John Lerias, CPA, Partner

John is always looking for ways to distinguish GYLD from other accounting firms. It's a simple matter for him, because he's an accomplished accountant in his own right, with industry expertise in real estate, homebuilding, construction and non-profit organizations. He graduated from Memphis State University with a degree in business administration, then attained his CPA license in California a short time later. He holds Securities License 6 and 66, as well as a Real Estate License. An overachiever? Not according to John. "I strongly believe that business needs to be approached with discipline, commitment and integrity. That's how I live my life. And it's my road to success." It should come as no surprise that he's also a believer in Business Beyond the Books. "You may be on the road to success, but you need a vehicle to get you there. That's where we come in. This is what any client should be looking for. It's what they deserve."

Stephen Williams, CPA, Partner

Stephen genuinely enjoys helping people get ahead in their businesses and their lives. He graduated from California State, Fullerton with a Business Administration degree and an emphasis in Accounting, noting, "When I saw the importance of knowing numbers and their relationship to success, I could see how I could really help people -- by imparting valuable information to them." Stephen had his own practice before merging with GYLD. This turned out so well for him, he now heads up the firm's Mergers & Acquisition department. Today, after practicing for 24 years, his "human" approach shines through his work: "Sometimes accountants are viewed as the "No" people. Here, we work to figure out how it can be done. One area of his expertise is Specialty Services such as Construction. "Clients need to know you're looking out for their best interests. You won't find anyone who works harder for you."
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Brent Hicks, CPA, Partner

Success is what keeps Brent motivated and energized. He's excited by what he does and what the firm's clients achieve. He is a graduate of San Jose State University with a degree in Business Administration and an emphasis in Accounting. A CPA for over a quarter century, he's held a number of prestigious posts during that time: CFO of a multi-division computer sales company, co-owner of a construction company and partner at his own CPA firm before his company merged with GYLD. He notes, "The merger provided a means to grow and better service clients." Brent's area of expertise is Specialty Services such as Agriculture and Dairy Farms. "In this area," he says, "accounting is as much an art as a science." His philosophy: "Clients know that I will treat their dollar as though it were my own."

Derek Williams, CPA, Partner

With over 13 years in the business, Derek is a CPA who enjoys providing a real service to clients. "Accountants should be a great resource for a client, not just a necessary evil at tax time," he notes. A graduate of Cal State Fullerton, Derek emphasizes that value is what he and the GYLD team bring to clients. Time and again he sees clients benefit when accounting is used to look at the Big Picture "so a company knows where it stands and is presented with options on how best to proceed - versus just crunching numbers in hindsight," he says. "Using accounting results, we can help improve a company's financial future." He notes, "Our size allows for more personal attention to a client. With some firms, it's quantity of clients that counts. Here, it's the amount of service we can provide. It makes a big difference."
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