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Best Places to Work 2014: Linkenheimer LLP CPAs & Advisors

Four-time winner

By James Dunn, Business Journal Staff Reporter

SANTA ROSA –  “We’re going fly fishing,” said Michael  Musson, partner at Linkenheimer LLP CPAs & Advisors since 1989. “We really work as a team. … There are no team-building sessions. It’s a great crew with a lot of cohesiveness.  If there’s a ditch to dig, everybody picks up a shovel.”

The company sponsors a golf tournament every September to get together as a group.

“If we hit our numbers, we have a bonus trip every year,” Mr. Musson said. “Last year was Nicaragua.” This year is likely to be a trip to Mexico.

“John Jones (managing partner) is an extremely ethical, non-judgmental, even-keeled guy,” Mr. Musson said. “All of that trickles down to everybody. He has a family and hobbies.”

Mr. Jones encourages the company’s 20 employees to have balanced lives. “I have worked for people who had families but didn’t acknowledge them,” Mr. Musson said. He worked until 10 every night and felt pressured. Not at Linkenheimer. “John has created a very well-rounded place.”

Staff members respect and are accountable to each other, Mr. Musson said. “No one is watching everybody. We don’t have a time card. If somebody walks out of the office, I don’t wonder where they’re going. … There’s a certain amount of autonomy.”

The company has never fired any employee since 1989. Folks have come and gone on their own. “If you don’t fit, you don’t fit,” he said.

Kari, the receptionist, takes care of others by creating an attractive tray of water flavored with cucumbers and lemons. “Everybody treats this place as if they own it,” Mr. Musson said. “We take care of each other. Kari takes care of clients, answers the phone. She’s as important as anybody else here. She cares.”

The company has regular barbecues at lunch.