About Us

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.

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.  

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

Phone: 763-971-4807 Email: jostergren@lbcarlson.com LinkedIn Education

• B.A., Accounting & Finance, Augsburg College, 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 Jerry is the partner-in-charge of our auditing and accounting practice. With over 30 years of public accounting experience, he is responsible for maintaining the high quality standards of the firm and reviewing, interpreting and training on all new accounting and auditing standards. Business Experience

• Specializes in assurance and attest services
• Partner-in-charge of benefit plan services
• Supervises forecasting, business planning and operations review engagements
• Provides management advisory services to a variety of clients
• Advises on internal control and compliance matters
• Advises on fraud and security issues
• Consults on mergers and acquisitions and company valuations for clients in various industries
• Has experience with nonprofits and financial services

Interests & hobbies When Jerry is not in the office, he’s spending time with his wife and children. As a sport-minded CPA, he enjoys outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, and camping. If you want to talk about assurance and attest services that our firm can provide, or the outdoors, call Jerry.  

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

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.  

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

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.  

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

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.  

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

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.    

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

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!  

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

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 25 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.  

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

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.    

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

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.  

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

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.

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

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.

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

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) had been with the firm for over 9 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 Treasurer for the St. Cloud Forum of Executive Women (501c(4))
• Member and 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, she enjoys traveling, 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 being an active board member of the local nonprofit to help support and promote rugby in the St. Cloud area.

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Locations: St. Cloud

Phone: 763-971-4833 Email: jwoodrich@lbcarlson.com LinkedIn Education

• B.S.B., Accounting & Finance, University of Minnesota - Carlson School of Management
• M.B.T., University of Minnesota - Carlson School of Management

Professional Credentials

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Member of the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA)
• Member of the Minnesota Multi Housing Association (MHA)

Responsibilities

• John is a Tax Manager in our Minneapolis office with over 9 years of public accounting experience. He is responsible for reviewing tax returns for privately held companies in excess of $50 million in revenues and assisting staff and clients comply with the internal revenue code. He is also a presenter for various industry associations on tax law changes and other tax matters.

Business Experience

• John has experience assisting businesses and individuals with complex tax law.
• Experience as a real estate investor and all areas of real estate taxation including investment strategy and other consulting matters.
• Experience preparing and reviewing tax returns for privately held companies.
• Experience providing complex corporate and individual tax planning.
• Experience identifying, claiming, and defending Research & Development tax credits.
• Experience advising clients on entity selection, reorganizations, mergers & acquisitions, and liquidation matters.

Interests & Hobbies When John is not in the office, he’s spending time with his family and working on renovating his rental properties. John also enjoys attending sporting events, spending the weekend up north, and meeting friends to catch up over an aged whiskey or a fine cigar. If you want to talk about the tax services our firm can provide, or how to invest in real estate, call John.

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Locations: Minneapolis Services: Industries: Real Estate  

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 7 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 Controller and Accounting Manager 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, Katie, and dog, Chester.

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