From the Past to the Future: Insights from the MRPR Team (Part 5) 

January 14, 2025

2025 is officially here, which means we’ve wrapped up our 50th year as an accounting firm! From start to finish, we’ve enjoyed reflecting on the last 50 years and celebrating this milestone with our team and our clients. In our last installment of our From the Past to the Future series, hear from our team members on why they and our clients choose MRPR. 

 

maitri patelMaitri Patel

Staff Accountant

Describe what your role at MRPR looks like, including any expertise, etc As a Staff Accountant at MRPR, I’m responsible for handling monthly account reconciliation, payroll processing, maintaining accurate financial records, preparation of financial statements and tax returns, research, etc.

What do you enjoy most about working here?
What I enjoy most about working at MRPR is the team atmosphere. Also, the variety of work and the diverse range of clients firm offers, helps me to get hands-on experience in all areas.

Can you share a memorable moment or achievement during your time with the company? 

My memorable moment during my time at MRPR is when I passed my citizenship interview, and everyone gathered and celebrated with me.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your experiences or insights working here? 

I’ve learned a lot at MRPR, particularly about the importance of precision and attention to detail in accounting. What sets MRPR apart is the opportunity for continuous learning and professional development, and I’m excited to contribute to the firm’s success as it evolves. 

 

Nita LenhardNita Lenhard

Firm Administrator 

Describe what your role at MRPR looks like, including any expertise, etc? 

I am the Firm Administrator and Southfield Office Manager. My responsibilities include involvement in HR tasks such as payroll and benefits, maintaining the firm’s accounting, and working with many teams to ensure the firm stays aligned which includes our software solutions

What about MRPR motivated you to join the company and when did you join? 

I joined MRPR in October 1986 as the receptionist and eventually became the firm administrator. It seemed like a great place to work in 1986 and because MRPR has worked to maintain our culture, it is still a great place to work.

Can you share a memorable moment or achievement during your time with the company? 

George Reich, one of the original shareholders, used to take a group out for a U of D basketball game which always ended at Tom’s Tavern in Detroit. Those were great fun!

Is there anything else you would like to share about your experiences or insights working here? 

MRPR has a great culture that encourages people to grow in their career. We aren’t afraid to make changes and embrace the new technology.

 

Bob Sickler, CPABob Sickler, CPA

Principal 

Describe what your role at MRPR looks like, including any expertise, etc 

Attest Leader, but I am currently transitioning into retirement. 

 

What do you enjoy most about working here? 

The people

What are the key areas where you believe the firm should focus its efforts in the next 10 years? 

Continue to focus on their people. Keep the culture. 

What strategies do you think the firm should adopt to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving business landscape? 

Focus on specialized areas and industries. This will keep us different and more valuable.

 

Greg ZinkGreg Zink, CPA 

Principal 

Describe what your role at MRPR looks like, including any expertise, etc

I am a principal. My favorite niche industry is transportation and logistics. I love the people and being able to help them succeed.

Can you share a memorable moment or achievement during your time with the company?

Meeting Dennie Jo on her first day working at the firm. Little did I know that a few years later, we would get married and raise a family. This by far exceeds any other accomplishments or accolades.

What are the key areas where you believe the firm should focus its efforts in the next 10

years? 

Utilizing technology to its fullest without compromising the quality of our services or professionals. This will allow us to be the advisory firm of choice.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your experiences or insights working here? 

We are celebrating our 50th year as a firm. Many firms don’t make it that long or sellout. This should tell you something about our success, what we have built together!

 

Brandon Wood-Butler Brandon Wood-Butler 

Senior Accountant 

Describe what your role at MRPR looks like, including any expertise, etc 

I am a senior staff accountant who has been with the firm for seven years. I work mainly on audit and attest engagements of financial statements with clients in a variety of industries.

What do you enjoy most about working here? 

I enjoy the diverse challenges that working in public accounting offers. There are a wide range of tasks that require you to always be on your toes and ready to problem solve. Also, working on attest engagements requires you to work as a team to complete these tasks, and that collaboration makes the workplace more enjoyable as you get closer with team members.
How do you see your role evolving? 

I am currently sitting for the CPA exam sections and hope to have that completed by the end of 2025. Once that is complete I hope to move into a manager role.

What are the key areas where you believe the firm should focus its efforts in the next 10 years? 

As the business landscape continues to change over the next decade, we should focus on improving our technology integration and automation and talent development and retention. Continuing to keep up with changes in technology such as AI, cloud services, and data analytics will improve our efficiency and give us the ability to better serve our clients. Our people are the core of the firm and continuing to focus on talent development and retention will be key in continuing to move the firm forward and give us the best ability to give our clients a high level of service.

 

sara taylorSara Taylor, CPA

Senior Manager

Describe what your role at MRPR looks like, including any expertise, etc? 

I’m currently a Senior Manager with over 15 years of experience in accounting system setup and optimization, tax, and advisory services specializing within the technology, startup, and restaurant niches. I’m part of the Eastern Michigan University campus recruiting team, scheduling team, and Strategic Business Group leadership team.

Can you share a memorable moment or achievement during your time with the company? 

I have had the pleasure of working with so many wonderful people over the years (colleagues and clients) that have given me great memories. The most recent though has to be saving a startup grant-funded client $100k in tax liability.

How do you see your role evolving? 

In the future, I see our roles as our client’s trusted advisors becoming much less focused on compliance due to technological advances and even more heavily geared toward advisory services and thinking outside the box to assist our clients in solving problems.

What strategies do you think the firm should adopt to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving business landscape? 

We should leverage technology advancements and automation where it’s most beneficial to us and our clients. Above all, we need to stay curious and live in a learning mindset where we’re constantly taking in this new information and evolving along with the landscape to stay relevant.

 

Nicole Still Nicole Still

Senior Accountant/QuickBooks ProAdvisor 

Describe what your role at MRPR looks like, including any expertise, etc? 

I am a Senior Accountant with a majority of my services being focused on accounting.

What about MRPR motivated you to join the company and when did you join? 

I joined MRPR in June of 2020. I was motivated to become part of the MRPR team for multiple reasons. Several accountants at MRPR had worked at my prior company, so I had first hand experience as to how they operated and treated their clients. I was excited to hear that MRPR had a good work/life balance. I was also looking forward to learning different areas of accounting that I had not experienced yet.

What do you enjoy most about working here? 

I enjoy the TEAM work. The MRPR employees work as individuals as well as a Team. Questions are always welcomed.

What are the key areas where you believe the firm should focus its efforts in the next 10 years? 

Staying on top of technology and IRS rules and to be able to continue offering clients multiple areas of expertise.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your experiences or insights working here?

MRPR has a wide variety of employees which makes it easy to want to go to work daily. 

 

Cheers to 2025! 

As we look toward our 51st year as a company, we’re excited to see what new challenges, opportunities, and triumphs it will bring. We’re excited to embrace these head-on and continue building our legacy—an accounting firm focused on people.