About Luke
I grew up in Rollingstone MN, population 597 with no stop lights and related to about half the town. Spent seven years throwing things in the artillery division in track and field and picked up a good share of hardware along the way. Married to Tona with 4 kids, 2 dogs, and a cat. Pragmatic Vikings and Hawkeyes fan (but always happy to join a Cyclone party when they're not playing the Hawks). I enjoy growing in my Christian faith, taking in my kids' many activities, grilling, fishing, comedy movies, and coaching track (artillery division) at Van Meter High School.
Luke's Credentials:
- President, Chief Compliance Officer, and Investment Adviser Representative of Ashland Advisors
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
- Bachelor's & Master's degrees in Accounting (tax emphasis) Auburn University
- Master's in Finance & Economics West Texas A&M University
- MBA in Finance University of Iowa
- Bachelor's in Int'l Management & Spanish Gustavus Adolphus College (todavia hablo bastante bien)
History of Ashland Advisors PLLC
If you don’t like accounting, I can relate. I wasn't originally a fan myself, and actually changed majors at Gustavus to avoid taking a second accounting class (see My Great Escape from Accounting). I eventually saw the value of understanding the numbers behind the business, so I went back to school for a second bachelor's degree in accounting in my early 30's. After I graduated, I passed the CPA and CMA exams and started Ashland Advisors as an income tax and accounting practice in 2018. In 2023, the firm became a Registered Investment Adviser and now offers tax, accounting, and fee-only fiduciary financial advisory services.
What's with the name?
When I went back to school, we lived on Ashland Parkway. I'd always planned to add financial advisory services so wanted a name that fit the business plan. The colors and font match Auburn University, and the initials match Auburn Accounting. The double diamonds come from a process model of exploring an issue in detail and then taking focused action, which is how I approach most everything. The stacked diamond design is simple and symmetrical, and in true accountant fashion I designed it myself in Excel.
