Dave was drawn to accounting at an early age. After taking a high school accounting class, he was hooked. “I saw how it helped my family’s business develop a road map for success,” he says. “I was intrigued—and wanted to help other businesses do the same.” As the firm’s CEO and managing partner, Dave specializes in aiding closely held businesses—like his family’s—through the complexities of tax law, strategic tax planning and compliance. “For me, it’s all about helping a client get to the next level,” he says. “I enjoy making a difference.”
Dave began his accounting career in 1992 and joined Froehling Anderson in 2003. He’s grateful for the relationships he’s developed over the years, along with the helpful nature of the firm’s staff. “It’s never ‘me,’ or ‘I,’” he explains, “We are willing to work across disciplines so our clients get the best answer possible.” Outside of his role at Froehling Anderson, Dave, with his wife, Kelly, plays the role of “Super Dad” to his three kids. Between swim meets, trips to northern Minnesota, and year-round hockey, the Benusa family is always on the move. Dave also enjoys volunteering with various community organizations, cooking, traveling and biking.
Rick often jokes that he’s a “reluctant accountant.” He says that after earning a degree in finance, it was his strong interest in business (not numbers) that steered him into the accounting realm. Since joining Froehling Anderson in 2003, Rick has focused his practice on helping clients with their accounting, tax and business consulting needs. He currently leads the firm’s Business Consulting Department. As a partner who has previously served as a CFO of a public company, he has a strong understanding of the real world pressures business owners’ face.
Rick and his team of business-savvy accountants help their clients do more than “save a few bucks with the IRS.” He’s tenacious about understanding what makes a client or business tick. “Understanding their processes helps me understand the underlying reasons why certain transactions occur,” he explains. For Rick, it’s all about the people. “I really enjoy the relationships—with clients, colleagues, and business partners—that I’ve been blessed with over the years,” he says. There’s no question that the Rick’s values time with his wife and three kids. Together they enjoy boating, outdoor activities, and volunteering at their church.
Wade began his accounting career in 2000 because of his childhood love of math. He says he is fortunate to have had “phenomenal instructors” throughout high school and college who encouraged him to pursue his passion. “Accounting is a good fit for me in that it keeps me on my toes,” he says. “I really enjoy learning new things and finding ways to improve our clients’ tax situation.” For Wade, his passion for accounting is tied closely to his passion for sports. In 2006, he joined Froehling Anderson to focus his practice on professional athletes. As a partner in the firm’s Tax Department, he leverages his all-star knowledge of tax code and laws to help clients mitigate tax issues. “It’s rewarding to be a part of their success,” he says.
Wade also devotes time to training staff on tax law changes and doing all he can to learn about his clients’ businesses. “It’s important to step into their shoes and see things from their perspective,” he says. A Minnesota sports fan through and through, Wade faithfully follows the Vikings, Timberwolves, and Twins. He also has a passion for traveling and enjoys trying new foods. His hobbies include golf, movies and working out.
Al is a tax attorney and chair of Froehling Anderson’s Tax Department. Since joining the firm in 2000, he’s used his unique skill set (he is an attorney, CPA, and holds a Master of Laws in Taxation), to help his clients navigate the odd and difficult tax issues. He jokes that you will never meet a teenager who aspires to be a tax attorney; however, it’s easy to see the role fits him well.
Al has always been interested in business. He recalls that as a young college student, he discovered “accounting is business applied to numbers.” It is no surprise that Al’s favorite part of his practice is learning about his clients’ businesses. “The devil is in the details,” he explains. “The more I know, the more I am able to apply my expertise.”
Outside of his role as a tax attorney, Al enjoys spending time with his wife and four kids. During the summer months, the family revels in all kinds of “Minnesota” activities, including water sports, boating and fishing.
When Dan decides to do something, he does it with his whole heart. Since entering the public accounting field in 1985, he has dedicated his practice to going the extra mile for his clients. “When it comes down to it, I simply have a passion and dedication for what I do,” he says. Dan joined Froehling Anderson in 1997 and is a leader in the firm’s Tax Department. In this role, he oversees the tax and consulting needs of closely held businesses, families and individuals. Together with his team, he guides clients to a solution that makes sense for them. For Dan, being able to share in the solution is what it’s all about. A self-professed “foodie,” Dan is also passionate about sampling the latest additions to the Twin Cities restaurant scene. When he’s not at the office, he can usually be found spending time with his wife and three kids, following sports, and biking.
When Doris’ brother, an accountant, encouraged her to explore a career in accounting, she listened. Now, having worked in the field since 2002, she’s glad she did. “I love that my line of work puts me in a position to help others,” she says. Doris came to Froehling Anderson in 2009 and immediately felt at home. “We have a fantastic group here,” she says. As a partner in the firm’s Tax Department, Doris focuses her practice on preparing and reviewing tax returns for larger businesses. She also helps clients navigate the complexities of tax controversy.
Regardless of the task, she says she’s always ready to listen and learn more. “Building relationships with clients is—bar none—my favorite aspect of accounting.” Outside of the office, she keeps an ear out for the latest food trends. She and her husband, along with their young son, are always up for trying a new eatery. They also enjoy visiting the zoo and other Minnesota attractions.
Born and raised in a small town, Robb is accustomed to being there for others. He loves that his role as a partner in Froehling Anderson’s Business Consulting Department gives him the opportunity to be there for his clients. “I’m able to spend time getting to know my clients,” he says. “And that’s something I really appreciate.” Robb joined the firm in 2006 and after earning his CPA, he became a Certified Management Accountant (CMA). He relies upon his genuine, no-nonsense demeanor and CMA expertise to help clients make sound business decisions. “For me, it’s meaningful to be able to add value to my clients’ businesses,” he says.
For Robb, accounting is fun because it requires him to exercise his analytical skills. “I’ve always enjoyed solving puzzles and figuring things out,” he says. “Sometimes it doesn’t even feel like work!” Robb enjoys spending time with his wife and three young children. In his free time, Robb can be found playing and watching sports including cheering loudly for the Minnesota Vikings.
