Our Team
Gregg M. Cole, CPA, MBA, CITP
Position: President/CEO
gcole@cole-cpa.com
LinkedIn
Under Gregg M. Cole’s leadership, our firm embodies a commitment to impacting lives and unlocking potential, both within our team and among the clients we serve. His balanced approach to professional excellence and personal engagement makes him a respected leader and a pivotal figure in achieving our firm’s vision.
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Science from Maryville University
Graduate Degree: MBA from Maryville University
Certifications:
– Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP)
– QuickBooks Online Advanced Certified Pro
Current Role: Since joining the firm in 2000 and becoming President and CEO in 2003, Gregg has steered the firm toward sustained growth and operational excellence. His leadership focuses on managing daily operations, enhancing quality control, and elevating brand awareness and sales. Gregg excels at guiding entrepreneurs to define their objectives and creating strategic accounting ecosystems to support their goals.
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
- Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants (MO Society of CPAs)
- Lemay-Affton Chamber of Commerce
- Midwest BankCentre Advisory Board
- The Way Church Board Treasurer
- RightNetworks National Advisory Council
Gregg is specialized in strategic management, quality control, brand development, and leveraging technology to enhance business operations. His expertise in QuickBooks Online helps provide entrepreneurs with the insights needed for informed decision-making and strategic planning.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Gregg is deeply committed to his family, enjoying activities like hiking and exploring National Parks, and coaching his sons’ basketball teams. His hobbies include golf, wine tasting, and listening to contemporary Christian music, especially Toby Mac. Gregg is an avid fan of STL City, Duke Basketball, and Maryville University sports.
Why Choose Cole & Company?
Understanding, Expertise, and a Commitment to Your Success
Choosing Cole & Company means partnering with a team that truly gets your industry. Our approach is built on a foundation of empathy for the challenges you face and a passion for the services you provide. We’re here to listen, to advise, and to guide you toward realizing your practice’s fullest potential. It’s not just about the financials; it’s about creating a thriving practice that impacts the lives of you and your clients.
Michael Fowler
Position: Staff Accountant
mfowler@cole-cpa.com
Michael Fowler’s professional acumen and personal interests uniquely contribute to the rich culture and high standards of our firm. His commitment to excellence in accounting and tax services, combined with his community and personal interests, make him an invaluable asset to our team and clients.
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Science from Maryville University
Certifications: QuickBooks Certified and Advanced Pro Advisor
Current Role: In his current position as Staff Accountant, Michael excels in the preparation of S corporation and partnership returns, including complex multi-state returns. He delivers outsourced accounting services through the QuickBooks online platform and is proficient in preparing financial statements. Michael’s skills extend to individual tax planning and preparation, where he applies his extensive knowledge to benefit the firm’s clients.
Previous Roles: With two years of experience in public accounting prior to joining the firm, Michael developed a solid foundation in the field, enhancing his expertise and skill set in accounting and tax services.
- Member of the Missouri Society of CPAs
Michael’s specialization encompasses a wide range of accounting and tax services, including S corporation and partnership returns, outsourced accounting via QuickBooks Online, financial statement preparation, and individual tax planning and preparation. His ability to navigate the complexities of multi-state returns highlights his expertise and dedication to the profession.
Beyond his professional life, Michael is deeply engaged in golf, participating in both regional and national amateur tournaments. He is also a talented musician, playing the piano and guitar. As a sports fan, Michael enthusiastically supports the St. Louis Blues, Cardinals, and Maryville University teams, showcasing his loyalty and passion for sports.
Heather Hofmeister
Position: Staff Accountant
hhofmeister@cole-cpa.com
Heather Hofmeister’s combination of professional acumen, personal experiences, and dedication to family and community enriches our firm’s culture. Her diverse skill set in accounting, coupled with her entrepreneurial background, makes her especially adept at understanding and meeting the needs of our clients, while her personal interests reflect the values and community spirit we cherish at the firm.
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Arts from Maryville University
Certifications: QuickBooks Certified and Online Advanced Pro Advisor
Current Role: As a Staff Accountant at the firm since September 2015, Heather is deeply involved in a variety of critical accounting tasks. Her responsibilities include preparing individual tax returns, reporting on property taxes, conducting thorough tax research, and maintaining client bookkeeping. She plays a key role in the preparation of quarterly financial statements and aids clients with their software application needs, particularly QuickBooks. Heather’s breadth of responsibilities and her commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset to our team and clients.
Previous Roles: Before her tenure at the firm, Heather operated a childcare business from her home. This entrepreneurial experience has equipped her with a profound understanding of small business operations, making her adept at addressing the unique challenges our clients face.
Heather’s professional affiliations, notably with QuickBooks as a Certified and Online Advanced Pro Advisor, underscore her commitment to staying at the forefront of accounting technology and practices.
Heather specializes in a comprehensive range of accounting services, including individual tax return preparation, property tax reporting, tax research, client bookkeeping, and the preparation of financial statements. Her proficiency with QuickBooks and other software applications ensures that clients receive up-to-date and efficient technological support.
Beyond her professional commitments, Heather is a devoted family person, cheering on her four children at their sporting events and being a loving Mimi to two amazing granddaughters. Her leisure time is filled with music, reading, and rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals, reflecting her well-rounded personality and passion for life.
Audrey Ridler
Position: Administrative Assistant
aridler@cole-cpa.com
Audrey Ridler’s role as an Administrative Assistant is characterized by her commitment to enhancing office efficiency, her leadership in technology implementation, and her unwavering focus on client satisfaction. Her educational background, combined with her professional experiences and personal interests, contribute to a well-rounded and invaluable presence in our firm.
Undergraduate Degree: Associates Degree from Hickey College, St. Louis, MO
Current Role: Audrey fulfills the vital role of Office Coordinator, where her responsibilities span assisting with office projects for staff accountants, the CEO, and clients, to contributing to office management initiatives. Her efforts are pivotal in maintaining a productive office environment and in the seamless introduction of new processes, ensuring the firm remains at the forefront of modern practices.
Previous Roles:As an administrative assistant at a prior local CPA firm, Audrey was instrumental in client service operations, including greeting clients, discussing tax documents, and preparing payroll returns. This experience provided her with a solid foundation in administrative tasks and client relations, directly benefiting her current position.
Heather’s professional affiliations, notably with QuickBooks as a Certified and Online Advanced Pro Advisor, underscore her commitment to staying at the forefront of accounting technology and practices.
Audrey has distinguished herself through the successful spearheading of the Liscio portal system integration, significantly improving our firm’s client communication and document management. Her role as a primary point of contact for clients underscores her importance in ensuring client satisfaction and operational fluidity.
Audrey’s life outside of work is filled with activities that speak to her diverse interests. She enjoys listening to music, watching movies, undertaking home and garden projects, and is an avid sports fan, particularly of Cardinals baseball and the occasional St. Louis Blues game.