2) And to settle the debate, do you see yourself as a Tiger or as a Volunteer?
“I’m a Volunteer (chuckles). And I’m actually heading to my second game since I graduated, this Fall, versus Georgia. My daughter-in-law went to school there, but ‘Go Vols’.”
3) You’ve been with SPD&A since 1994. Initially, did you see yourself as being here for so long? And to follow-up, what made you stay?
“I met John & Buddy with some of the other Partners at the time, and saw myself as being here for a long time. They offered then…and still do today…a combination of being good people, steady work, being family-oriented, and flexibility in my role. All those combined have happily kept me here.”
4) Tell us about your clients. What excites you most and what makes your relationships with them successful?
“I’m a relationship person which motivates me to go out, meet people, try to earn their business, and build relationships. Going from one season (Audit) to another (Tax) is challenging but it’s fun. As others have come into the firm and I’ve delegated some of my clients to them, I’m excited for those who’ll get to know some of the great people I’ve had the opportunity to work with.”
5) Thinking about the past 29-years – and I’m sure there are many things – but can you name the one thing you’re most proud of?
“Building the client-base I have grown and the fact that when all is said and done, I’ll ultimately have no regrets in working with them. I’ve always been one who couldn’t wait to get work and it’s because of them.”
6) Once you came in as a Partner, how did things change for you in relation to what you had previously done?
“Actually, I came in as a Partner. I had a CPA practice that was just me and it was doing well. Because I wanted something more though, I approached John Grissom & Buddy McLean about coming aboard. It was a great match from the start and I feel it was a seamless transition.”
7) When you’re not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
“Being around my kids when they’re not busy with their families. I’m an excessive reader, reading a book a week. I also like to get out in the woods and I’m part of a very vast hunt club. I find it to be a big stress reliever. I like to hunt doves and white-tailed deer. I’m at peace when I’m hunting. It’s a great get-away.”
    
8) There have been so many changes in the accounting world since you began. Can you pinpoint the one thing that’s had the greatest impact on the accounting field?
“Two words, ‘Peer Review.’ It was voluntary when I began but with it being mandatory now, it has gotten more challenging and more wide-reaching than ever before. It’s gone from local (U.S.) to being influenced by other nation’s standards. Plus, the Office of the State Auditor is now involved as they are doing audits now. It puts a big strain on accounting firms as last year, 22 firms in NC alone have pulled out of doing municipal audits because of them.”
9) So, John, with all this experience and the clientele you’ve built up over the past three decades, what’s next for you?
“Working a PT role, indefinitely, beginning next year. I want to work for as long as I want to and for as long as I’m needed. I will be working with tax clients, not as much with audits, but I’m looking forward to the opportunity. I’d also like to do more volunteer work.”
10) If they were going to write a movie about your time with SPD&A, what would the title be?
“The Last Boy Scout. Boy Scouts played a major role with my sons and I. Plus, before wrapping up, I’d like to give some credit to SPD&A for the success of my family. They’ve allowed me to be able to earn a successful wage, which has helped my family - my children in particular - in helping them get into good schools and the successful fields they’re in.”
“It’s hard to believe John has been my partner almost 30 years. John joined SPD&A at a perfect time. We were a growing firm in need of experience in auditing, tax, and accounting. John has worked hard to maintain his skills. Not many days go by without the two of us discussing this best approach to a tax or audit problem.
John is a fine man. He has strong conservative values and is well respected in our community. He is a wonderful family man. John and Mary Ann raised two fine sons. One is a CPA and one will soon be a medical doctor.
I am very proud to be John’s partner.”
-- Buddy McLean --
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John D. Masters - Interview
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