DONALD B. APPLEGARTH CPA

Don has accumulated more than 30 years of public accounting experience. While at Schneider Downs and at a national accounting firm, he has served companies in a variety of industries, including, but not limited to, retail, manufacturing, distribution, real estate, contracting, natural resources and not-for-profit organizations. He also  serves a key role in the firm’s quality control and risk assessment process.

Don audits and consults for SEC clients, several of which have international operations. He has brought innovative and timely solutions in responding to complex and diverse client needs. In addition, he has presented various cost-saving strategies and process improvement recommendations for his clients. Don has led the firm’s efforts in monitoring changes brought about by IFRS revenue recognition, and leases and advising on effective implementation strategies to maximize efficiencies and optimize value.

Don has also provided valuable transaction assistance services in the form of deal structuring and due diligence that has resulted in maximized return to his clients.

Education

B.S. – Accounting, Wheeling Jesuit College

Professional and Community Involvement

Member—American and Pennsylvania Institutes of Certified Public Accountants and the Institute of Internal Auditors

Member—Schneider Downs SEC Practice Group

Director of Technical Matters—Schneider Downs Assurance Technical Committee

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Do you have a hobby or personal passion?
Several years ago, I gave up chasing the little white ball around the golf course and was introduced to shot-gunning. It became a family sport and I now enjoy shooting clays, skeet and hunting over my two bird dogs, Tango and Diesel.

Who was your role model?
I really don’t have a role model. Nobody is perfect…rather, I look for the best in people and try to live my life by demonstrating those same attributes.

What was your childhood dream?
As a child, I figured I’d join the Marines – then I realized there was too much cardio involved!

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your college self?
You can’t do it all on your own. Most situations involve being part of a team. Know your strengths, respect the opinion of others and always insist on doing the right thing.

What is the best or most interesting thing about your career?
At the beginning of my career, I learned a lot about public accounting while at a national firm. I learned more about the business and the value of good relationships when I came to Schneider Downs.

Do you have a “motto?”
The only person you need to be better than is the person you were yesterday.

When you have an hour of free time, what do you like to do?
I have two bird dogs that I love to run and point – so I take them to the fields. There is very little I find more satisfying than watching them work.

Do you have advice for young professionals?
True wealth happens with persistence, perseverance and the drive to be the best at what you do.

Our Thoughts On

FEATURED

Big Problem: Inefficiency In Data Extraction And File Conversion.


Big Thinking: Use Proprietary Software To Do What Once Took Days In Just Hours.

Shareholder TED PETTKO has extensive experience with public and privately owned companies from a diverse group of industries, and he’s been with Schneider Downs since 1997.
Ted's team implemented a solution for a client who had an ongoing need to extract data from one platform and enter it into another. The manual process they had in place was not only cumbersome and time consuming, but it also resulted in an unclean format. Using proprietary data analysis software, IDEA, the team helped the client extract an entire year of information into a clean format in a matter of hours. Previously, it had taken the client several days to perform the extraction. "Our efforts on behalf of our client enhanced their timeliness and efficiency," Pettko said. "Using data analysis software in the audit profession gives us the ability to extract information in a fraction of the time, summarize the data and produce high-level analytics to support our audit opinion. Ultimately it's a win-win." Schneider Downs provides Big Thinking and Personal Focus in delivering a variety of services for large and small businesses, both publicly and privately held, as well as nonprofit organizations, government entities and more. Through our commitment to thought leadership and knowledge management, we deliver the solutions our clients need with a personal commitment to service.

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