and Read More »
Partner Dan Smogor Recognized for Community Service- March 21, 2019- SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Daniel Smogor, CPA, CGMA, will be one of two Indiana CPAs presented with a 2019 Indiana CPA Society (INCPAS) Community Service Award. An accounting professional in the South Bend area for over 30 years, Smogor is a partner at Kruggel Lawton CPAs. The Society’s annual awards recognize CPAs with active Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Named to 20 Best Places to Work- March 15, 2019- Kruggel Lawton is proud to have been chosen as one of 2019’s “20 Best Places to Work in Michigan’s Great Southwest” by Moody on the Market. Winners were announced March 12 during Ray Gustafson's Taking the Lead broadcast on News Talk 94.9 WSJM-FM. 2019 is the inaugural year for this award recognition. Nominations were Read More »
Meet the 2019 Kruggel Lawton Interns- March 12, 2019-Interns at Kruggel Lawton play a key role every year but especially during busy season. This year is no exception as we have a talented bunch of men and women making it easier to get through all those 1040s before the April 15 deadline. Nicole Hanlon graduated in May 2018 from Grace College in Winona Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Once Again Voted Best Accounting Firm- February 20, 2019-For the second year in a row, Kruggel Lawton CPAs has been voted "Best Accounting Firm" for Greater South Bend/Michiana by the community and readers of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine. The publication conducts their "Best of Business" survey each year to measure the high opinions of their readers, who are business leaders but also customers Read More »
KLients Presented with Awards at Business Recognition Breakfast- February 15, 2019-Business and community leaders of Southwest Michigan celebrated extensive business growth in 2018 at the Business Recognition Breakfast, held on Thursday, February 14, at Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor. The event is hosted annually by the Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce and the Cornerstone Alliance, Berrien County's lead economic development agency. It recognizes business leaders and Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Announces Promotions of Six Team Members- January 25, 2019-Kruggel Lawton is pleased to announce the promotions of six professionals. Lydia Mitchell, Matie Ohms, and Hanna Osthimer-Studt are now senior staff accountants. Brian Hake, Tanya Kessinger, and Jon Leaman have been promoted to manager. Lydia Mitchell has been promoted to senior staff accountant in Kruggel Lawton’s South Bend office. She has been with Read More »
Alex Schaeffer, CPA, Promoted to Partner- January 8, 2019-ST. JOSEPH, Mich. – Kruggel Lawton CPAs is pleased to announce that Alex Schaeffer, CPA, has been promoted to partner in the firm’s audit and assurance services practice effective January 1, 2019. This appointment brings the total number of partners at Kruggel Lawton to 13. “Alex has proven himself to be a reliable and valuable Read More »
The Holidays: A Time to Give Back- December 14, 2018-The holidays are a wonderful time to reflect on and appreciate the many blessings of the past year. At Kruggel Lawton, this has also been a chance for our team members to give back and serve others in our communities. Over the last month, each office has participated in service projects for various nonprofit organizations, Read More »
Welcome Allison James, CPA, and Stephen Varner, CPA- December 7, 2018-SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Kruggel Lawton is pleased to welcome two seasoned professionals to their team. Joining the firm’s South Bend office are Senior Staff Accountant Allison James, CPA, and Senior Tax Manager Stephen Varner, CPA. Allison James, CPA, specializes in accounting and audit engagements for nonprofit organizations. She is also well-versed in exempt Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Mourns Passing of Firm Founder, Herman K. Kruggel- November 27, 2018-SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The Kruggel Lawton CPAs team is sad to say goodbye to our founder, Herman K. Kruggel, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 26, 2018, at the age of 90. He is now reunited with his wife Beverly, the love of his life and matriarch of Kruggel Lawton, whom Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Welcomes Five Staff Accountants- November 15, 2018-Kruggel Lawton CPAs is pleased to announce the addition of five new staff accountants. Colin Galloway joins the firm’s St. Joseph, Mich., office while Ethan Kirkman and Bryce Wanemacher join the South Bend, Ind., office, and Nate Miller and Jorgen Reimer are based out of the firm’s Elkhart, Ind., office. All five new team members Read More »
Eslinger Earns Certified Valuation Analyst Designation- September 10, 2018-South Bend, Ind - Kruggel Lawton is pleased to announce that Manager Julie Eslinger, CPA, has successfully completed requirements to earn the designation of Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) from the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA®). The CVA is the premier accreditation for CPAs who provide business valuation and litigation consulting services. To Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Named IPA Top 300 Firm- August 21, 2018-For the first time, Kruggel Lawton CPAs was ranked a Top 300 firm in the nation by INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA), coming in at #287. IPA is an award-winning publication for the accounting profession, published by The Platt Group. IPA 300 firms are ranked by United States net revenues and compiled by analyzing the more than Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Announces Move to New St. Joseph Office- June 20, 2018-ST. JOSEPH, MICH - Effective June 18, 2018, regional accounting, tax and advisory firm Kruggel Lawton CPAs has moved in to a fully renovated 6,000-square-foot office building at 526 Upton Drive in St. Joseph. Formerly referred to as the Perry Ballard incubator building, the firm's new office is situated near Lake Michigan and Benton Harbor's Jean Klock Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Voted Best Accounting Firm- April 9, 2018- Kruggel Lawton has been voted "Best Accounting Firm" for Greater South Bend/Michiana by the community and readers of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine. The publication conducts their "Best of Business" survey each year to measure the high opinions of their readers, who are business leaders but also customers across the business community. “Being named the Read More »
Margene Zink Selected for Forty Under 40 Class of 2018- March 30, 2018-Kruggel Lawton is pleased to announce that Partner Margene Zink, CPA has been selected as one of the Michiana Forty Under 40 for 2018 by the South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce. The program shines a spotlight on 40 of the area's most talented and dedicated young executives, professionals, and leaders who demonstrate career success Read More »
Courtney Watts Receives Emerging Leader Award- March 14, 2018-Elkhart, IN - Kruggel Lawton Manager Courtney Watts, CPA, is one of five Indiana CPAs being presented with a 2018 INCPAS Emerging Leader Award. The annual Indiana CPA Society Awards recognize CPAs with active licenses in good standing who have demonstrated excellence in serving the profession, company, community and public interest. The Emerging Leaders Award Read More »
Corinne Gates Earns CPA- February 21, 2018-ST. JOSEPH, Mich. – Kruggel Lawton CPAs is pleased to announce that Corinne Gates, staff accountant, recently completed all requirements to become a certified public accountant and is now licensed as a CPA. Since joining Kruggel Lawton’s St. Joseph, Mich., office in 2016, Gates has focused on a variety of tax preparation and audit engagements. Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Wins Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce Award- February 15, 2018-ST. JOSEPH, Mich. – The Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce presented Kruggel Lawton with the Pat Moody Award at their annual Business Recognition Breakfast on Thursday, February 15. The award, created in honor of media personality and community leader Pat Moody, is given to a business or individual that has staying power, provides great customer service, Read More »
Adam Schwelnus Rejoins Kruggel Lawton CPAs as Senior Manager, CFO Services- February 2, 2018-Kruggel Lawton is pleased to announce that Adam Schwelnus, CPA, CGMA, has returned to the firm as senior manager, CFO services. From 2013-2017 Schwelnus served as vice president/CFO at LOGAN Community Resources, Inc., one of Indiana’s leading providers of services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He first joined Kruggel Lawton in 2006 as Read More »
Welcome Aaron O’Dell, CPA- January 11, 2018-Kruggel Lawton CPAs is pleased to welcome Aaron O’Dell, CPA, as a manager in the firm’s audit practice. A longtime resident of Knoxville, Tenn., O'Dell will be based out of his office at 12748 Kingston Pike, Suite 204, in Knoxville. O’Dell will provide consulting and audit services to a range of local business clients, while Read More »
Tanya Kessinger Joins Riddell National Bank Board of Directors- January 10, 2018-A member of Kruggel Lawton's tax practice has joined the Board of Directors for Riddell National Bank in Brazil, Indiana. Tanya Kessinger, CPA, currently lives in Plainfield, Ind., and is a remote member of our team, focusing primarily on preparation and review of tax returns for estates and trusts, individuals, and corporate clients. Kessinger attended Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Welcomes New Partners in 2018- December 27, 2017-Kruggel Lawton is happy to announce that three senior managers have been named partners. Stephen J. Beasy, CPA, Patrick R. Lee, CPA, and Margene L. Zink, CPA, begin in their new roles effective January 1, 2018. These appointments bring the total number of partners at Kruggel Lawton to 12. “The addition of Steve, Patrick, and Margene Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Participates in Salvation Army Food Drive Challenge- December 14, 2017-A friendly competition among members of the Goshen Noon Kiwanis Club has resulted in 225 food boxes being contributed to the Salvation Army of Goshen. For many years, the club has collected cash and food items for food boxes which supply a week of food to a needy family. Club members gathered cash and items Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Announces Promotions of Nine Team Members- November 29, 2017-Kruggel Lawton CPAs is pleased to announce the promotions of nine professionals. Jordan Hesters, Jeff Jurgonski, and Zach Lesh are now senior staff accountants. Courtney Watts, Patrick Sage, Josh Brown, Michelle Adams and Kyle Pletcher have been promoted to manager. Brandi Rodriguez has been promoted to senior manager. Jordan Hesters, CPA, has been promoted to Read More »
Elkhart County 2017 Wage and Benefit Report Published- September 7, 2017-Kruggel Lawton is pleased to announce that the 2017 Wage & Benefit Report for Elkhart County is now available through the Economic Development Corporation of Elkhart County (EDC). Our staff worked diligently with the EDC to ensure the data collected was accurately tabulated and reported. Therefore, we encourage you to use this study to benchmark your employees’ Read More »
Kruggel Lawton CPAs Welcomes Six New Professionals- September 5, 2017-Kruggel Lawton CPAs is pleased to announce the addition of six new professionals. Daniel Nowack joins the St. Joseph office while Kate Koval, Tyler Locke, and Lydia Mitchell join the South Bend office and Andrea King and Jon Leaman join the firm’s Elkhart location. Daniel Nowack has joined the St. Joseph office as a staff Read More »
Jordan Hesters Earns CPA Designation- August 23, 2017-Kruggel Lawton CPAs is pleased to announce that Jordan Hesters, staff accountant, recently completed all requirements to become a certified public accountant and is now licensed as a CPA. He has been with Kruggel Lawton since 2015. Hesters received his undergraduate degree in Accounting/Management from Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN. He is based in the firm’s South Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Announces Planned Relocation of St. Joseph Office- July 17, 2017-ST. JOSEPH, MICH - Regional accounting, tax and advisory firm Kruggel Lawton CPAs has announced its planned move to the north side of the City of St. Joseph at 526 Upton Drive East. Formerly referred to as the Perry Ballard incubator building and home to several businesses, the space will now be fully occupied by Kruggel Read More »
Kevin Kruggel Honored at State CPA Awards Celebration- May 16, 2017-May 15, 2017 — The Indiana CPA Society (INCPAS) honored the state's top CPAs at its annual CPA Celebration on May 12. Each year INCPAS recognizes CPAs who have served their profession and/or communities in an outstanding manner. Included in this year's recognition was Kruggel Lawton Partner Kevin G. Kruggel, CPA, CGMA, recipient of the CPA Read More »
Kruggel Lawton KLients Win Awards at Chamber’s Salute to Business- February 21, 2017-On Tuesday, February 21, 2017, the business community of northern Indiana gathered for the South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce's Salute to Business luncheon held at the Century Center in South Bend. This annual event recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of individuals and organizations in St. Joseph County. Kruggel Lawton is proud to be a Read More »
Alex Schaeffer Wins Young Business Leader of the Year Award- February 9, 2017-Southwest Michigan businesses and professionals were recognized by the Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce at the annual Business Recognition Breakfast on February 9, 2017. Among them was Kruggel Lawton Senior Manager Alex Schaeffer, CPA, who received the Young Business Leader of the Year Award. Alex was surprised by the honor but it came as no surprise to those Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Announces Promotions- November 16, 2016-Kruggel Lawton CPAs is pleased to announce the promotions of seven professionals. Michelle Adams, Josh Brown, Michele Brown and Kyle Pletcher are now senior staff accountants. Cody Newport and Sara Ross have been promoted to manager. Michelle Adams, CPA, has been promoted to senior staff accountant in Kruggel Lawton’s Elkhart office. She has been Read More »
Josh Brown Earns CPA- October 3, 2016-Kruggel Lawton CPAs is pleased to announce that Josh Brown, staff accountant, recently completed all requirements to become a certified public accountant and is now licensed as a CPA. Brown has been with Kruggel Lawton since 2015. Brown received his undergraduate degree in arts from Grace College, Winona Lake, Ind., with a concentration in accounting, business administration Read More »
Elkhart County 2016 Wage and Benefit Report Published- September 12, 2016-Kruggel Lawton is pleased to announce that the 2016 Wage & Benefit Report for Elkhart County, Indiana, is now available through the Economic Development Corporation of Elkhart County (EDC). Our staff worked diligently with the EDC to ensure the data collected was accurately tabulated and reported. A summary of the 2016 report can be found at Read More »
Michele Reed Licensed as a CPA- August 3, 2016-August 1, 2016 – Kruggel Lawton CPAs is pleased to announce that Michele Reed, staff accountant, recently completed all requirements to become a certified public accountant and is now licensed as a CPA. Reed has been with Kruggel Lawton since 2013. Reed received her undergraduate degree in business from Indiana University, South Bend, Ind., with a concentration Read More »
Tax Partner Jeffrey McGowan Makes Transition to Full Time Teaching Career- July 1, 2016-June 30, 2016 — The partners of Kruggel Lawton CPAs have announced that their colleague and tax partner, Jeffrey M. McGowan, CPA, CGMA, MBA, will transition to the role of tax consultant effective June 30, 2016. The move now allows Jeff to pursue a full time teaching career, in addition to maintaining a limited number of Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Team Members Honored at CPA Celebration- June 1, 2016-May 16, 2016 — The Indiana CPA Society (INCPAS) honored the state's top CPAs at its annual CPA Celebration on May 13. Each year INCPAS recognizes CPAs who have served their profession and/or communities in an outstanding manner. The contributions these professionals make reflect positively on the individuals as well as the CPA profession. EMERGING Read More »
Michelle Adams Appointed to Interra Supervisory Committee- April 1, 2016-March 31, 2016 — Interra Credit Union members have elected Michelle (Chupp) Adams, CPA, staff accountant at Kruggel Lawton, to a three-year term on their supervisory committee. This is Adams' first time serving Interra in this capacity. The announcement was made at Interra's Annual Meeting which was held on March 21. In addition, Kathy Brewton and Carl Read More »
Courtney Comer Earns CPA Designation- March 15, 2016-March 10, 2016 – Kruggel Lawton CPAs is pleased to announce that Courtney Comer, senior staff accountant, recently completed all requirements to become a certified public accountant and is now licensed as CPA. Comer has been with Kruggel Lawton since 2012. Comer received her undergraduate degree in accounting and finance from Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, Ind. Read More »
Eight Professionals Join the Kruggel Lawton Team- December 17, 2015-DECEMBER 17, 2015 – The Kruggel Lawton Team is growing! We are pleased to announce the addition of eight new professionals. Lauren Gehrke, Jordan Hesters, Jeff Jurgonski, Zach Lesh, and Kyle Pletcher join the South Bend office while Paula Kercher, Cody Newport, and Arniel Sia join the firm’s Elkhart location. Lauren Gehrke has joined the South Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Adds St. Joseph, Mich., Office- December 1, 2015-DECEMBER 1, 2015 – Kruggel Lawton CPAs announced today that the partners and staff of Schaffer & Layher, PLLC, of St. Joseph, Michigan, will join the firm effective December 1, 2015. The addition will bring 12 new professionals to Kruggel Lawton, while expanding its reach into the southwest Michigan market. The location at 805 Van Brunt Read More »
Michelle Adams Earns CPA Designation- October 1, 2015-OCTOBER 1, 2015 – Kruggel Lawton CPAs is pleased to announce that Michelle (Chupp) Adams, staff accountant, recently passed all parts of the CPA exam and is now licensed as a certified public accountant. Adams has been with Kruggel Lawton since 2013. “Professional development is a priority at our firm, just as it is for Michelle,” said Read More »
Welcome Cindy Stammich- August 19, 2015-AUGUST 19, 2015 -- We are pleased to announce that Cindy Stammich has joined Kruggel Lawton as a staff accountant in our Business Accounting Services group. Cindy has over 30 years of public accounting experience, with an extensive background in accounting and bookkeeping, monthly/quarterly/annual compilations, and QuickBooks. Originally from Osceola, Ind., Cindy earned her associate degree in Read More »
Welcome Business Valuation Expert Brian Alwine- June 4, 2015-JUNE 4, 2015 -- Kruggel Lawton CPAs, along with Brian Alwine, president of ClarityBV, Inc., have announced they are teaming up for the delivery of business valuation services. This combination of broad technical/industry expertise creates a leading firm in northern Indiana/southwest Michigan for business valuations. Alwine will continue to focus exclusively on business valuations and Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Hosts Entrepreneurship Week Seminar Series- June 4, 2015-JUNE 4, 2015 -- In February, Indiana Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann announced details for the 2015 Indiana Entrepreneurship Week (#INEWK) which will take place June 14-20 as a way to recognize efforts of entrepreneurs throughout Indiana. The Indiana Office of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (OSBE) is the organization leading the charge. Events will be taking Read More »
Welcome Jim Champer, CPA- May 29, 2015-MAY 29, 2015 -- We are pleased to announce that James B. Champer, CPA, has joined Kruggel Lawton as a senior manager. Jim has over 20 years of public accounting experience, with a primary concentration in corporate, partnership, nonprofit, fiduciary, and individual taxation. His experience also includes service at the University of Notre Dame in the Read More »
Erin Bonin Named to Michiana Forty Under 40- May 1, 2015-MAY 1, 2015 -- Erin (Heldstab) Bonin, marketing director at Kruggel Lawton CPAs, has been named to the Michiana Forty Under 40 Class of 2015. The entire class was recognized during a luncheon held in South Bend on May 1, 2015. An initiative of the St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce's Young Professionals Network, Forty Read More »
Kruggel Lawton First to Participate in New INCPAS Program- March 31, 2015-MARCH 31, 2015 -- In 2014, Kruggel Lawton served as the first CPA firm to complete a new advisory services program offered by the Indiana CPA Society's CPA Center of Excellence®. The program involves a hands-on approach to helping CPA firms manage complexity, develop strategic management processes, identify gaps within critical skills, and enable more effective Read More »
Joyce LaDue Promoted to Manager- January 14, 2015-JANUARY 14, 2015 -- We are proud to announce that Joyce LaDue, CPA, has been promoted to manager. As a member of Kruggel Lawton’s tax group, LaDue is experienced in providing tax services for corporations, partnerships, and individuals—including income and property tax returns, tax planning, and research. She has 13 years of public accounting experience Read More »
Announcement of Promotions and New Team Member- December 23, 2014-DECEMBER 23, 2014 -- Kruggel Lawton CPAs is pleased to announce the promotions of Nick Mitchell, CPA, and Courtney Comer as senior staff accountants. In addition, Tanya Kessinger, CPA, recently joined the firm as a senior staff accountant. Nick Mitchell, CPA, has been promoted to senior staff accountant in Kruggel Lawton’s South Bend office. He Read More »
Michiana Benchmark Business Index Declines in 3rd Quarter- October 28, 2014-SOUTH BEND/ELKHART, Ind. – The Michiana Benchmark Business Index, published by the certified public accounting firm of Kruggel, Lawton & Company, LLC, declined in the 3rd quarter of this year by just under six percent from the previous quarter. The overall Benchmark Business Index score for the 3rd quarter was 61.49 – out of a maximum Read More »
Welcoming Steve Beasy, CPA- August 26, 2014-AUGUST 26, 2014 -- Kruggel Lawton is pleased to announce the addition of Stephen J. Beasy, CPA, as a senior manager in our Elkhart office. Steve has 17 years of public accounting experience with a concentration in benefit plan audits and tax filings. He is an active member of the American Institute of CPAs and Read More »
CFO Business Index Rebounds in 2nd Quarter- August 4, 2014-SOUTH BEND/ELKHART, Ind. – The Michiana Benchmark Business Index, published by Kruggel Lawton, increased in the 2nd quarter of 2014 by over four percent from the previous quarter. The overall Benchmark Business Index score for the 2nd quarter was of 65.22 out of maximum possible of 100, versus 62.50 for the first quarter of 2014. Read More »
Nick Mitchell Earns CPA Designation- July 30, 2014-SOUTH BEND/ELKHART, Ind. – Kruggel Lawton CPAs is pleased to announce that Nick Mitchell recently passed all parts of the CPA exam and is now licensed as a certified public accountant. Mitchell has been with Kruggel Lawton since 2012. “Professional development is a priority at our firm, just as it is for Nick,” said Managing Read More »
2014 Campaign for United Way- July 18, 2014-Kruggel Lawton team members were excited to be a part of the St. Joseph County (SJC) United Way's 2014-2015 campaign kick-off event at Four Winds Field on Thursday, July 17. Hundreds of people were on hand for the event. Kruggel Lawton's managing partner, Barry "Hammerin" Hall, hit 'em out of the park in the Community Read More »
Launch of the New KLCPAS.com- May 8, 2014-SOUTH BEND/ELKHART, Ind. – Kruggel Lawton CPAs, a full service accounting and business advisory firm, has announced the redesign of their website, www.klcpas.com. The website features a fresh look, continually-updated content and is focused on providing a better user experience for Kruggel Lawton’s growing client base, employees, and friends of the firm. Other updates include: Read More »
Monica Brickel, CPA, Named to Forty Under 40- May 2, 2014-Congratulations to Monica Brickel, CPA, on being named as a 2014 Michiana Forty Under 40 honoree! This program salutes 40 of the best and brightest individuals under the age of 40 who have made significant contributions in the business, professional, civic and personal arenas in the Michiana region. Monica started with Kruggel Lawton as a staff accountant Read More »
Michiana Benchmark Business Index Declines in First Quarter- April 23, 2014-SOUTH BEND/ELKHART, Ind. – The Michiana Benchmark Business Index, published by the certified public accounting firm of Kruggel, Lawton & Company, LLC, declined by nearly eight percent from the previous quarter. Survey responses from 40 CFOs resulted in an overall Benchmark Business Index score of 62.5 out of maximum possible of 100, versus 67.66 for Read More »
Kruggel Lawton Welcomes Three New Professionals- March 7, 2014-SOUTH BEND/ELKHART, Ind. – Kruggel Lawton CPAs, a full service accounting and business advisory firm, is pleased to announce the addition of three new --professionals, Michele Reed, Mike Reed, and Michelle Chupp. “We enjoyed working with Michele, Mike and Michelle during their internship last year and are thrilled to have them on board as full time members of Read More »
Michiana Benchmark Business Index Soars- January 30, 2014-SOUTH BEND/ELKHART, Ind. – Results from the latest Michiana Benchmark Business Index Survey, published by the certified public accounting firm of Kruggel, Lawton & Company, LLC, increased by nearly 14 percent from the previous quarter. The overall index is now at its highest level since Kruggel Lawton launched this survey in 2010. The survey is conducted quarterly among Read More »
Jeff McGowan Certified as a Level III Assessor-Appraiser- January 17, 2014-SOUTH BEND/ELKHART, Ind. – The CPA firm of Kruggel, Lawton, & Company, LLC, is pleased to announce that Tax Partner Jeff McGowan, CPA, CGMA, has successfully completed the requirements to earn his Level III Indiana Assessor-Appraiser certification. McGowan is now one of only seven Level III Assessor-Appraisers in St. Joseph County (as of December 31, 2013). Along with his Certified Read More »
