Our weekly Employee Spotlight section has the pleasure of introducing Rich Barlett, a CPA at Wagner, Dreese, Elsasser & Associates, P.C.
What do you specialize in (what is your role) here at WDEA?
Tax planning and preparation, audits of for profit and nonprofit entities, compilations and reviews, QuickBooks ProAdvisor since 2002 & anything accounting related that finds its way into my office.
What WDEA office are you located at?
Lewisburg
What did you do before WDE/LBK?
The only other full-time job I have had was with the US Army for 4 years.
When did you join WDEA/LBK?
January 1996 (and joined WDEA when the firm merged with LBK in November of 2014)
What is one of your greatest accomplishments here at WDEA/LBK?
I truly enjoy getting to know clients on a personal level and understanding their goals, interests, challenges, etc. With that, I take pride in the ability to explain business, tax, and accounting issues in a way that is relatable and easy to understand.
What is your education experience?
Bachelor of Science from Bloomsburg University
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
It had always been peanut butter ripple until I discovered salted caramel a few years ago.
Where is your favorite place on earth, and why?
I’ve come to realize that my favorite place on earth is the sideline of a football, soccer, baseball, or basketball game that either of my sons are participating in. Regardless if I am coaching or being a spectator, I recognize that these times are precious and limited and that I need to enjoy them while they last. Before I know it, they’ll be off to college.
What is a fun fact(s) about yourself?
I enjoy the outdoors: sporting events, skiing, kayaking down Pine Creek, fly fishing on Penn’s Creek, mowing the yard, chopping wood… doesn’t matter, as long as it’s outside!
If you received a tax refund of $1,000 (and had to spend it on yourself) how would you spend it? (No bills!)
Plane ticket and some lift tickets to a few places in Colorado before the skiing season is over (after tax season of course).
If you were on death row, what would your last meal be?
Hopefully I’m never in this situation, but after living in El Paso, TX for 3 ½ years, I’m quite fond of authentic Mexican food. My favorite place is Pancho’s Mexican Buffet (best Guacamole ever). So, my plan would involve having dinner there, crossing the border into Juarez, Mexico and disappearing.
