In his own words: John Solari of Solari & Sturmer

Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us a little about your company its specialties, its history, the size of its staff.John Solari: We are a full-service accounting firm based in Reno. The thing that makes me most proud is our proactive role helping clients navigate through vital choices. Our specialties include real estate development, manufacturing, healthcare, aviation-related tax issues, and family wealth and estate planning. We also provide tax planning for businesses and individuals, financial statement audit and review services. Our staff of under 20 employees have developed sophisticated systems of accounting and financial planning and work to help our clients achieve success in their current and future financial programs.NNBW: What role do you play in the company? Solari: As the managing partner, I manage the resources within the office while meeting clients needs and developing new business opportunities for the firm. I also try and make sure we stay connected to our team members, clients and the community.NNBW: How did you get into this profession? Solari: My transformation into this profession began when I switched from an engineering major to an accounting major. Both are technical fields but I found I gravitated toward accounting because here I have the opportunity to build relationships with clients and enable them to solve important issues. There is nothing I enjoy more than finding a way to navigate a complex situation.NNBW: What is something no one knows about your job?Solari: Although, generically speaking, accountants may not have the reputation of being communicators, our business is as much a communication business as it is about the numbers and strategies. We get to deal with the best and the brightest of businesses the owners and the visionaries.NNBW: If you could have had any other profession what would it have been? Why wasnt it your first choice?Solari: Professional cowboy. No need to explain. I made the right choice.NNBW: What do you like to do when youre not working?Solari: Team roping, training for triathlons and downhill skiing with my two boys.NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter your profession? Solari: First, walk in the clients shoes and see the world and company through their eyes. Always stay positive. Innovate and think proactively.NNBW: If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why would you want it? Solari: Maybe not a superpower but real close: coaching and mentoring skills of Lou Holtz, business acumen of Warren Buffet, athletic determination and endurance of Mark Allen, wit and philosophy of George Burns.NNBW: Whats the best advice anyone ever gave you?Solari: Dont be afraid to make a decision and never take yourself too seriously.NNBW: What do you like most about your job? What do you like least? Solari: The things I like most about my job are getting to deal with people and solving issues. What I like least is making difficult decisions in unfavorable financial situations. We deal with highly personal information at times and do everything we can to get the best possible outcome from any situation for our clients. NNBW: What five words would most people use to describe you? Solari: Positive, energetic, social, hard working and active.The basics:Name: John Solari, CPA and managing partner with Solari and SturmerHow long have you been in this job? 20 yearsHow long in the profession? 25 yearsEducation: B. S. Accounting, University of Nevada, RenoBest book youve read? The Inner Game of TennisWhats on your iPod? Country and rockThe best movie ever? SecretariatSpouse, kids or pets? Two boys, Colby 19 and Casey 17, and four horses