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, operations review, and succession planning
Serves on various nonprofit boards including Feed My Starving Children

Business Experience Rick is a principal/shareholder of LB Carlson and has more than 35 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 enjoys getting to know clients and staff and values those relationships beyond just business and work relationships. He strives to see the big picture and think about value-added opportunities in helping clients or teaching staff to go beyond expectations. His most important focus is his family and he treasures time with his wife and children. Rick enjoys his pets and is an avid hunter and fisherman.

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

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 30 years of experience in tax planning, attest and consulting services for 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 $150 million including multi-entity consolidations
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

Interests & hobbies When Dawn is not in the office, she enjoys spending time with family and dreaming of their next travel adventure. She also enjoys the outdoors and gardening.

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)

Business Experience

Partners with clients in mergers and acquisitions with an emphasis in tax aspects of these transactions
Supports and guides clients through audit process of various taxing authorities
Provides leadership and insight in corporate tax planning and compliance
Collaborates and strategizes with forecasting and operations reviews
Facilitates advisory services including but not limited to corporate and individual tax matters
Rob's extensive experience includes coordinating the audit and tax services for a $250 million corporation as an interim position in private industry.

Responsibilities Rob has over 25 years of accounting experience with medium to large privately held companies, offering services in management advisory and various attest and tax compliance. Interests & hobbies When Rob is not in the office, he’s spending time with his family and friends. He enjoys golfing, watersports, cycling and watching sports of almost any kind. Around the office Rob is known for his dedication to his clients, ability to provide positive and uplifting support to his colleagues and his eagerness to incorporate a bit of fun and laughter to even the most mundane tasks.

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)
Active Board Member for the Foundation for Essential Needs (FFEN), serving as Treasurer
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 part of the Impact Division. 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
Specializes in matters involving unrelated business income pertaining to nonprofit organizations
Works with clients on deferred compensation arrangements
Helped develop the firm's Estate Practice
Income & Estate planning for high net worth individuals

Interests & hobbies Many of Mike's clients have been with him for close to 30 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 country 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. Mike also enjoys a night at Target field watching a Twins game.

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

Michael Niznik

Principal

Principal, Managing Partner 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 25-year tenure at LB Carlson, he has developed a broad range of expertise assisting privately held companies in the graphic arts, manufacturing, nonprofit, 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, Tax Industries: Graphic Arts & Printing, Manufacturing, Energy, Construction, Nonprofits

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)
Certified Client Accounting Advisory Services Professional (CAAS)
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)

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, merger and acquisition consulting, special projects, and implementation of accounting systems. Business Experience

Experienced in financial management and forward planning including budgeting and cash flow modeling, tax calculations and modeling, strategic planning, and board support
Resource for start-up through mature closely held companies regarding organization and process consulting, accounting training and support, and tax compliance and representation
Provide forecasting, planning, and consulting on mergers and acquisitions including structure and tax options
Support the industries of manufacturing, construction, and distribution with costing and inventory management
Participate on a variety of management teams
Mentor, train, and resource to controllers
Contract CFO experience

Interests & hobbies Dea has been involved with many volunteer and community service groups including Andover Husky Youth Hockey Association, New Brighton Stockyard Days, and the School Advisory Commission and the Pastoral Leadership Council of St John the Baptist Church and School. Dea and her family also frequently participate in Feed My Starving Children and support HOPE 4 Youth. 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 trap shooting. 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, Business Planning, Management Consulting, Tax Services, Merger/Acquisition Consulting, Workflow/ERP Systems Industries: Manufacturing, Medtech, Distribution, Construction and Real Estate

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 20 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 professional services firms, manufacturing, real estate, and health services.
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
Steve was recently featured in a book entitled Summit to Retirement: Finding Success on Your Financial Trek.

Interests & hobbies When Steve is not hard at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, 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

Provides 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.
Coordinates all attest services work throughout the year.
Committed to managing staff and providing great service to his clients.

Business Experience

Dan has been with the firm for more than 16 years, starting as an intern in 2005 and becoming a principal in 2019.
During his 17 years in public accounting, Dan has developed a wide range of skill sets including assisting clients 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, and Tax Industries: Healthcare, Manufacturing, Distribution, and Graphic Arts

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 10 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 professional service industries.

Business Experience

Manages numerous multifaceted audits, reviews and compilations of companies with revenues from $1 million to $100 million
Assists clients with forecasting and operation reviews
Oversees and leads SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3 engagements
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.

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 8 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 8 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

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