Who We Are
Not Your Average Firm. Not Your Average Results.
Lake Oswego is where we call home. From an isolated outpost to one of Oregon’s premier cities, this place has evolved over the years – but it’s always felt familiar. And that’s how we approach our relationship with each client. Any stage of life. Any challenge along the way. We adapt to your needs and goals, while turning energy, advice, and personal service into results, so you can focus on growing your business.
Dick Layne
Principal
Dick graduated magna cum laude from Portland State University, paving the way for a distinguished career in accounting. Raised by two accounting professionals, he inherited a passion for numbers and financial analysis. Throughout his professional journey, he has dedicated his expertise to the fields of taxes and accounting, focusing on assisting small businesses and individuals, particularly those within the medical profession. He is also known for his expertise in providing audit services for employee pension and health benefit plans, ensuring compliance and financial integrity. Beyond the confines of the office, Dick enjoys outdoor activities including bike riding and fishing. He also enjoys time spent walking and embarking on road trips with his wife.
James L. Shook
Principal
Brian Germer
Director
Brian has worked in small, boutique CPA firms since 1999, after graduating from Portland State University, and was with Parsons & Germer CPAs, LLP for 15 years before joining Iron Creek Tax & Consulting. Brian specializes in small business taxation, mergers & acquisitions, structuring business entities, and accounting system design. Brian also authored “The Pocket Small Business Owner’s Guide to Taxes” in 2012, published by Allworth Press. In his spare time, Brian enjoys music production, attending Timbers matches, and spending time with his family. Brian has been a licensed CPA in Oregon since 2004.
Jeremy Shook
Director
Jeremy, following in his fathers’ footsteps, began his career in public accounting and over the past 20 years has specialized in financial reporting, consulting and tax compliance. Jeremy obtained his accounting degree from Montana State University and returned to Portland to join the family firm, James L. Shook, CPA. After becoming a partner, he reinforced the firm’s culture and commitment to personalized service, and in 2023, alongside Jim, merged their firm with Iron Creek Tax & Consulting to expand services and resources to their clients. In his spare time Jeremy enjoys golfing, fishing and visiting the Oregon coast with his wife and dogs.
Trent Miller
Senior Tax Manager
Laura Baker, CPA
Senior Tax Manager
Laura earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in literature from Occidental College. After joining the firm in an administrative position in 1997, Laura furthered her education and graduated from Portland State University (PSU) in 2002 with a post-bachelor’s degree in accounting and has been a CPA since 2008. While at PSU she was honored as an Undergraduate Business Scholar and a Beta Gamma Sigma Nominee each year. She was also awarded the Nancy O’Rourke Tang Scholarship in 2001 and the Outstanding Post-Baccalaureate in Accounting in 2002. Laura is married with three grown children: the youngest is at OSU, her middle daughter just relocated to LA and her son, Drew, is a colleague at Iron Creek. She spends her free time traveling, serving on local volunteer boards, participating in book clubs, and picking up gigs as a background actor for movies and television series being filmed in the Portland area.
Rob Wiest
Senior Tax Manager
Drew Baker
Senior Tax & Assurance Advisor
Drew is a CPA candidate with 5 years of experience in Public Accounting. He has a double major in accounting and finance from Oregon State University and is passionate about using his skills to help his team execute their goals. He is a detail-oriented individual who is always eager to learn and take on new challenges. He is proficient in financial statement preparation, tax planning, and audit procedures. He also skilled in Microsoft Excel and QuickBooks.
Nick Kotyrlo
Senior Tax Advisor
Minh Nguyen, CPA
Senior Audit Advisor
Minh is a native Vietnamese having graduated from the University of Oregon with a Master Degree of Accounting. She has been licensed by the Oregon State Boad of Public Accountancy as a Certified Public Accountant since 2013. Minh began her career in public accounting at a small public accounting firm in Portland, Oregon. She has been and enjoys working in real estate and pension benefit plan audit. Minh spends most of her free time with her husband while watching the activities of their twin daughters.
Quinn Allen
Senior Audit Advisor
Quinn has been working in public accounting since 2008, specializing mainly with the audits of not-for-profit organizations. Quinn graduated from Western Oregon University with a bachelor’s degree in business management and then attended Portland State University to obtain his post bac in accounting. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, traveling as much as possible, golfing, surfing and exploring the outdoors.
Maxel Agbo
Senior Tax Accountant
Maxel obtained his accounting degree from Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colorado. He started his career with Minton CPA and Associates in Virginia Beach, Virginia as a tax accountant. During this period, he successfully completed his CPA exam and is currently in the process of being licensed as a CPA. In his quest to find a dedicated, passionate, and client-oriented firm to further his experience in the field, he joined Iron Creek Tax & Consulting, because of their impeccable service and wealth of knowledge at the firm. In his personal time, Maxel likes working out, playing or watching soccer, and spending time with his family.
Mindy Chong
Tax Advisor
Mindy graduated from Cal State University, San Bernardino, and passed the CPA exam in California. In 2021, she relocated to Oregon and started her first tax job with the firm which marked the beginning of Mindy’s professional journey. Before joining the firm, she worked in the accounting department of a wholesale company. In Mindy’s free time, she enjoys playing puzzles, and doing housework, which helps her relax. Mindy’s commitment is to provide excellent accounting services with precision and dedication.
Suyeon An
Audit Associate
Suyeon An, a dedicated professional who recently embarked on an exciting career transition. Armed with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, they’re bringing a fresh perspective to the field. With over 15 years of experience in the casino industry, notably as a successful Pit Manager, their journey reflects a unique blend of managerial expertise, analytical acumen, and meticulous attention to detail. Committed to ongoing learning, Suyeon is leveraging their diverse to make meaningful contributions to the dynamic world of accounting.
Cheri Lund
Senior Office Manager
Misty Youngs
Office Manager
Misty started as a temp to hire at Bjorklund & Montplaisir (B&M) in 2000 and has been an important part of the backbone of the company since then. With B&M merging with Iron Creek Tax and Platform CPA in 2023, she continues to support the firm in various departments and is the main contact point for most of the audit work performed. Misty graduated from Business Computer Training Institute in 1996 at the top of her class and worked for the local car giant, Lanphere Auto Group, before finding to B&M. In her spare time, you can find Misty dancing to Latin music, hanging out with friends and family, or watching the Saints play football on Sundays (Geaux Saints!).
Carith Wiseman
Office Manager
Carith joined the office in August of 2024 and has jumped in to share her talents in accounts receivable, training and development, becoming a subject matter expert as we transition to new software, and enjoys building relationships with clients. Carith has a son who is just about to graduate high school (class of 2025). In addition, she is an avid pet lover and will share pictures of her beloved sheltie Rocket any time. Carith also enjoys all manner of the arts, from art history to performing arts and the symphony. In addition, she loves embroidering, painting, and studies all things medieval, especially historic board games.
