Jim Sprague provided the professional insight that we, like all companies, need in these challenging economic times.  He is now one of the chief advisors to our Board of Directors.

We are confident that he and his group of highly qualified CPAs, accountants and technicians will continue to be an important part of Erie's growth and success into the future.  We appreciate him and give Jim and his company our highest recommendation.

DEAN WIKEL, Chairman and CEO, Erie Group of Companies

Eugene F. Svatek, CPA

EDUCATION & BACKGROUND

Gene has been in the accounting and auditing industry since 1968 and has experience on the audit staff of an international CPA firm, as Vice-President and CFO of a major bank holding company, as Vice-President of Finance for a large non-profit organization and as Director of Internal Audit for a significant government agency.  He joined WD&W in 1990.

SPECIALTY AREAS 

Gene is the Firm's Accounting and Auditing Quality Control Director.  He is responsible for the Firm's technical compliance with professional standards. 

He has extensive experience in compilations, reviews, audits, and closely-held corporations, employee benefit plans, not-for-profit organizations, Yellow Book, A-133 engagements, construction companies, agreed-upon procedures, manufacturing, professional services, retail trades, government entities, peer reviews, and ethics.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Gene is a member of the Western Reserve Historical Society and the Cleveland Zoological Society.  He and his wife, Nora, sponsor an animal on the Endangered Species List at the Cleveland Zoo.


BEHIND THE CREDENTIALS 

Who is the most influential person in your life/career?  Nora, my best friend and spouse.

What did you learn during your first year on the job that you still use today?  Debits are on the left.

What is one character trait you highly value?  Dependability.

What is the best book you’ve ever read?  The Boy Scout Handbook.

How do you spend April 16th?  At my cardiologist's and then my shrink's.

How do you unwind?  Counter-clockwise.

What’s your claim to fame?  I am related to the composer, Antonin Dvorak.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you want to have with you?  Lots-n-lots of toilet paper.

What is the best play you’ve seen?  Phantom of the Opera.

What one thing about you would most people find surprising?  I play the accordion.