Purdy Powers & Company

We think like business partners first. Then we get into the accounting stuff.

When you work with us, you'll have confidence in knowing your business is managed by accounting professionals who see the big picture impact of even the seemingly most insignificant move. It's the type of careful consideration—attention to minute detail—that makes our team your go-to team of on-call business partners.

Our approach to working with clients is really a team sport. Your account will be managed by a senior member of the Firm, with the support of a seasoned group of professionals. When you call, we'll be there with an answer. We'll give your business the attention it deserves to make absolutely certain day-to-day financial operations run like a well-oiled machine. Which, of course, makes our year-end work that much easier.

We'll provide a complete suite of services to help your business prosper.

Get to know us. Then give us a call.


The Senior Players

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David Shorette, cpa

David loves business and putting business plans into action to create prosperity. And since accounting is the language of business, you can be sure David is very fluent in it. His key focus is to understand client goals and create actionable financial plans that enhance business performance.

When not crunching numbers, David serves on the Boards of Riding to the Top and University of Maine Alumni Chapter of Southern Maine. David is a runner, but now one of his biggest passions is being a Horse Dad—watching his daughters ride. 

Attended: The University of Maine Orono
dshorette@purdypowers.com

Marc powers, cpa, cva

Marc is a self-proclaimed math geek who loves his work with entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial business. Over the years, he's earned the respect of his clients because they have learned that working with Marc is working with someone who really cares about their business and financial well being. 

When he's not thinking numbers and business, Marc is spending time with his family and traveling. And, while he has hung up aspirations for being on the pro tour or pitching a no-hitter at Fenway, he still enjoys playing golf and baseball. 

Attended: The University of Maine Orono
mpowers@purdypowers.com

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derek markgren, cpa, mst

For Derek, this is an incredibly dynamic business where there truly is never a dull moment. He finds great satisfaction in helping his clients achieve their short and long-term goals.

An avid outdoorsman, he can be found fly-fishing and camping all over Maine with his wife and their dog in tow. Derek was also bitten by the travel bug so when he is not in the state, you can believe he’s somewhere with his passport.

Attended: University of New Hampshire and Florida Gulf Coast University
dmarkgren@purdypowers.com

ROBERT KEARNS, CPA, MST

Robert, it could be said, has accounting in his blood. A solid example of this is the fact that he passed all four parts of the CPA exam the first time he took them. It also doesn’t hurt that he also loves what he does and finds incredible satisfaction helping his clients navigate and understand the incredibly complex landscape of personal and business taxes. 

When he’s not working through tax issues Robert is spending time with his family, hanging around on Peaks Island or working on his golf game to lower his handicap.

Attended: The University of Southern Maine and Northeastern University
rkearns@purdypowers.com

elmira martin, cpa

Elmira thrives on the diversity of her clients’ businesses. What she learns from digging into the finances of a company in one industry, serves her clients in other industries. It’s a cross-pollination that adds great value to the team.

If you run into her outside the office, chances are she’ll be with her young son. When he's not around, Elmira loves reading and learning about other cultures.

Attended: Husson University and Mordovia State University, Russia
emartin@purdypowers.com

Carol Lambert, CPA, CGMA

Carol's extensive experience in public and private accounting gives her a unique—and valuable perspective—on finance. A perspective that helps her work with her clients to help solve even the most complex financial issues. At every turn Carol does all she can to help her clients hone and fine-tune their financial reporting and analysis.

She's a USTA League Tennis Captain and when not on the courts swinging her racket spends her time with her family, friends, and her dog enjoying her life in Maine.

Attended: Lynchburg College
clambert@purdypowers.com

maria Happnie, cpa

Maria is an accountant who truly believes that teamwork drives success for her clients. It’s what drives her to do her best… to deliver great results.

Outside of work, Maria spends as much time as possible with her family. She also spends time running, listening to music, and rooting for the New England Patriots. Like we said, for her it’s all about team.

Attended: Saint Joseph’s College
mhappnie@purdypowers.com

David Gowen, CPA

David has been working in public accounting since 1984 and over that time has enjoyed building and maintaining strong relationships with his clients. He finds great joy in helping the people—and businesses—he works with achieve their financial and life goals. He also has an uncanny ability to help clients understand even the most complex tax codes. 
David is presently a Cumberland County Representative for the Maine State Grange and President of the Highland Lake Grange.

When he's not behind his desk you'll find him spending time with his wife and family, see him playing trombone with Maine Pops Community Concert Band, or tooling around town in his prized Mustang convertible.

Attended: The University of Southern Maine
dgowen@purdypowers.com

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Thomas taton, cpa

With more than 40 years’ experience under his belt, Tom has seen a lot of changes come and go. He loves what he does because of the challenges associated with learning the ever-changing and complex tax and accounting rules and using them to implement strategies to help his clients meet their business and profitability goals. Tom has been a member of the Maine Society of CPA’s Ethics Committee for more than 20 years and is presently its chairman.

When not at the office, Tom is exploring Maine with his wife and cheering on the Sea Dogs at Hadlock Field.

Attended: The University of Southern Maine
ttaton@purdypowers.com

 
 

The Team

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Ang "Bunnie" Bond, MBA

A native of Singapore, Bunnie has over 30 years’ experience in accounting and bookkeeping. Not only does she have a passion for this business, her greatest satisfaction comes through helping clients feel comfortable and confident about their financial lives. Bunnie has a way of making her older clients feel at ease in the financial world.

When not in the office, Bunnie is out fishing and traveling.

Attended: Nichols State University and Southern New Hampshire University
bbond@purdypowers.com

 

Mikala Brown, MBA

An experienced tax and audit professional, Mikala is passionate about building relationships with her clients that help her do her absolute best for them at every turn. She enjoys learning about their businesses and using her expertise to guide them through the seemingly ever-changing tax landscape.

When she’s not crunching numbers, Mikala is either baking at home, traveling or looking for new and interesting ways to keep her dog Lucy entertained.

Attended: Husson University
mbrown@purdypowers.com

 

Cory Brown, MA, EA

With more than 15 years tax experience under his belt, Cory, an enrolled IRS Agent, brings a high level of expertise and a very cool head to the team. He really enjoys the diverse clients he works with because while he may be working in a single business silo, each owner has their own way of doing things that Cory easily adapts to.

When not thinking about taxes, Cory — and his wife — spend time doing water testing for the Blackstone Valley doing their part to help keep our creeks and rivers clean. When the travel bug hits they hit the road with a goal to visit all 50 states.

Attended: Oswego State University and Framingham State University
cbrown@purdypowers.com

 

Lindsay Brown

Lindsay thrives on working in fast-paced environments and gets energized when she can solve complex problems for her clients — with a big smile on her face. She’s a life-long learner and is never one to rest on her laurels.

When she’s not working with her clients, Lindsay is an avid supporter of the local economy and loves all things about Maine’s outdoors.

Attended: University of North Carolina Wilmington
lbrown@purdypowers.com

 
 

Justin Coppeta, MBA

Justin is a team player who works closely with his peers and his clients to make certain the numbers always work. He gains great satisfaction in making seemingly complex tax codes and regulations easy to understand by his clients and the people he works with.

When it’s time to relax Justin is either on the golf course or exploring new activities with his family and friends.

Attended: Assumption University
Jcoppeta@purdypowers.com

 
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rui chen, CPA, MSF

Rui Chen, known by her peers as Christy, came to the United States from China by herself, then graduated at the top of her class. Her drive and dedication to the accounting profession gives her the ability to help her clients through any financial situation. Christy’s industry experience is diverse and she’s able to use it to the advantage of the people she works with.

When not dealing with complex financial issues, Christy loves traveling the world and when she’s home, experiencing Portland’s incredible food scene.

Attended: Northeastern University and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
cruichen@purdypowers.com

 

Kayla Clark

An accounting professional who understands that her expertise helps clients succeed, Kayla thrives when she works with people who see her as an integral member of their successful team. A quick study who can easily explain and implement complex accounting strategies, she is always ready to answer questions and solve problems.

When she’s not working her magic with numbers, Kayla enjoys cheering at the racetrack or exploring Maine’s great outdoors.

Attended: Husson University
kclark@purdypowers.com

 
 

Andrew Garrepy

Andrew joined us from a small firm in Providence, Rhode Island and really is glad he made the move to Maine. His passion for accounting comes from the fact that he gets to work with many types of businesses and professionals who are as passionate about their work as he is.

Andrew is an active “sports nut” who plays volleyball, tennis, ice hockey, and, most recently pickle ball.

Attended: Rhode Island College
agarrepy@purdypowers.com

 

Clint Knowles

Clint, who had two internships with our firm truly loves what he does. He enjoys working with numbers and learning and exploring the almost ever-changing federal and state tax laws.

Clint is one of those people who is always doing something woodworking, landscaping, playing baseball with friends or binging history documentaries.

Attended: The University of Southern Maine and the University of Maine.
cknowles@purdypowers.com

 

Andrew Lynas

Andrew is a seasoned audit professional with a strong world view and deep international experience. A native of the United Kingdom where he worked as Audit Manager for a top five firm, Andrew’s keen understanding of the nuances of the audit process makes him a very solid asset to both the Firm and his clients.

When he’s not working with clients, Andrew volunteers with a non-profit music and arts organization in Portland. He also enjoys live music, graffiti art and spending downtime with his husband.

Certifications Earned in the UK: ACCA, AAT, LCFS
alynas@purdypowers.com

 

Vickie Mancuso

A transplant from Nashville, TN Vickie has many years’ experience in accounting and business management working alongside an active, creative group of entertainers and entrepreneurs. Her love of the industry coupled with her ability to quickly learn the ins and outs of a clients’ business makes her a strong asset to our team.

Off the clock Vickie cheers on the UCONN women’s basketball team, doing home improvement projects, going to concerts and exploring Maine with her wife.

Attended: Belmont University
vmancuso@purdypowers.com

 

Danielle nelson

Danielle got her start in Hedge Fund accounting and is a true problem solver. She has a knack for seeing the big financial picture and helping the clients she works with solve problems and make solid, strategic moves.

When not problem solving for her clients, Danielle is out fishing with her husband or crafting at home. 

Attended: University of Maine, Orono
dnelson@purdypowers.com

 
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michael nelson, CPA

Michael likes to know a lot about all things accounting. Working with a diverse range of clients helps him grow and adapt to make sure he delivers results. His biggest thrill is seeing how the work he does for his clients helps them grow and prosper.

When he’s not sitting behind his desk, Michael is running…he runs every morning before work and races whenever he can. He also reads whatever he can about politics and history.

Attended: University of Maine
mnelson@purdypowers.com

 
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Machelle perreault, cpa

Machelle—who goes by the name Shelly—has been in public accounting for her entire career and can think of nothing else she’d rather be doing. She loves helping small business owners manage their taxes and other financial issues—while seeing their businesses grow and prosper. Even though she works remotely from her home in North Carolina, Shelly maintains close relationships with her Maine clients.

When she’s out and about, Shelly will probably be found among friends and family enjoying good times.

Attended: The University of Southern Maine
sperreault@purdypowers.com

 
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erin Powers, mba

While she may be an accountant, Erin sees herself as more of a financial detective—she’s constantly learning and uncovering new things which keeps her engaged—and makes her job very interesting and exciting. Her sleuthing skills have proven themselves as great assets to our clients.

In her free time, Erin spends as much time as possible with her husband, and two young children at home, cheering on different sports teams, or traveling.

Attended: Thomas College
epowers@purdypowers.com

 
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Jessica Pride

Jessica has a very solid bookkeeping background and finds great joy—and a few challenges along the way—working the numbers to make certain that, at the end of the day, everything adds up. And balances correctly. For her working in bookkeeping is like working on puzzles solving them.

When she's not at her desk or working with clients, Jessica spends as much time as possible with her husband, two young daughters, and their dog Link. In her spare time, she's also an avid reader.

Attended: The University of New Hampshire
jpride@purdypowers.com

 

Holly Rose

Holly is one of those people who likes to learn new things each and every day. This passion for knowledge coupled with her solid analytical skills and love of numbers gives makes her a team player who is unafraid to do a deep accounting dive for her clients. She’s a true problem solver who gets great satisfaction in keeping businesses running efficiently.

Holly spends her free time hiking and boating with family and friends, digging in her garden and just relaxing with a good book.

Attended: The University of Southern Maine

Attending: Saint Joseph’s College pursuing her MBA
hrose@purdypowers.com

 

Kirin Schrum, CPA

Kirin never met a complex tax problem she didn’t like. Her keen analytic skills and love of the business gives her the skills she needs to not only do right by her clients but also put them at ease through the process. Kirin, like many of her peers, enjoys the continuous learning needed to stay ahead of the changes in tax laws. 

Out of the office Kirin is a Portland explorer who enjoys time on the city’s trail system and after a long hike, quenching her thirst at one of its many breweries.

Attended: Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
kschrum@purdypowers.com

 

Faith Sikora

Faith is an audit professional who works hard to help her clients understand the nuances of the process so they will benefit from the deep dive she does into their books. Her experience in governmental auditing is brought to everything she does and she gets great satisfaction in creating complete audit transparency to the work she does.

While currently working toward her CPA degree when she doesn’t have her nose in the books Faith is either planning her next travel adventure or exploring Maine’s great outdoors.

Attended: Regent University
fsikora@purdypowers.com

 
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Norwood Smith

Norwood is a problem solver who loves working with numbers. When combined, these skills make a strong accountant and great Purdy Powers team member.

Outside of the office Norwood can be found reading about history, playing a game of chess, cooking a delicious meal, and/or traveling.

Attended: Trinity College and University of Southern Maine
nsmith@purdypowers.com

 

Casey Sudbeck

Casey powered his way through college, earning 150 credits (the equivalent of five years of classes) in four and a half years. That drive is a strong testimony not only to his work ethic but to his love for accounting. He really enjoys working with a team that helps each other solve complex problems on behalf of their clients.

Attended: The University of Maine
csudbeck@purdypowers.com

 
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Alec Taylor

Alec loves dealing with numbers and is a people person who finds satisfaction in doing the best he can for his clients when it comes to their tax returns. 

When he’s not in the office, he can be found watching sporting events, playing video games, or traveling with his girlfriend.

Attended: The University of Maine
ataylor@purdypowers.com

 

Ashlynn Tennant

As a former small business owner who focused on the financial side of the business, Ashlynn’s understanding of what it takes to manage the books of small businesses is second to none. She’s engaged, interested and is able to create order out of chaos and give her clients peace of mind.

Out of the office Ashlynn volunteers and much as possible at her daughters’ school events and spends time in Maine’s great outdoors with her family and dogs.

Attended: Southern New Hampshire University
atennant@purdypowers.com

 
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Nathan Timmins, EA

Nathan has been in public accounting since 2005 and is a federally authorized tax advisor/practitioner empowered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Nathan’s a lifelong learner and is engaged and excited with each unique client situation. 

Outside of the office Nathan can be found playing baseball or golf with his son, and if you don’t find him there, he's relaxing near Maine’s beautiful Belgrade Lakes. 

Attended: The University of Maine
ntimmins@purdypowers.com

 

Brian VanBlargen, EA

With more than 20 years in public accounting Brian brings a breadth of experience to the firm that makes it easy for him to quickly put clients at ease. He’s an expert at IRS Problem Resolution, Real Estate issues, working with High-Net-Worth clients and business planning. 

In his downtime Brian is either hitting the long ball on the golf course, swinging a softball bat or traveling around with his partner. 

Attended: Albright College, Reading, PA
bvanblargen@purdypowers.com

 

Sam Wartenberg

Sam sees his job as that of a puzzle problem solver. His keen analytical skills coupled with sharp investigative talents give him the skills he needs to help his clients get to the bottom of even the most complex bookkeeping and accounting issues.

When he’s not working for his clients, Sam is either hiking or fishing with his wife and dogs or practicing guitar.

Attended: The University of Southern Maine
swartenberg@purdypowers.com

 
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PETER WAY, CPA

Accounting truly is Peter’s calling. He loves being part of a profession that adds value to the lives of his clients. He builds lasting, trusting partnerships with them so that, together, they can work to reach financial goals.  Peter is a member of the Maine Employee Benefit Council.

When he’s not working with clients, Peter spends as much time in the outdoors as possible, supporting his children’s activities, and reading as much about history as he can.

Attended: The University of Southern Maine
pway@purdypowers.com

 

Shannon Webber

In her more than 17 years in the business, Shannon has worn many hats—client support specialist, bookkeeping services professional, and a tax preparer—this well-rounded experience makes her a very solid member of our team. She enjoys the great variety of her work and loves working with individuals, sole-proprietors, and small businesses because at the end of the day each of her clients want the same thing—a friendly relationship where they know their needs are being met. And questions answered. 

When she’s not discovering new things about her clients’ businesses Shannon is out and about exploring Maine, enjoying time with her daughter and their menagerie, reading, or honing her baking skills.

Attended: Hesser College
swebber@purdypowers.com

 

Alexandria Whisenant

Alexandria comes to us after managing the finances for her family businesses Bruno’s Wood-fired Pizzeria and Wise Net Property Management. She loves seeing how the smallest financial details contribute to making big picture financial decisions. Her “learn something new everyday,” attitude keeps her engaged and enjoying her work. 

When not at work, Alexandria is hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and enjoying Maine’s great outdoors.

awhisenant@purdypowers.com 

 

Carly Zollo

Carly is a savvy accounting specialist who quickly puts clients at ease at the beginning of the process. She focuses her efforts on learning the ins and outs of her clients’ businesses and keeping them at ease through what can seem like complex bookkeeping issues — when they don’t have to be. 

A California transplant, Carly spends her off time with her family and friends and renovating houses for fun (and profit).

Attended: The California University of Bakersfield
czollo@purdypowers.com