We believe in the value of relationships. We view every client relationship like a partnership, and truly believe that our success is a result of your success. We are committed to providing close, personal attention to our clients. We take pride in giving you the assurance that the personal assistance you receive comes from years of advanced training, technical experience, and financial acumen. Our continual investment of time and resources in professional/continuing education, state-of-the-art computer technology, and extensive business relationships is indicative of our commitment to excellence.
FOUNDERS OF THE FIRM
Stanley C. Weinstein is a co-founder of the firm. He has worked closely with top management, owners, and financial officers of emerging and leading businesses in Houston and throughout the United States. His expertise has included strategic business consulting, succession planning, mergers and acquisitions, and the development and implementation of marketing strategies. He attended Rutgers University and obtained his degree from Upsala College. He is a member of the AICPA and TSCPA.
Joel Spira is a co-founder of the firm. He has worked closely with top management, owners, and financial officers of emerging and leading businesses locally, regionally, and nationally. His many years of experience in business consulting included mergers and acquisitions, succession planning, executive recruitment and implementation of business plans. He has also worked extensively with business people in developing, operating, and marketing strategies. Joel graduated from the University of Texas and is a member of the AICPA and TSCPA.
OUR SHAREHOLDERS
Ben is known for working closely with his clients to develop an understanding of their needs and desires, and helping them to achieve their goals. Ben holds a BBA degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He is a member of the AICPA and TSCPA. He also serves as an officer or board member on various charitable and non-profit organizations in the Houston and Sugar Land areas.
Sanders "Sandy" Beckman, CPA, is a shareholder and has been with Weinstein Spira since 1965. Sandy practices in both the tax and audit areas, with heavy emphasis on business consulting. He has built one of the largest restaurant client practices in Houston and is called upon by the finest restaurateurs in the city for his business advice. Sandy is an avid exerciser and a golf fanatic. He and his wife, Jean, were married in 1965 and have two sons and two grandchildren. Sandy has a positive, enthusiastic attitude with a no-blinders approach to creative ideas. Sandy holds a BBA Degree in Accounting from the University of Texas. He is a member of Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants and Houston Restaurant Association. Sandy also serves on the Executive Committee of AGN International and he is on the board of Congregation Emanu El.
Outside the office, Homer enjoys spending time with his family, coaching Little League baseball, playing cards and reading.
Lisa joined Weinstein Spira & Company in 2001 and was admitted as a Shareholder in 2007. She has consulted with domestic and foreign companies regarding tax and business strategies, including tax planning, and related tax compliance requirements. She received her BBA and JD from the University of Texas at Austin. Lisa is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants. She is also fluent in Spanish and a member of the Heights Exchange Club. Lisa and her husband, David, enjoy traveling, cooking, and spending time with their dogs.
Brian Franklin joined the firm as a shareholder in 2002. Previously, he had 12 years experience with a Big 4 accounting firm, where he had extensive involvement in auditing and other attest and assurance services for both publicly traded and privately owned entities. Brian has experience in a wide variety of industries, including manufacturing, distribution, construction, services, real estate and technology. He holds a BBA degree in Accounting from Lamar University He is a member of the AICPA, TSCPA and St. John the Divine Episcopal Church. He is also treasurer and a board member of the Houston Area Model United Nations and serves as Vice-Chairman on the Business Advisory Council for Goodwill Industries. Brian is a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW), and he and his wife Janet enjoy domestic and international travel.
Jim Konen is a Shareholder of the firm. He joined Weinstein Spira in 1975 and practices in all areas--financial services, tax, and business consulting. His primary focus is assisting privately-held companies manage their businesses more effectively. Jim offers a pragmatic approach to addressing problems that leads to quick, accurate solutions. He is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas and is a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church where he serves on the Financial Council. Jim and his wife, Diane, have two daughters and three grandsons. Jim enjoys saltwater fishing of all types and spends most weekends on the Texas Gulf Coast.
Tom Lewis is a Shareholder of the firm. He joined Weinstein Spira in 1978 and offers extensive experience in dealing with a variety of closely-held business clients, being involved primarily in integrated planning for the business and the individual shareholders/employees on income tax matters. Tom also offers expertise in real estate, construction, professional services, and US taxation of foreign entities. He is a graduate of the University of Houston with a BBA degree. He is a member of the AICPA and the Houston Chapter of TSCPA. He has lectured to professional and business groups on various tax planning matters. Clients value his direct, personable approach to helping them easily understand technical issues.
In 1990, Kristin moved to Texas from Rhode Island. She enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, biking and traveling.
Trina joined Weinstein Spira & Company in 2004 and was admitted as a Shareholder of the firm in 2006. She has over 15 years of audit experience working in both local and multi-national accounting firms. Trina has extensive audit, attest, and consulting experience serving clients in various industries, including computer software, healthcare, biotechnology, wholesale distribution, food services, retail, and oilfield services. She has worked with companies ranging from small owner-managed entities to large multi-national public entities. Trina holds a B.S. Degree in Accounting from Louisiana State University. She is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the TSCPA, AICPA, and the Louisiana Society of Certified Public Accountants. She and her husband, Danny, enjoy traveling and spending time with their daughters.
Dianne Peckham was admitted as a shareholder of the firm July in 2004. She began her career with Weinstein Spira & Company in 1979, shortly after graduating from the University of Houston. Dianne leads the employee benefit plan audit practice, and her audit experience spans a number of industries, including manufacturing, restaurants, retail, distribution, automobile dealerships, communications, service, and non-profit. Dianne is married and has two daughters. Her time away from the office is spent serving on the boards of various booster clubs in connection with her daughters’ school activities. She enjoys traveling and hiking, and she and her husband, Russell, are season ticket holders for the Houston Texans!
Avrohm Perl is a Shareholder of the firm. He joined Weinstein Spira in 1979 and currently leads the firm's Estate Tax and Trust practice. With closely held businesses, Avrohm helps clients integrate income and estate tax planning for their businesses and their individual shareholders. With individuals, he provides one-on-one presentation and counseling to help clients plan smart estate strategies. His outgoing personality and direct presentation skills make the complex area of estate tax and estate planning understandable and meaningful to clients, and even enjoyable. He is a member of the AICPA, TSCPA, Houston Chapter of the TSCPA, and the Houston Business & Estate Planning Council. Avrohm is regularly invited to speak to professional and business organizations on estate planning issues.
Sid Shaver leads the firm’s Merger and Acquisition services for industrial companies where he works with closely held businesses, providing strategic consulting related to growth and wealth preservation including acquiring, selling, and merging with other companies. Sid holds a BBA degree in Accounting from the University of Houston, and has attained professional designations including Personal Financial Specialist (AICPA) and Certified Financial Planner. He holds Series 7, 24 and 66 Securities Licenses, as well as a Texas Real Estate License. Sid is Certified in Mergers & Acquisitions and serves as Managing Director, Hunter Wise Securities, LLC, an investment banking firm. He is a member of the AICPA, TSCPA, AMAA and ACG. Sid belongs to the Touchdown Club, National Football Foundation and is a voting member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
Bill graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. He is a member of the AICPA, TSCPA, and St. Luke's Methodist Church. He is also a director and former president of Homes of Saint Mark and former president of Wesley Community Center. Bill is an avid golfer.
OUR MANAGERS
Kim graduated from Sam Houston State University with a BBA in Accounting. She joined the firm in 1998. With over 10 years of experience in public accounting, individuals and businesses value her knowledge and straightforward approach to providing professional tax services.
Kim is a Certified Public Accountant, member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Texas Society of Public Accountants. She and her husband enjoy spending time with their two kids and playing racquet ball.
Jennifer "Jennie" Biggs is a Tax Manager. She joined the firm in 1991, and offers experience in a number of tax related fields, including work related and non-profit entities, estate taxation, state income taxation, and family partnerships. Jennie works closely with her individual and business clients throughout the year to provide tax planning and consulting services and is always ready to address even the smallest question or concern. Jennie holds a BBA degree in Accounting from Texas Christian University. She is a member of AICPA, the Junior League of Houston, and Kappa Alpha Theta Alum. A native of Kansas City, Jennie is married to a CPA and has a daughter and a son--perhaps two future CPAs!
Erica joined Weinstein Spira in 1999, after graduating from Sam Houston State University with a BBA in Accounting. Erica’s audit experience spans a number of industries, including manufacturing, retail, distribution, oil and gas, service, and non-profit.
She is a member of TSCPA, AICPA, Beta Alpha Psi Alum, Phi Chi Theta Alum, and CCA. She is also a member of the First United Methodist Church of The Woodlands. Erica and her husband, Brian, enjoy saltwater fishing and sports activities with their son.
Andy joined the firm in 2003. He works with audit/attest clients in various industries, including distribution, millwork/construction, manufacturing, as well as engineering and turnkey services. Andy graduated from Sam Houston State University with a BBA in Accounting. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants. Andy enjoys spending time with his family and pets, playing softball, fishing and hunting.
Marcia joined Weinstein Spira in 1998 with five years of previous experience in accounting service and tax preparation. In addition to accounting services and tax filings, Marcia works with business owners on the development of accounting systems and the implementation of office procedures. Marcia holds a BBA degree from Texas A&M University. She is a member of the AICPA, TSCPA, The Reveille Club and Beta Sigma Phi. Her time away from the office is spent watching the Aggies beat Texas!
Taylor graduated from Texas State University with a BBA in Accounting. He joined the firm in 2002. Clients in various industries ranging from manufacturing to software development value his expertise in the audit/attest field.
Taylor is a Certified Public Accountant and is a Certified Merger and Acquisition Advisor. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Alliance of Merger and Acquisition Advisors. Taylor and his wife, Pam, enjoy spending time with their new son and their two dogs. He is also an avid golfer and guitar player.
Since 1998, Matt Patterson has been a member of the Weinstein Spira team. He graduated from the University of Houston cum laude with a BBA in Accounting. Matt's audit experience spans numerous industries such as manufacturing, distribution, construction, and employee benefit plans. In addition, he has been awarded the Certified Fraud Examiner designation by The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). Matt's memberships include the ACFE, the AICPA and the TSCPA. In 2005, Matt chaired the Houston Chapter of Ducks Unlimited and currently serves as State Treasurer for Texas Ducks Unlimited. He is a member of Second Baptist Church and spends his free time hunting and saltwater fishing. Matt and his wife, Laura, enjoy traveling with their two Labrador retrievers, Kaupili and Chloe.
Vicki Raynold joined the firm in 1982 and is a Senior Tax Manager. She has extensive experience with closely-held business clients in manufacturing and service-oriented enterprises. While she consults with individuals and businesses in a variety of areas, her areas of concentration are tax compliance and income tax planning. She has successfully handled numerous IRS examinations for clients and also manages the state franchise and state tax practice of the firm. Vicki holds a BBA degree in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin and an MBA in Finance from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. She is a member of the AICPA and TSCPA. She is a sports enthusiast and enjoys marathon running, tennis and ice skating.
Beth joined Weinstein Spira in 1998 after receiving her BS in Accounting from the State University of New York at Geneseo. Her expertise encompasses various areas of taxation, with an emphasis on tax compliance for non-profit entities and multi-state taxation.
Beth is a Certified Public Accountant in Texas and New York. She is a member of the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. She is also a member of St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church. Beth is a devoted equestrian and enjoys competing in local horse shows.
Denise Crisler Woods joined Weinstein Spira as a Senior Audit Manager in August 2006. Prior to joining the firm, Denise spent 12 years with Big 4 accounting firms providing auditing and attest services to both publicly traded and privately owned entities. She has dedicated a substantial portion of her career to auditing and addressing issues that relate to employee benefit plans. Denise is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants.
She is a graduate of Texas A&M University and a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Denise and her husband, Michael, have two sons. Denise enjoys traveling and spending time with her family
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