Partners

''I enjoy working with our clients and assisting them with their tax and planning needs,'' states Kim Martin, partner at Martin Hood and head of the firm's tax department. Kim graduated with honors from the University of Illinois in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, before establishing Martin Hood in 1982. Over the past 35 years, Kim has worked with many clients on business consulting, personal tax preparation, estate planning, investing and retirement. ''Our staff are instrumental in providing these services, and are a hard working group,'' he notes. ''The work environment is enjoyable, which makes it even more rewarding to be a part of our firm.''

''Helping our staff learn and advance is one of my largest joys and sources of pride working at Martin Hood,'' states Dave Hood, who serves as a partner at the firm. Dave graduated with high honors from the University of Illinois in 1980 and has been a partner at Martin Hood since 1982. Dave works with clients from all industries, with an emphasis on government, nonprofit, and small business. ''I love the variety at Martin Hood,'' he notes. ''In addition to helping clients navigate their financial issues through traditional services or individualized consulting, I have the opportunity to recruit and mentor a phenomenally talented staff.''

''My role at Martin Hood is analogous to what I think it would be like to be an air traffic controller,'' recounts Denise Martin, a partner at the firm. ''My goal is to keep the audit department functioning efficiently and effectively, while also working directly with clients to consult on their various tax and management needs.'' Denise earned her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Illinois and has been providing clients with audit, review, compilation, and management consulting services since 1984. She values the collaborative environment at Martin Hood and notes, ''Everyone respects each other's opinion, which typically provides a better answer for our clients.''

Jim Eisenmenger, Martin Hood partner, describes himself as ''our resident creative thinker. I enjoy complex problems that require translation from technical tax issues to the story our clients are telling with their lives and businesses.'' Jim graduated with honors from the University of Illinois in 1992 and obtained a Masters Degree from the University of Illinois in 1994. Most of his time is centered on income tax planning and compliance, business valuation, and accounting assistance, and he greatly appreciates the spirit of service at Martin Hood. ''Everyone here looks to serve each other and our clients, and the result is a place where things get done while relationships are built,'' Jim notes.

Mitch Schluter, a partner at the firm, appreciates the balanced environment at Martin Hood. ''Our team has a lot of interaction inside and outside the workplace, with lots of smiles and friendly faces,'' he notes. ''But when we're busy, everyone works efficiently to get the job done and done right.'' Mitch graduated with honors from the University of Illinois in 1989, joined the firm in 1990, and has been a partner since 2001. His primary focus is on attestation engagements (audit, review, compilations) and business and personal income tax return preparation. ''We aim to cultivate an approachable atmosphere that encourages professional and personal development,'' Mitch states.

Jeff Livesay provides assurance, tax, and consulting services to clients in this community that his family has called home for almost two decades. His industry focus and both public and private experience have allowed Jeff to focus on clients' specific needs in the agriculture, manufacturing, and real estate industries. Jeff graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1997 and spent over 14 years with a large national accounting firm, along with serving as CFO of a global agriculture company prior to joining Martin Hood. Jeff notes, ''Martin Hood’s strong ties to the community and concentration on client satisfaction are some of the characteristics that brought me to the firm.''

Justin graduated from the University of Illinois in 2006 with highest honors and joined the firm shortly thereafter. His time is spent working with clients in many industries, including construction contractors, small businesses, and employee benefit plans. Justin also has the Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) credentials as part of his business valuation work. ''Work-life balance is key,'' Justin says. ''The Martin Hood team encourages everyone to maintain and develop a professional career without sacrificing the things that are important outside of work, like family.''