Tom Scharf

EDUCATION & BACKGROUND

Tom received his BBS degree from Cleveland State University in 1977 and became a CPA in 1978.  He earned the designation Certified Valuation Analyst in 1997, was certified as Accredited in Business Valuation in 2000, as a Fraud Deterrence Analyst in 2005, and as a Forensic Financial Analyst in 2007.

RESPONSIBILITIES AT WDW

Tom became a Partner in 1985, currently oversees Practice Development, and is a member of the Firm's Business Valuation Department.

SPECIALTY AREAS

Tom focuses on industries such as manufacturing, private clubs, and auto dealerships.  He handles much of the Firm's Business Valuation work and excels in business consulting by helping closely-held companies enhance revenues while controlling costs and improving overall profit performance.

He is experienced in financial and tax projects, as well as forecasting techniques associated with succession plans, due diligence, mergers and acquisitions, and business valuations.  He is a member of the Firm's Business Valuation, Private Clubs, Manufacturing, and Fraud Practice Groups.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

• The Ohio Society of CPAs
• Past Director of Technical Programs, as a discussion leader for the Institute of Management Accountants
• The American Institute of CPAs
• The National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Tom has been active in his church and with numerous youth organizations.  As a member of the Canterbury Golf Club, he has served on the Board of Directors, as a past Treasurer, and currently as a member of the Finance Committee.

He is a member of the Hermit Club, a private club dedicated to the performing arts.  Tom is the past President of the Hermit Club and has served on the Board of Directors as well. 

BEHIND THE CREDENTIALS

How do you define success?  Raising your family to be responsible adults.  Believing that you have done all that you can to make things better than they were when you started.

What is one character trait you highly value? INTEGRITY.  You have one reputation and Cleveland really is a small town.

Describe yourself in one word.  Persistent.

What TV show can you not miss?  24 - it's the reason I learned to TiVo.

What did you want to be when you grew up?  An Undertaker!!

What’s your claim to fame?  Per my kids “ dad is not embarrassed to do anything or say anything to anyone," including singing the "Piano Man.”

What is the best play you’ve seen?  Moving Out (Billy Joel and Twila Sharp.)

Have you ever played a musical instrument?  Yes guitar, but my kids have stolen all of them.

What would you like to learn?  Play the piano, and someday I will!