President & CEO Joe Pease draws on more than 20 years experience as a business advisor to successfully direct Pease & Associates. Under his leadership, the firm was showcased for success at the 2001 meeting of CPAmerica International, the largest association of independent accounting firms in the world. Pease & Associates, Inc. separately and through its predecessor, has been a member of this organization since 1986.

With a thorough understanding of the needs of the firm's clients, Joe works closely with business owners, advising them on the acquisition and sale of businesses, succession planning, business valuation, corporate tax planning, executive pay plans, and other matters. His clients represent industries including manufacturing, distribution, construction, automobile dealers, and service businesses-describe Joe as a mentor, confidant, and necessary part of the team. Because of his experience with hundreds of merger and acquisition projects, Joe is also regularly consulted on litigation issues.

Joe is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Ohio Society of CPAs. At 29, he was the youngest chairman of the Tax Division of CPAmerica International and currently serves as an advisory member of its board. He has authored and co-authored articles for industry publications.

Joe attended Cleveland State University and graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He became a certified public accountant in 1980. Joe is a past president of the Cleveland State University Alumni Association and currently serves on its business alumni board. Before founding Pease & Associates, Joe was a partner with a large Cleveland-based accounting firm.