Professional Biographies

Lisa Smithson, CPA, CFP
Founder

Lisa received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of South Florida. Upon graduation, Lisa began her career with one of Tampa bay's largest local accounting firms. She now has more than 35 years of experience in accounting, tax and advisory services for individuals and commercial businesses. Prior to founding the firm, Lisa spent six years as Chief Financial Officer of Doctor's Walk-in Clinics, Inc., Lisa played a major role in their financing, merger and acquisition strategies. Lisa also has extensive experience with all aspects of income and estate taxes.

Lisa currently spends her time representing clients' interests in sales, mergers, acquisitions, asset purchases, financing and debt restructures. She also provides clients with strategic business planning, counseling, personnel assistance, family office and other management consulting services. In addition Lisa is active as an expert witness within the litigation support arena. She has experience with forensic accounting, mediations and trial testimony.

Lisa is a Certified Financial Planner and has experience with retirement planning, estate planning, financial planning, loan negotiations and credit restructuring.

Gary N. Hardie, CPA, CFP
Shareholder

Gary received his Master of Accountancy (Taxation) from the Florida State University. He has over 15 years experience, which included 5 years with Coopers & Lybrand (Price Waterhouse Coopers). He has significant experience serving privately-held companies on a full range of tax issues, including S corporation and Partnership operations, LLC consulting, entity formation, tax implications of corporate acquisitions and divestitures, real estate investment, estate planning, tax methods, built-in gain planning, corporate loss limitations under Section 382, uniform capitalization rules and FAS 109 reporting. Gary has also represented numerous clients before the Internal Revenue Service and the Florida Department of Revenue including testifying before the U.S. Tax Court.

Gary's relevant industry experience includes manufacturing, real estate, retail, automotive dealers, retail, professional service providers, restaurants, high-wealth individuals and the health care industry. In addition, Gary is a Certified Financial Planner and has experience in loan negotiations with banks and other lenders on behalf of clients.

Kristen Beverage, CPA
Director of Assurance and Accounting Services

Kristen graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from the University of South Florida. Before joining ls and company as the Director of Assurance and Accounting Services, Kristen spent ten years with a large regional firm. Kristen has extensive experience with all aspects of audit, review, compilations and business advisory services. Kristen has experience with both privately held and publicly held companies.

Kristen's relevant industry experience includes automobile dealerships, manufacturing, distribution, construction, health care, restaurants, retail and insurance agencies. Kristen also has significant experience with employee benefit plans.

Marnie Hardie, CPA
Manager - Tax

Marnie received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master in Business Administration from Columbus State University. Marnie has almost seven years experience, including five busy seasons with large regional firms. Marnie has experience in all aspects of federal and state tax compliance. Marnie has worked with S corporations, partnerships, C corporations, trusts, estates, non-profits, multi-state entities and high-wealth individuals. Marnie also heads our tax training and has taught many tax courses for the firm.