EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTS
Each individual’s priorities and goals are as different as their fingerprint. At Kernutt Stokes, we embrace these differences and encourage each of our employees to carve their own path to success. We believe in enjoying what we do, always doing our best and getting the most out of life along the way.
Below are some of our employee spotlights:
Stephen Dudley – Associate
What year did you join Kernutt Stokes?
2020
Where did you go to college?
Brigham Young-Idaho and Idaho State University
What’s your favorite food?
A tender and juicy filet mignon, medium rare.
Do you have a favorite book or author?
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.
What do you enjoy most about living and working in Eugene?
Every outdoor activity imaginable is within a short driving distance; there are mountain trails, multiple rivers, the coast about an hour away, and skiing/snow boarding two hours away. I most frequently enjoy the well-kept pedestrian path along the Willamette River. I live within walking distance and walk, run, and bike it every day.
Why did you choose to work at Kernutt Stokes?
Kernutt Stokes offers great work-life balance. I enjoy being able to spend time with family more than I ever would at another accounting firm..
What inspired you to become an accountant?
I wanted to be a dentist in high school until I took AP Chemistry my last semester. After that class, I chose a major that I thought was as far the opposite of chemistry as possible. It started as business management but I changed my major after my first accounting class because of my great professor and accounting was easy for me to understand.
Liz Spreier – Associate
What year did you join Kernutt Stokes?
2019
Where did you go to college?
Idaho State University
Do you have any pets?
Yes, I have a 5-year old Airedale Terrier named Stella.
What’s your favorite food?
A freshly baked artisanal loaf of sourdough bread.
Do you have a favorite book or author?
I really enjoy Philippa Gregory as an author. She has written a bunch of historical fiction novels about the Tudors.
Do you have a favorite music genre or artist?
My favorite artist is Jason Mraz, I have been listening to his music since I was 10 years old!
What’s a fun fact about you?
One of my favorite hobbies is riding motorcycles. I learned to ride in college and used to ride my Harley Davidson to class every day.
What do you enjoy most about living and working in Eugene?
I grew up in a small town in Idaho where there was not a lot going on. I love that Eugene offers so many different restaurants and breweries, as well as outdoor activities and entertainment. It’s also great to live so close to the beautiful Oregon coast.
Why did you choose to work at Kernutt Stokes?
I knew I wanted to live in Oregon, but more importantly I knew I wanted to work for a firm that valued all of their employees, regardless of if they are a first year staff or a manager. From day one of the recruiting process I felt like Kernutt Stokes really cared about helping me accomplish my career goals and aspirations.
What inspired you to become an accountant?
I originally went to college to pursue a film degree, but realized that it would be difficult to find a job where I was at. My grandma was a CPA for 40-years and suggested that I try taking an accounting class. I took a basic accounting class and it all made perfect sense to me, somehow she knew I was meant to be an accountant!
Chad Steinhauer, CPA – Tax Senior
What year did you join Kernutt Stokes?
2018
Where did you go to college?
THE University of Oregon
What is your current job title?
I am an associate.
Why did you choose to work at Kernutt Stokes?
I didn’t originally intend on being an accountant, but through my college job I had heard about this opportunity and gave it a shot. Throughout the recruiting process I slowly got to know some of the staff here at KS and knew this was the place I wanted to be, and I was right, a lot of them are some of my best friends now and that makes it a very easy environment to work in.
What are the greatest benefits of working at Kernutt Stokes?
Comp time is a huge perk. A lot of my friends can’t believe it, or staff at other firms. Especially how easy it is to use. The partner group wants us to be able to take time off and recharge after a long busy season.
What is your favorite food?
Pulled Pork, Pizza, Steak, Elk Burger, Pulled Pork, Mac and Cheese, Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese.
Do you have a favorite music genre or artist?
Country Music for sure, but I will listen to anything. I’m especially proud of my 90s, early 2000s pop punk playlist… all the nostalgia.
What do you enjoy most about living and working in Eugene?
My family is all within a short drive from here, which was very important to me. Also, in Eugene there is a little bit for everyone. No matter your interests, there is something here for you.
What is your favorite activity to do in Eugene?
I enjoy just being outside, playing golf, hiking, floating, going to restaurants.
What is a fun fact about you?
I graduated with a class of 19 kids. In a lot of ways that shaped who I am.
Where is the next place on your travel bucket list?
New York City and Nashville are my top two right now. At least one of this will most likely get crossed off next summer.
Hope Rogers – Associate
What year did you join Kernutt Stokes?
2017
Where did you go to college?
Oregon State University
Do you have any pets?
Yes, I have two dogs – a female chocolate lab named Timber and a male black lab named Cash. I also have a cat named Mercy.
What’s your favorite food?
I LOVE Pizza!
Do you have a favorite book or author?
My all-time favorite book is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
Do you have a favorite music genre or artist?
I enjoy all kinds of music.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I am learning to archery hunt. My husband bought me my first compound bow four years ago and I have been getting better every year. It is something we have really enjoyed doing together.
What do you enjoy most about living and working in Eugene?
I was born and raised in the Willamette Valley and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. I enjoy the proximity to all of my favorite outdoor activities like hiking and camping, and the ocean is just an hour away. There is also great shopping, restaurants, and breweries in the Eugene area. Most importantly, I am happy to live close to family.
Why did you choose to work at Kernutt Stokes?
I chose to work at Kernutt Stokes because of the people I met during the recruiting process. Everyone was genuine and honest, which was very refreshing, and we shared similar interests and values. I also liked the location and the small firm atmosphere with the big firm opportunities for learning and growth.
What inspired you to become an accountant?
Wendy Kreslin-Adams taught my first accounting class. She was a great teacher and really sparked my interest in accounting and business.
