About Us - LB Carlson

Accounting. Business Planning. Management Consulting.

Operating with the Founder’s philosophy close at heart, we believe that a successful CPA and business consulting firm is more than just the numbers and the taxes. LB Carlson is a leading CPA and business consulting firm serving businesses throughout the Midwest from our Minneapolis and St. Cloud offices. After 40+ years, our professionals have helped clients across various industries like Manufacturing, Graphic Arts, Professional Services, and Contractors achieve their greatest goals. Beyond just the numbers and taxes, we provide forward-thinking solutions that are a reflection of your objectives developed in partnership with our experts who know your ambitions and care about your success.

We understand how important a strong CPA and business advisor is to your organization. Our full suite of services provides solutions for the complexities business owners face. From in-depth analysis and expert operational guidance, our professionals offer clients deep insights and experience through services that help them prosper.

A Personalized Approach

We take pride in the relationships that we build with our clients. We work hard to provide a personalized approach to become trusted advisors and your advocate for success. With industry expertise, proactive thinking, open lines of communication, and results-driven mindsets, there is no question why so many businesses choose LB Carlson!

We are always in tune with your business and available to be your sounding board. We’ll help answer any questions you have at a moment’s notice so that everything is taken care of for you when it matters most. Our year-round contact ensures long-term success!

The LB Carlson Difference

At LB Carlson, our commitment to superior client service in a fun work environment make us unique from other accounting firms. We work hard, but we also have fun while doing it, which allows us to attract and employ the best talent! We are proud of our firm culture and reputation with the community. Recently, LB Carlson was recognized among Twin Cities Business Journal’s Top 25 Accounting Firms in Minnesota.

Our low turnover and enjoyable work environment extend to our employees and clients alike. From firm leadership to support staff, the LB Carlson team is passionate about what we do. We share the same commitment to service and entrepreneurial spirit as our clients! We can’t wait to get to know you!

Who are we? Meet our team.

Leadership

LinkedIn Education

B.S., Accounting, University of Minnesota Duluth

Professional Credentials

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Member of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Member of Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA)
Active member of the Printing Industry of Minnesota Financial Executive Forum

Responsibilities Mel is the president of LB Carlson, and is the managing partner of the Minneapolis office. Mel's public accounting experience spans more than 30 years. During that time, Mel has become a specialist in assisting clients in the manufacturing, graphic arts and professional services industries. Business Experience

Provides management advisory services in business organization and long-term business planning
Has assisted numerous clients with mergers and acquisitions
Involved in traditional and nontraditional accounting, including entity planning and financing assistance
Assists business owners with a variety of tax and management consulting issues
Provides litigation support and expert testimony
Has conducted numerous seminars on forecasting, business planning and operations reviews

Interests & hobbies When Mel is not watching his sons play baseball, he’s most likely at a Minnesota professional sporting event. Whether the Vikings, Twins or the Wild, Mel will be watching. Mel is not only devoted to Minnesota sports; he is devoted to his clients, always going above and beyond.

Melvin Enger

Principal/President

Phone: 763-971-4803 Email: rriesgraf@lbcarlson.com LinkedIn Education

B.S., Accounting, St. Cloud State University

Professional Credentials

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Management Advisory Services Practice Section
Member of the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA)
Active member of the Printing Industry Midwest and Great Lakes Graphics Association

Responsibilities

Chairman of LB Carlson
Provides management advisory services in business organization and strategic planning
Assists clients with performance management and operations reviews
Serves on various nonprofit boards

Business Experience Rick is a principal/shareholder of LB Carlson and has more than 30 years of public accounting experience serving clients in various industries but specializing in the graphic arts, manufacturing and transportation industries.

Extensive experience with mergers and acquisitions, including due diligence studies; corporate, partnership and individual tax matters; and assisting business owners in succession planning
Skilled at entity planning and obtaining financing
Presented seminars and training on estate planning, performance management, forecasting and other topics

Interests & hobbies Rick may have the biggest heart in the office. He will not only ask you how you are doing, but he will also ask how your family is, all before he gets down to business. Rick has been known to start the office banter, especially when discussing our annual firm softball game. When Rick is not in the office he spends much of his time with his wife and children. He also loves to hunt for deer and pheasant. It’s been said that he is the best hunter around. Self-proclaimed? We're not sure.

Locations: Minneapolis & St. Cloud Services: Assurance & Attest, Business Planning, Management Consulting Industries: Graphic Arts & Printing, Manufacturing, Real Estate, Distribution, Construction, High Tech, Retail/Restaurant

Rick Riesgraf

Principal

Phone: 763-971-4814 Email: jhenley@lbcarlson.com LinkedIn Education

B.S., Accounting, University of South Dakota
M.B.T., University of Minnesota – Carlson School of Management

Professional Credentials

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Member of the Tax Practice Section and S Corporation Subcommittee of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Member of the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA)

Responsibilities Joel has over 30 years of experience assisting businesses in complex areas of tax law. He worked at two international accounting firms for 13 years prior to joining LB Carlson. Joel spends most of his time consulting with clients, partners and staff regarding complex tax situations. He resolves tax controversies, structures acquisitions and sales, and assists in business successions. Joel also has many years of involvement with the compliance aspects of the tax practice. Business Experience

Extensive experience in entity structuring (LLCs, LLPs, S versus C corporations)
Heavy history with leasing industry
Involved in specialized tax issues involving PEOs
Partnership specialization, involving equity, allocations, bifurcations, liquidations
Experience in negotiating terms and tax consequences in acquisitions and sales of businesses
Assists families in transferring businesses and assets to next generations, in turbulent times of economics and law
Resolves tax controversies with state and federal agencies
Represents taxpayers in tax collection matters
Coordinates ownership and compensation controversies involving partners or shareholders
Deep experience with real estate tax matters involving owners, investors and developers, foreclosures and short sales, passive activity and at risk rules
Heavily involved in tax consequences involving companies contemplating bankruptcy or emerging from bankruptcy
Much interest in estate planning, taxation matters, acquisition and ownership succession planning
Significant international tax planning experience, FATCA specifically involving Ireland
Structured energy investments, including oil and gas, wind, and biofuels
Experienced in compensation planning for executives
Oversees tax accrual calculations under ASC 740, as evolved from SFAS 109 and FIN 48 for several companies
Assists in developing sales tax positions and settling sales and use tax controversies
Assisted the printing industry in successfully changing Minnesota sales tax laws for the benefit of the industry
Has spoken on numerous occasions to various industry groups on tax issues
Has published articles on tax issues and participated in authoring a book on real estate transactions

Interests & hobbies When Joel is not in the office, he's often trying to keep fit and attempting to keep up with his daughter and wife in their involvement with Special Olympics of Minnesota. One of his favorite pastimes is sailing. He has several ASA certifications, competitively skippers an I-20 Scow and is a member of the Minnetonka Yacht Club and Wayzata Yacht Club.

Locations: Minneapolis Services: Accounting Services, Assurance & Attest, Business Planning, Management Consulting, Tax Services Industries: Graphic Arts & Printing, Manufacturing, Real Estate

Joel Henley

Principal

Phone: 763-535-8150 Email: dpolfliet@lbcarlson.com LinkedIn Education

B.S., Accounting, St. Cloud State University

Professional Credentials

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV)
Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Member of the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA)

Responsibilities Dawn has 25 years of experience in tax planning, attest and consulting services for small to medium sized privately held businesses. She has specialty training and emphasis on business valuations for gift and estate planning, shareholder transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and litigation support including expert witness testimony. Business Experience

Extensive business valuation experience
Has conducted audits, reviews and compilations of companies with revenues from $2 million to $100 million
Provides assistance with forecasting and operation reviews
Conducts overhead rate studies for job costing purposes
Works with clients on many corporate and individual tax matters
Provides CFO services for clients on an interim basis
Assists clients with benefit plan compliance requirements

Interests & hobbies When Dawn is not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her very active children. Her weekends are usually filled with hockey tournaments, swim meets or gymnastics. One of her favorite pastimes is going to musicals. Her favorite? “The Lion King.” But “Wicked” is a close second.

Locations: Minneapolis Services: Assurance & Attest, Business Planning, Management Consulting Industries: Graphic Arts & Printing, Manufacturing

Dawn Polfliet

Principal

Phone: 763-971-4838 Email: ryounkers@lbcarlson.com LinkedIn Education

B.S., Accounting, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Professional Credentials

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Member of the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA)

Responsibilities Rob has over 20 years of accounting experience with medium to large, privately held companies, offering services in management advisory and various attest and tax compliance. Business Experience

Assists clients in mergers and acquisitions with an emphasis in tax aspects of these transactions
Assists clients through audit process of various taxing authorities
Strong emphasis in corporate tax planning and compliance
Provides assistance with forecasting and operations reviews
Currently working toward a Master’s in Business Taxation at Carlson School of Management
Audit experience includes companies with revenues from $2 million to $100 million, including the audit of a U.S. subsidiary of a foreign corporation
Management advisory services include corporate and individual tax matters
Coordinated the audit and tax services for a $250 million corporation as an interim position in private industry

Interests & hobbies When Rob is not in the office, he's spending time with his wife and children. He enjoys golfing, watersports, in-line skating and watching sports of almost any kind. Around the office Rob is known for his quick wit, dedication and sincerity.

W. Robert Younkers

Principal

Phone: 763-971-4826 Email: mniznik@lbcarlson.com LinkedIn Education

B.A., Accounting, St. John’s University

Professional Credentials

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Member of the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA)
Currently serves as a media spokesperson and member of the Tax Advisory Group for the MNCPA
Current president for Arbor Lakes Networkers chapter of BNI
Chaired the Public Relations Committee of the MNCPA, where, under his leadership, the committee received an outstanding committee award

Responsibilities Mike is a partner with LB Carlson and is the firm's director of Accounting Services. He oversees the policies and procedures as well as the staffing and growth of this dynamic department. Prior to joining our firm, Mike worked with national and regional accounting firms. Business Experience

Major experience consists of federal and state tax compliance for individuals, partnerships, S corporations, estates, trusts, and nonprofit entities
Assists in resolving federal and state tax controversies
Assists closely held businesses and individuals with complex areas of tax law including entity structuring
Regularly speaks to industry groups about tax planning issues and leads seminars on behalf of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon for returning soldiers
Specializes in matters involving unrelated business income pertaining to nonprofit organizations
Works with clients on deferred compensation arrangements

Interests & hobbies Many of Mike's clients have been with him for close to 25 years. He places high value on quality client service and building client relationships. When Mike is not focusing on his clients, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children and the family dog. Don't be surprised if you hear him humming the latest Dave Matthews song, although his vast knowledge of popular music can be credited to his children. This, however, goes both ways, as his children have been known to hum a song from the 1970s or 1980s.

Locations: Minneapolis Services: Accounting Services, Assurance & Attest, Business Planning, Management Consulting, Tax Services Industries: Real Estate

Michael Niznik

Principal

Phone: 763-971-4823 Email: dkray@lbcarlson.com LinkedIn Education

B.S., Accounting, St. Cloud State University

Professional Credentials

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Member of the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA)

Responsibilities During Darren's 15-year tenure at LB Carlson, he has developed a broad range of expertise assisting privately held companies in the graphic arts, manufacturing, insurance and various other industries. Business Experience

Strong emphasis in management advisory services
Significant experience in the areas of forecasting, mergers and acquisitions, corporate and individual tax planning, employee benefit plan compliance, and business structuring issues
Successfully conducts several multifaceted audits, reviews and compilations of companies with revenues ranging from $1 million to over $100 million

Interests & hobbies Darren's quick wit and sense of humor are possibly why he's one of the most liked partners at our firm. He could talk your ear off about his work, but he'd rather talk about his latest fishing or hunting trip with his brothers. Darren also enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters. As a graduate from St. Cloud State University, he'll forever be a Husky fan!

Locations: Minneapolis Services: Assurance & Attest, Business Planning, Management Consulting Industries: Graphic Arts & Printing, Manufacturing, Energy

Darren Kray

Principal

Phone: 763-971-4819 Email: djohnson@lbcarlson.com LinkedIn Education

B.S., Accounting, Minnesota State University, Moorhead

Professional Credentials

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP)
Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Member of the Certified Information Technology Professional section of the AICPA
Member of the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA)
Vice President of the Star of the North chapter of BNI
Advisory Committee Member of Hennepin Technical College

Responsibilities Dea has over 30 years of experience related to closely held, for-profit businesses, focusing on consulting with management teams, income tax planning and preparation, special projects, and implementation of computer systems. Business Experience

Experienced in financial management including budgeting and cash flow modeling, auditing, tax calculations and planning, and management services
Planned and consulted on mergers and acquisitions
Assisted clients with issues related to manufacturing, construction, costing and inventory management
Participated in a variety of management teams
Mentored and trained controllers
Led and supported projects related to finance, projections and budgeting, and strategic planning

Interests & hobbies Dea is involved with many volunteer and community service groups including Andover Husky Youth Hockey Association, New Brighton Stockyard Days and the School Advisory Commission for St. John the Baptist Parish School. Dea and her family also participate in Feed My Starving Children. When Dea is not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, who are very active in scouting, soccer, hockey and piano. If Dea isn’t at one of the kids’ sporting events cheering them on, you will probably find her at the gym kickboxing, working in her garden, fishing, taking pictures, scrapbooking or enjoying a nice glass of wine with friends.

Locations: Minneapolis Services: Accounting Services, Assurance & Attest, Business Planning, Management Consulting, Tax Services, Workflow/ERP Systems Industries: Manufacturing, Medtech, Distribution, Construction

Dea Johnson

Principal

Phone: 320-203-0254 Email: mbenusa@lbcarlson.com LinkedIn Education

B.S., Accounting, St. Cloud State University

Professional Credentials

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Responsibilities Mike manages the St. Cloud office, which previously was the firm Benusa, Gruber, Maiers & Associates until merging with LB Carlson in 2010. Mike's professional experience in and outside of public accounting allows him to have a unique perspective on tax planning with the goal of maximizing the profitability of closely held businesses. Business Experience Mike’s 30-plus years of experience include 12 years focused on tax and business consulting with closely held businesses and nine years at Nike International, where he spent six years as head of finance for the Asia/Pacific region and three as finance and commercial director starting Africa operations. Mike has been in St. Cloud for 11 years working primarily on consulting and individual/business tax planning and compliance. Interests & hobbies When Mike is not working, he enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, improving his culinary skills, and volunteering for the CentraCare and Quiet Oaks Hospice boards and committees.

Locations: St. Cloud Services: Accounting Services, Business Planning, Management Consulting, Tax Services Industries: Manufacturing, Distribution

Mike Benusa

Principal

Phone: 763-971-4850 Email: sbohn@lbcarlson.com LinkedIn Education

B.S., Accounting, St. Cloud State University

Professional Credentials

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Member of the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA)

Responsibilities Over 13 years of experience in business and individual income tax consulting, large multi-state corporation tax returns, mergers and acquisitions, and estate planning. Steve also leads the charge within the firm on its process improvement initiatives and staff development. Business Experience:

Industry focuses include oil and gas, manufacturing, real estate, and insurance
Experience assisting companies in entity organization, reorganization, mergers and acquisitions, and liquidation matters
Experience assisting clients with preparation or review of ASC 740 (FAS 109) calculations for publicly traded and privately held corporations
Manages tax compliance for publicly traded and privately held corporations, partnerships and subchapter S corporations
Tax compliance and complex tax planning for individuals and trusts
Represents taxpayers in IRS and state controversies

Interests & hobbies When Steve is not hard at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and new baby, dog and extended family as well as hunting, fishing, golfing and many other outdoor activities.

Locations: Minneapolis Services: Business Planning, Tax Services Industries: Graphic Arts & Printing, Manufacturing, Real Estate, Energy

Steven Bohn

Principal

Phone: 763-971-4831 Email: dloch@lbcarlson.com LinkedIn Education

B.S., Accounting, St. Cloud State University

Professional Credentials

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Member of the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA)

Responsibilities

Manager providing year-end, tax and consulting services with an emphasis on managing year-end engagements for medium to large privately held companies in a variety of industries.
As a manager, Dan is responsible for coordinating all attest services work throughout the year, managing staff and supervisors, and completing the annual audit, review, or compilation of the financial statements.

Business Experience

Twelve years of public accounting experience.
Managing numerous multifaceted audits, reviews and compilations of companies with revenues ranging from $1 million to over $90 million.
Management consulting background includes providing assistance with forecasting, overhead rate studies, valuations, compensation design, tax planning, and other management advisory and tax services.

Interests & hobbies Dan enjoys a variety of sports including fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, golfing, bowling, and biking to name a few. He also enjoys do-it-yourself home improvement projects and spending time with his wife, Steph, and Great Dane, Nova.

Locations: Minneapolis Services: Accounting Services, Assurance & Attest, Business Planning, Management Consulting Industries: Graphic Arts & Printing, Manufacturing, Distribution

Daniel Loch

Principal

Phone: 320-203-0254 Email: mbranson@lbcarlson.com LinkedIn Education

B.S., Accounting, Metropolitan State University

Professional Credentials

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Member of the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA)

Responsibilities

Provides business and tax consulting to small business clients across the real estate, manufacturing, construction, professional services industries.

Business Experience

10 plus years in public accounting
Construction management
Small business consulting and tax planning
Individual tax planning
QuickBooks ProAdvisor

Interests & Hobbies Mark enjoys his time away from the office with his family, coaching and playing sports, volunteering for Boy Scouts of America and church, and doing projects around the house.

Locations: St. Cloud Services: Accounting Services, Business Planning, Management Consulting, Tax Services Industries: Manufacturing, Real Estate, Construction, Restaurant

Mark Branson

Principal

Phone: 320-203-0254 Email: jbistodeau@lbcarlson.com LinkedIn Education

B.A., Accounting & Finance, St. Cloud State University, Cum Laude

Professional Credentials

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Member of the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA)

Responsibilities

Jacquelyn (Jacque) has been with the firm for over 12 years and is a tax and audit Manager at LB Carlson. Jacque’s tax experience includes closely held companies, corporate, estates and trusts, non-profit, and individual income tax. Her audit and attest experience includes for-profit, as well as not-for-profit companies.

Business Experience

Focuses in tax compliance, and assurance and attest services
Has experience with non-profits and financial services
Provides interim controller services to a variety of clients
Advises on business transition and estate planning
Specialized business consulting services for the manufacturing industry
Member and former Treasurer for the St. Cloud Forum of Executive Women (501c(4))
Member and former Treasurer for the St. Cloud Area Rugby Club (501c(3))
Member and Secretary for the Central Minnesota Estate Planning Council
Member of the Central Minnesota Manufacturing Association

Interests & Hobbies

When Jacque is not in the office, she is spending time with her family and friends. As an on-the-go CPA with two young children, she enjoys the outdoors, and can be found at a softball field most days during the summer. After retiring from a 10 year livelihood of playing women’s rugby, she has stayed involved with the sport by volunteering through the local nonprofit to help support and promote rugby in the St. Cloud area, and being the unofficial photographer for local games played in the community.

Locations: St. Cloud

Jacquelyn Bistodeau

Manager

Education

B.S., Accounting, Minnesota State University – Mankato, Magna Cum Laude
B.S., Finance-Corporate, Minnesota State University – Mankato, Magna Cum Laude

Professional Credentials

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Member of the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA)

Responsibilities

Matt has 8 years of public accounting experience serving medium to large privately held companies, many of which are in the graphic arts, manufacturing, oil & gas, transportation, and various other industries.

Business Experience

Manages numerous multifaceted audits, reviews and compilations of companies with revenues from $1 million to $90 million
Assists clients with forecasting and operation reviews
Consults with clients on corporate and individual tax planning and compliance
Provides CFO and Controller services for clients on an interim and annual basis

Interests & Hobbies When Matt is not working in the office, you can usually find him enjoying a variety of sports or working out. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and son, Katie and Blake, and dog, Chester.

Matt Wills

Manager

Education

B.S., Accounting, MSU Mankato

Professional Credentials

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Member of the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA)

Responsibilities

Bridgette has been with the firm for over 6 years and is a tax and audit manager at LB Carlson. Bridgette has a broad range of expertise assisting privately held companies in the graphic arts, manufacturing, real estate, transportation, and various other industries.

Business Experience

Focuses in tax compliance, and assurance and attest services
Manages numerous audits, reviews, and compilations of companies with revenues from $1 million to $50 million.
Consults with clients on complex corporate and individual tax planning and compliance
Assists clients with forecasting and operation reviews
Has experience with multi-state corporate tax filings

Interests & Hobbies When Bridgette is not working in the office, she is spending time with family and friends. She enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors hiking, biking, or on the lake during summer days.

Bridgette Janni

Manager

Education

B.S., Accounting, St. Cloud State University

Professional Credentials

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Member of the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA)

Responsibilities

Morgan has over 6 years of experience in both public and private accounting. Morgan provides attest and consulting services for companies within a broad range of industries.

Business Experience

Manages numerous audits, reviews and compilations of companies with revenues ranging from $1 million to over $100 million.
Assists with business valuation engagements
Assists with mergers and acquisitions, including financial forecasting and due diligence procedures

Interests & Hobbies When Morgan is not in the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends. She enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors.

Morgan Kern

Manager

Education

B.A., Accounting & Finance, St. Cloud State University

Professional Credentials

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Responsibilities

Dylan has over 8 years of experience providing tax planning, tax preparation, and CFO/Controller services for closely held businesses.

Business Experience

Tax preparation and tax planning - Partnership, S Corporation, C Corporation, Individual
Multi-state income tax, sales tax
Merger and acquisitions
CFO/Controller services
Industries - construction, engineering, manufacturing, information technology, retail, professional services

Interests & Hobbies Dylan enjoys woodworking and primarily creating wood furniture when not thinking about taxes or financial statements. Occasionally he also makes his own homebrew if time allows after spending his time with his wife and newborn son.

Dylan Abernathey

Manager

Community Involvement

Feed My Starving Children is a nonprofit Christian organization committed to feeding God’s children hungry in body and spirit. The approach is simple: children and adults pack meals specifically formulated for malnourished children and we ship the meals to nearly 70 countries.

View our photos from our Community Involvement