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 Rosenberg is the Senior Tax Shareholder of the firm. He joined Weinstein Spira & Company in 1968 and works with a cross-section of the firm's diverse clients, including the wholesale distribution, construction, retail, securities management, service, and manufacturing industries. He helps clients devise income and estate tax strategies to minimize the tax impact for themselves and their businesses. 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 Shareholder Send email |
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.
Homer joined Weinstein Spira & Company in 2008 – bringing his 18 years of far-reaching accounting and business expertise. He specializes in delivering valuable service to investors, entrepreneurs, venture capital firms, real estate businesses, start-ups and others. Homer is involved with advising owner-managed businesses and providing tax and other business advice to high net-worth individuals. 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 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.
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.
Kristin joined the firm in 2008. She has extensive experience with healthcare, biotechnology, not-for-profits and start-ups. In the 18 years of her career, she has also focused on assisting owner-managed businesses. Kristin is a graduate of Tulane University with a Bachelor of Science Management, concentration in Accounting. 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 heads the firm's Estate Tax and Trust practice. Avrohm helps business and individual clients integrate income and estate tax planning. He provides one-on-one presentations and counseling to help clients plan effective estate planning strategies. His outgoing personality and 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.
Vicki Raynold is a Shareholder and has been with Weinstein Spira since 1982. She has extensive experience with individuals and closely-held business clients in manufacturing and service-oriented enterprises. She consults with individuals and businesses in a variety of areas, with areas of concentration in tax compliance and tax planning. She also manages the state franchise tax practice for the firm.
Vicki holds a BBA degree in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin and a 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.
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 Comiskey has over 40 years of experience in public accounting. He focused primarily on providing audit services to public and privately-owned entities in various industries including oil and gas, real estate, construction, distribution, and manufacturing. Bill offers considerable experience in litigation support, including assisting counsel for the U.S. Department of Justice, the Attorney General of California, and a Big Four accounting firm, as well as serving as a Special Master for a federal judge. He also assists clients with "due diligence" services on potential acquisitions. 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 a director and former president of Homes of Saint Mark, former president of Wesley Community Center, a director at the Heartspring Methodist Foundation and the Presbyterian Children's Homes & Services. Bill is an avid golfer.
 | JAMES T. "JIM" KONEN, CPA Shareholder Emeritus Send email |
Jim Konen 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.
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 sons.
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.
Tobias joined the firm in 2003 with 4 years of previous experience in business advisory and tax compliance matters. He works with a variety of closely-held business clients and their individual shareholders and employees on income tax matters. Tobias also offers expertise in manufacturing, real estate, venture capital firms and US taxation of foreign entities and individuals. Tobias attended graduate school at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi where he earned his Master of Accountancy degree after graduating With Honors when he obtained his BBA in Accounting. He is a member of the AICPA and the TSCPA, and is a Past Chair of the Houston Intown Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals group. Tobias is a native of Toronto, Canada, and enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and discussing the culinary arts with friends.
Kelly Murphy joined Weinstein Spira in 2008 with over 10 years of tax experience in public accounting. She graduated from the University of Saint Thomas with a BBA and MBA in Accounting where she was named Most Outstanding Accounting Graduate. She has broad experience and knowledge in various tax-related areas, including real estate, healthcare, manufacturing, family partnerships and owner-managed businesses. Kelly enjoys working closely with her clients throughout the year and is always ready to address any accounting or tax issues. Kelly is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the AICPA and the TSCPA. She and her husband, Oscar, enjoy spending time with their two sons. .
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.
 | MARCIA OAKES, CPA Manager of Entrepreneurial Services Send email |
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!
 | MATTHEW PATTERSON, CPA Senior Audit Manager Send email |
Since 1998, Matthew Patterson has been a member of the Weinstein Spira team. He graduated from the University of Houston cum laude with a BBA in Accounting. Matthew'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). Matthew's memberships include the ACFE, the AICPA and the TSCPA.
In 2005, Matthew 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 participating in triathlons. Matthew and his wife, Laura, enjoy spending time with their son and daughter.
Amy has over nine years of experience in public accounting. She works closely with business and individual clients throughout the year providing tax planning and federal and state tax compliance services. Her client base includes individuals, partnerships and corporate entities involved in oil and gas, real estate and manufacturing.
Prior to joining Weinstein Spira & Company in 2008, she was a Supervisor with Johnson Baur Carrillo and a staff member with one of the Big Four. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants. Amy received her Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Sam Houston State University. .
John Toth joined Weinstein Spira in 2003. He specializes in providing tax services to various industries including restaurants, manufacturers, and owners of privately-held corporations.
John graduated from University of Richmond with a BBA in Accounting in 2001. He is a member of the Prince of Peace Catholic Church and enjoys playing golf, traveling, watching Philadelphia sports teams, and spending time with his wife, their daughter and their dog.
 | DENISE CRISLER WOODS, CPA Senior Audit Manager Send email |
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