Hauk Kruse & Associates would like to congratulate our tax partner, Blake Will, on being named one of the Best Accountants in the St. Louis Area by Small Business Monthly! This is the second consecutive year he has been recognized. Blake graduated from Murray State University in 2011 with a BS in Accounting and Finance, and with enough hours to sit for the CPA exam. He got his CPA in 2012 and became a partner in 2017.
After graduating from college, Blake stopped by HKA with a copy of his resume, introduced himself to Sally, the office manager, and despite the company’s lack of an open position, was subsequently offered a job. Sally always says that Blake walked into the office with a sense of purpose and a plan uncanny in a 23-year-old and that she knew he had a future at HKA. His second summer with the firm, and still under 25 years old, Blake started driving around the country to meet clients at their offices and get to know them face-to-face. This was emblematic of how he would later take ownership over parts of the firm he wished to see improved and adapt them until they were ready.
Blake receives referral calls from financial advisors across the country who are looking for his expertise in complex partnership tax structures and a close relationship with a CPA that they can trust. Blake’s clients can expect quick answers, thorough tax return review, and e-mails when he runs across something that he believes would be helpful for them. He exemplifies a standard of excellence that his team members respect, displaying the firm’s values every day.
Along with directing the individual tax sector of Hauk Kruse, his team members at the firm especially appreciate his development of the firm bonus program and KPIs, quarterly themes, and his quick ability to Google the answer to any question practically before it has been asked.
Many team members from Hauk Kruse were happy to contribute to this post and have said:
“What makes Blake a great leader is his ability to lead by example. Seeing someone willing to dedicate so much of their time and efforts to the success of clients and our company has encouraged the rest of the team to do the same. Our company would not be where it is today without Blake pushing himself and others to become their best. Blake’s greatest skills are his ability to remember seemingly every interaction he has had with a client and his common sense approach to accounting, which he uses to break down complex issues. This combination makes him a fantastic advisor and no doubt were contributing factors in him being named “Best Accountant.” –Jordan Kuhlengel, Tax Manager
“Congratulations, Blake. Over my last 5 years of working at HKA, you’ve definitely shown that you deserve the title of best accountant. Through the determination of helping our new financial advisor clients and giving the firm a positive outlook, it’s clear you are one of the best.”– Jake Shockley, Senior Accountant
“I have worked with Blake since we began weeks apart from each at HKA. In the years that I have known him, he has never turned down a challenge and is not able to just accept something that isn’t going well. It isn’t in his nature to disappoint a client or stop until something is just the way he wants it to be. That is why our company has been able to adapt and strengthen as we grow.’” –Catherine Kruse, Client Service Manager
“Congrats, Blake! I am thankful to get to work for the “Best Accountant” award recipient! Blake is very knowledgeable in all areas of tax. He has extensive knowledge of multi-state partnerships, which allows us to provide a niche service to our clients. Blake goes above and beyond for each client to provide the best service and works to ensure the client has a better understanding of their position and options. He is always willing to take the extra step to serve the client in all areas needed.”– Dakota Trump, Accountant
We are proud to have him as a leading member of the firm and look forward to what the next 10 years will bring! Congratulations, Blake!
