Marlys is the founder of the firm, but since she dislikes the term "boss", we'll settle for calling her the "first employee"! Marlys graduated with a degree in accounting from Western Washington University in 1986 and took the CPA exam shortly after. Unlike the rest of us, she passed on the first try! Marlys is the driving force in the firm and sets the precedent of exemplary service to our clients that she expects from all of the staff.

 

Marlys' primary focus is her family, not her career, so she has a healthy balance in her life between both. Marlys has two daughters, Matina and Allyse, who are both out of the home now but still manage to occupy much of her time along with her new granddaughter Savannah! Her home has also become somewhat of a boarding house to college age kids who are in need of a short-term place to stay. She created a small room in the basement for these "boarders". At last count, over 20 people have benefited from this amazing hospitality! With her location on Lake Whatcom, her home also becomes the default location for gatherings during the summer and Marlys is always the welcoming, gracious host.

 

Marlys worked for seven years for Whatcom County as their business manager. Following that stint, she worked for three years at a local CPA firm as a Senior Accountant with primary emphasis on audits. In 1989, she branched out on her own and started her own practice. She has created a very intimate, informal and extremely pleasant working environment for her employees.

 

Currently, Marlys enjoys spending time relaxing at the lake, hosting gatherings, participating in her book club, and yes, even enjoying her work!