Jason Tonjes became interested in accounting while in high school due to the fact that the individual who taught the accounting classes was one of his favorite teachers. He attended college to become an accountant and ended up getting a job at Bland & Associates after graduation. After years of hard work and loyalty, he became part owner when the company transitioned from one generation to another. Bland & Associates helps clients ranging from small family businesses up to the federal government identify opportunities for their businesses and solve problems they are facing. By focusing on opportunities and problems rather than only worrying about the traditional compliance work of a CPA firm, they bring added value.
Tell us a little about your family.
I am married to Roberta Tonjes, who is a registered nurse and works Labor & Delivery and Reproductive Endocrinology at Methodist Hospital. We have three children, Jake, 18, and a senior in high school, Taylor, 8, who is in third grade and Brooklyn, 6, who is in Kindergarten.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
The birth of my daughter Brooklyn who has Down syndrome. This has opened up a whole new world in my eyes. I feel I have become a much more giving and understanding person, a lot of which is because I have more knowledge of some of the struggles that others can face every day.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Spend time with my family with no set schedule.
What are you the most proud of?
My family and the minor and/or major accomplishments that they achieve.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I’m paraphrasing, but “Try to do everything better today than you did yesterday.”
What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish?
To raise my children so that they are able to make valuable contributions to the society we live in.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Read people’s minds. It would make life a lot easier.
What are your plans after retirement?
Hopefully to spend time with my future grandchildren and travel the world as much as possible.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?
Don’t know, if I knew what it was I would try to utilize it.
Which talent would you most like to have?
The ability to be a performer, whether it is acting, singing, dancing, etc. It is not an area that I am comfortable.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
I don’t really have a favorite book; and most books I read are related to my professional development. The last good one that I read was probably – Overcoming the 5 Dysfunctions of a Team.
What is your favorite movie?
Too many movies that I love – how about I go with a favorite actor – Morgan Freeman; I seem to like virtually all of his movies.
What is your favorite TV show?
Modern Family
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Rivera’s
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Derek Jeter
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
They can either call us at (402) 397-8822 or email me at jtonjes@blandcpa.com. Also anyone can visit our company’s website at www.blandcpa.com.