Prior to joining LSL, Don worked in Las Vegas as a member of the Nevada Gaming Control Board where he audited various casinos to determine internal control, operational and reporting compliance with state regulations. After just a couple years, he decided to move back to California and joined LSL CPAs in 1983. Before the new millennium, he was named a partner.

For the bulk of his career at LSL, Don has focused his practice on auto dealerships. He now leads our automotive accounting group. Over many years of preparing financial statements and corporate tax returns, he has cultivated professional relationships and friendships with auto dealers. They call on Don regarding their personal tax issues, too, as well as real estate holdings and business transitions.

Don also notes a devotion to the LSL staff. If he could leave an impression on them, he hopes it’s about trust and being available to them. He emphasizes details, which is evident in his work and also his genuine interest in people. In work and life, it’s often the little things that count most. Just ask him about being a grandfather.

Great Clients for Don… those who appreciate his professional advice, but also those who like spending time sharing about their family and personal interests/events.
LSL candidate tip… Talk about hobbies, goals and family.
Personal… Don loves his time with family and friends, which includes his wife, three children and five grandchildren. He is also active in his church community.

Professional and Civic Involvement:

Firm member, PrimeGlobal
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA)
Member, Auto Dealer Office Management Association, Los Angeles and Orange County (ADOMA)
Peer Reviewer, AICPA Peer Review Program

Education:

B.A. degree in Business Administration with Accounting emphasis, University of San Diego

Adam's passion for accounting stems from his love for math and business. He finds joy in the thrill of problem-solving—like putting together a complex puzzle and figuring out all the pieces to complete it.

As a partner in LSL’s Audit & Assurance department, Adam works with clients in the automotive, manufacturing & distribution, entertainment venue, and professional service industries. He is especially skilled in transforming a business's financials from complete chaos to a clean and organized set, allowing him to help his clients focus on high-level, strategic objectives, such as profit and cash flow improvement strategies.

Adam's commitment to excellence, along with his easygoing nature and keen insight, makes him a trusted leader to both his clients and his team. He thrives on collaboration and creates an environment where creativity and support thrive. "Both my clients and LSL team members are like family to me, so working with them is incredibly enjoyable and fulfilling."

Great clients for Adam … From dealership accounting and supply chain management to nonprofits and churches, Adam's ability to assist clients with a high-level approach and creative insights has been invaluable to those seeking growth and profitability.

LSL candidate tip … Adam sets the bar for excellence while radiating his caring and witty nature. As a leader, he is always approachable and believes in creating an environment where both his clients and team can thrive.

Personal … Outside of work, Adam lives an active life! He cherishes quality time with his wife and enjoys playing soccer with his kids. When it's time to unwind, nothing beats his time on the golf course, especially when he's in the company of good friends. And as a devoted Chargers enthusiast, you'll find him with season tickets, putting him at the heart of all the action!

Professional and Civic Involvement

Firm member, PrimeGlobal
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA)
Member, Auto Dealer Office Management Association (ADOMA)
Board Member of Ontario Christian Schools Foundation

Education

B.S. in Accounting – Vanguard University of Southern California

Clients see Dave as more than a tax expert. They see him as a business partner.

Since 1984, Dave has been a firm believer in treating clients and colleagues with respect and integrity. He joined Vilmure, Peeler & Boucher in 1992 and became a partner in 2000. The firm merged with LSL CPAs in October 2013.

Dave focuses on tax compliance and planning in the areas of income and estate tax. He is the tax partner for our automotive accounting group but he’s also tapped for his expertise in real estate, manufacturing and professional services. He’s a whiz at estate and gift taxation and can create a customized approach to designing and implementing a successful exit plan for business owners.

Whether it’s assisting with the sale of a business to a publicly traded company or answering a simple question on California state tax, Dave’s here to help. He wants to help take your business to the next level – whatever your goals.

Great Clients for David… those who are highly motivated to build and make their business successful.
LSL candidate tip… Ask about his travels throughout California in his vintage 1972 trailer.
Personal… Dave is married to his wife and best friend, Darlene. They have two daughters.

Professional and Civic Involvement:

Firm member, PrimeGlobal
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA)

Education:

M.S. degree in Taxation, Golden Gate University

Being a CPA means constantly encountering new opportunities. Where some people might see a problem, Mark sees an opportunity get to the root of the issue and come up with a creative solution or process that will optimize his client’s results. Mark’s goal at the end of every project is a happy client who has the tools and information they need to take on their next challenge.

Mark relies on his broad background in public accounting and private industry to help him meet this goal. He has performed a variety of tax compliance and planning projects, including estate planning, for clients that have ranged from individuals with a small rental real estate portfolio, to businesses with sales of several hundred million dollars. In addition, Mark has structured business entities, created and installed accounting and information systems, obtained financing, and managed the attest process, both as auditor and client. In his over 30 years as a CPA, Mark has gained experience and expertise in diverse industries including real estate development, construction, property management, manufacturing, healthcare, and automotive dealership accounting.

Great clients for Mark… wish to add additional perspective or expertise to their team. Perhaps it’s time to tackle that stubbornly persistent problem.
LSL candidate tip… Mark is proud of his two Eagle Scouts and Mark was an Assistant Scoutmaster for many years. Share one of your own adventure stories with him.
Personal… Mark is happily married to his high school sweetheart, Laurie, who still puts up with his “all things tech” obsession.

Professional and Civic Involvement:

Firm member, PrimeGlobal
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA)
American Bar Association
Orange County Bar Association

Education:

Juris Doctor/Master of Real Estate Development, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Concentration in Accounting, Minors in Mathematics and Computer Science, California State University, Fullerton, California

Mark is also a member of our Automotive Accounting Team

When you are personally interviewed by a future managing partner, it leads to good things. Erika joined LSL CPAs through an on-campus interview and was hired a couple weeks after graduation in 2002.

She has steadily moved up the career ladder to manager, providing accounting and assurance services primarily to municipal, commercial and automotive accounting clients. She describes herself as loyal, to the firm and to her clients. Her favorite time of day is digging into the financials of her clients and helping them put everything in proper order.

In fact, Erika’s love of accounting expands into her personal life. She lends free time and expertise to her local church finance committee. She has also stayed active in her college sorority by helping a local chapter house maintain a safe and functional facility.

Great Clients for Erika… like detail-oriented management of their accounting and audits.
LSL candidate tip: Talk about your dogs.
Personal: She and her husband bought their first home recently and enjoy attending Angels baseball games and staying active outdoors.

Professional and Civic Involvement:

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA)
Member, Auto Dealers Office Management Association (ADOMA)
Member, Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, treasurer of local Affiliated House Corporation Board

Education:

B.A. degree in Business Administration with Accounting emphasis, California State University, Fullerton.

Dave Summers has been working in the automotive industry for over 30 years. He has the expertise to provide vision, direction and strategy allowing him to provide with compliance, operations, legal, and risk analysis.

Dave held a variety of influential roles at Penske Motor Group (PMG) including Office Manager, Internal Auditor, Controller, Chief Financial Officer, Compliance Officer, and VP of Operations. Prior to joining PMG, he worked with the CPA firm of Main Hurdman focusing on automotive dealership clients.

Dave can provide vision, direction and strategy with your compliance, operations, legal, and risk analysis.