CPA Michael Varner has loved being an accountant. But he feels the need to act on a calling to help children and others in need. So, he is leaving Kruggel Lawton CPAs after 20 years of service.
Varner said that he is excited to transition to a new management role at an undisclosed organization that serves the Elkhart community.
“I am so thankful for my 30-year career in public accounting, especially my time at Kruggel Lawton,” said Varner in a press release. “As I embark on a new professional chapter serving families in Elkhart County, I will miss the relationships I’ve built with our team and clients. I will always be an ambassador for KL, a firm with outstanding professionals who care about each other, our clients and our community.”
Varner started at the North Central Indiana firm in 2005 as a senior manager. He became a partner in 2007.
“We are incredibly grateful for Mike’s many years of service and leadership,” said Barry Hall, managing partner at Kruggel Lawton. “His passion for community and mentorship has profoundly influenced the development of successful accountants and created numerous opportunities for our team to thrive. Mike will certainly be missed, but his Kruggel Lawton family will be cheering him on every step of the way.”
When the firm's Goshen office opened in 2019, Varner became partner-in-charge for all of Elkhart County. He also helped start and organize the firm's annual CFO summit in 2008. This year, the event will celebrate its 17th year. About 250 people attend each year.
“Mike has been an invaluable mentor to me and many others at our firm, as well as a dear friend,” said Patrick Lee, CPA, partner at Kruggel Lawton. “He has a true gift for working with families and connecting with youth, and our community will benefit greatly from Mike’s commitment to strengthening families and empowering the next generation.”
Varner graduated from Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, Virginia, with a Bachelor of Science in business administration and accounting.
His involvement in the community includes: Goshen Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, treasurer; Child and Parent Services (CAPS), past board chair; Goshen Noon Kiwanis, board member; Stable Grounds, treasurer; and Middlebury Community Schools Board of Trustees, member. He also is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Indiana CPA Society.
Kruggel Lawton CPA has locations in South Bend, Elkhart and Goshen in Indiana; St. Joseph and Portage in Michigan; and Knoxville, Tennessee. It was founded in 1956 and has about 150 employees.
