Kruggel Lawton CPAs is pleased to announce that Simon Smucker, CPA, and Brian Ulrich, CPA, have returned to the firm as Senior Managers, bringing valuable perspectives from both industry and higher education.
Smucker joined Kruggel Lawton in 2011 after completing an internship and graduating from Goshen College. During his three years with the firm, he advanced to Senior Staff Accountant. He was also appointed to the Frontier Team, now known as the KLimb to 2030 team, which set strategy that helped the firm achieve its growth and ownership succession goals. In 2014, Smucker transitioned into private accounting, where he steadily progressed through roles as Finance Manager, Controller, and CFO, most recently serving as Manager of Accounting and Financial Services at a regional health system. Smucker is now a Senior Manager on the Client Accounting and Advisory Services team and is based in the firm’s Goshen office. He also works closely with the firm’s nonprofit team to help clients steward their resources to carry out their mission.
“Simon brings valuable real‑world insight from his time in industry, which directly enhances the way we serve our clients,” said Adam Schwelnus, CPA, CGMA, Partner, Client Accounting and Advisory Services. “His experience as a CFO and senior financial leader gives him a deep understanding of the challenges our clients face, strengthening the firm’s advisory services.”
Smucker has a B.A. in Accounting from Goshen College, Goshen, Ind. He has an active CPA license and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Indiana CPA Society.
Ulrich joined Kruggel Lawton in 2021 as a Tax Manager based in the firm’s Elkhart office, serving individual and corporate clients across a variety of industries. His work focused on tax filings, planning and forecasting, and consulting services. After spending the past two years as an Assistant Professor of Accounting at a local private university, Ulrich has returned to Kruggel Lawton, bringing valuable academic and professional insight back to the firm’s Elkhart team. He will also play a role in supporting internal training, staff development, and recruiting efforts.
“Brian’s return brings a unique combination of real‑world tax experience and academic insight.,” said Kate Leichty, CPA, Partner. “This blended perspective not only strengthens the way we serve clients, but also reinforces our commitment to mentoring, staff development, and growing the next generation of professionals.”
Ulrich has a B.A. in Accounting and in Economics and Finance as well as an MBA from Bethel University, Mishawaka, Ind. He has an active CPA license and is also a member of the AICPA and the Indiana CPA Society.
