People you should know: Jeff Echelmeier, CPA
Member Owner, Williams-Keepers LLC
AGE: 43
JOB DESCRIPTION: I am a tax partner with the firm. I provide business and tax planning services, primarily for individuals, family-owned businesses and healthcare groups.
YEARS LIVED IN COLUMBIA: 24 years
ORIGINAL HOMETOWN: Fulton, Mo.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in agriculture and master’s degree in accounting, both from the University of Missouri
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Columbia South Rotary, Missouri United Methodist Church, Chamber of Commerce, Little League baseball coach
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: I started working part time at Williams-Keepers when I was in graduate school and have been here ever since.
A COLUMBIA BUSINESSPERSON I ADMIRE AND WHY: There are many, but I will mention three. I admire Dave Rawlings, our former managing partner, for his leadership of Williams-Keepers. Dave has been a critical link in our firm between some of the original founders and the current group of partners and associates we have today. He is a great example of how a professional should conduct himself. I also really admire Paul Land. Paul has a passion for his job, works hard for his clients and does it all with a great sense of humor. Finally, I admire my wife, Ann Echelmeier, for the integrity and work ethic she brings to her clients while maintaining a balance with our family life and raising three children.
WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT MY JOB: I get a chance to work with many individuals and businesses in Mid-Missouri that are out there making things happen and shaping our community. It is fun to help them find solutions to their business and tax problems and then watch them succeed.
IF I WEREN’T DOING THIS FOR ALIVING, I WOULD: I haven’t thought about it much, but I would probably have aspired to own my own business. The challenges of running your own business would keep life interesting.
BIGGEST CAREER OBSTACLE I’VE OVERCOME AND HOW: Being patient, but I haven’t overcome it yet.
A FAVORITE RECENT PROJECT: Building my daughter Kate’s swing set…but that was last summer…I better get started on a new project.
WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS PROFESSION: The profession is a lot more than “crunching numbers.” Once you learn the technical aspects of tax laws and accounting standards, it becomes a lot more about helping people find solutions to their problems.
WHAT I DO FOR FUN: Play golf and watch my children participate in a lot of activities.
FAMILY: Ann, my wife of 20 years, Will (age 14), Matt (age 11), and Kate (age 4).
FAVORITE PLACE IN COLUMBIA: Any golf course or steak house
ACCOMPLISHMENT I’M MOST PROUD OF: I wouldn’t say it is a finished product, but I think I get the most satisfaction helping kids on the Little League baseball fields. Teaching the technical aspects are fun, but I really enjoy the opportunities to try impress things that will hopefully help them for a lifetime-things, like work ethic, perseverance and teamwork.
MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THAT I: Grew up on a dairy farm in Fulton. My two brothers still manage the farm where they milk more than 500 Holsteins.