History of Ashland Advisors
If you don’t like accounting, I can relate. I actually changed majors to avoid suffering through a second accounting class (see My Great Escape from Accounting). After a few years in business, I saw the value of understanding the numbers so I went back to school for a second bachelor's degree in accounting. 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 advisory services
About Luke
I grew up in the hills of Rollingstone MN. Population 597, 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 some hardware along the way. Married to Tona with 4 kids, 2 dogs, and a cat. Pragmatic Vikings and Hawkeyes fan (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, Hazy IPA's, 5 am weightlifting, grilling, fishing, comedy movies, and coaching track (artillery division) at Van Meter High School.
Luke's Credentials:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- 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)
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.
