Bland & Associates, P.C. has provided accounting and business consulting services to business, governmental and not-for-profit entities in the greater metro Omaha area for over 30 years. The firm’s team of professionals provides individualized hands-on service in areas such as assurance services, tax services, forensic accounting, management consulting and cost segregation services. Bryan Knapp is Director of Business Development with Bland and Associates, P.C.
How did you get started in the business? – To be honest, dumb luck really. I was a local banker straight out of college and graduated into the executive placement industry. Placement work allowed me to develop some amazing relationships with Omaha professionals and learn far more about the Omaha corporate landscape than a small town guy from Hastings, NE ever thought he would. When the financial crisis in 2008/09 crashed the party I approached the guys at Bland & Associates with a plan to direct and develop their new business development department. Bland has always been a dynamic, progressive firm and lucky for me the timing was perfect as they were wanting to add a position no other CPA firm in the area had yet.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Explaining to people what I actually do here at Bland & Associates. It typically raises a lot of questions when I tell people that I do not have my CPA nor do I have any interest in taking the test. Makes sense at a CPA firm, right? In all seriousness, at its core my role with Bland is to strategically develop relationships with commercial businesses leaders here locally and, through different avenues and resources, create long-term value.
Tell me a little about your family. – My beautiful wife and I met at the recruiting company I worked for. When we got married I became a stepfather to two wonderful kids and we recently welcomed a new addition this last May.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Other than hanging out with my family it would be construction and remodel projects. I drive my wife crazy with all of the ideas I have and new tools I need. Most recently I put in new hardwood floors throughout the house. Don’t tell her but I’m already in the planning stages for my soon-to-be new bar downstairs.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I don’t think it’s terribly unique but I am a classically trained pianist. I feel bad now for all of the horrible things I said to my parents when they made me practice all those years.
What are you the most proud of? – I am most proud of my newborn son, Wyatt. That pride seems to grow every day. It’s hard to remember the silly stuff that I used to be interested in.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “Do it right or don’t do it at all.”
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – The super power to raise my metabolism so I can quit eating salads.
What is your favorite TV show? – Breaking Bad, no question. I didn’t start watching it until the series was over. I then signed up for Netflix and experienced the most unproductive week of my life. *Over Christmas vacation in case my boss reads this.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Kobe, I could eat there every day and it would never get old.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – By email at Bknapp@blandcpa.com or visit our website at www.blandcpa.com.