People Matter Most
At Montgomery & Co., people matter most. Money matters, too, but people matter most because money is simply a tool. It’s a tool that should help people live fuller and freer lives.
Like most tools, money does its job best when it’s optimized.
Since people matter most, our company’s vision and its core values grow from the importance of people and relationships.
This vision and these values guide our partnership with every client.
Vision
People have more time, freedom, and money to do what they love!
Our Core Values
Shape Our People
Driven by these core values and guided by our vision, we exist to help our clients optimize their financial lives. Nearly four decades of experience has taught us that financial lives are optimized when three things are true.
We believe our financial life is optimized when three things are true.
TAXES ARE
MINIMIZED
BOOKKEEPING & PAYROLL
ARE STREAMLINED
PROFIT IS
MAXIMIZED
We strengthen these three areas with our four core tools.
Is your tax position optimized? Is your accounting running without you and providing financial insight? Do you have clarity on your goals and how to get there? We can help you reach your highest potential.
A Team Approach
Teamwork. Perspective. Stability.
The beauty of working with a team is the way it integrates the big picture goals and insights with the everyday details. Your accountant is working hand-in-hand with your CPA, creating a seamless transfer of knowledge and aligning day-to-day operations with high-level planning for optimal tax-efficiency and growth capacity. This kind of collaboration creates a unique balance of perspectives and gives you stability.
Dashboard-level Insights
Awareness. Visibility. Insight.
We want you to have more than just a spreadsheet full of numbers. We want to interpret those numbers for you in a way that gives you clarity about your position in your industry, your short-term target numbers, and your long-range trajectory. Our field of experience allows us to provide you with benchmarking, best-practice insights, and individualized coaching for every area of your finance and accounting.
Here are the kinds of questions we can help you answer:
- What are the 2-3 most important numbers that drive your unique business?
- How do you measure within your industry?
- Are you as profitable as you should be? If not, do you know how to fix it?
Streamlined, Efficient Back Office
Simplicity. Leverage. Mobility.
Our focus here is handing you, the business executive, more freedom and more time while saving you money. To accomplish this, we evaluate your office economy and identify ways to optimize resources, including adjustments in staffing, processes, and tools. With the right people in the right positions with the right tools and training, you’ll be able to run your business from your pocket. The result is that your business is more efficient, more cost-effective, and more professional.
Advice For Your Journey
Coaching. Strategy. Transformation.
We’re more than accountants and CPAs; we’re educators and coaches. When you work with us, it’s about more than making sure Uncle Sam is happy. We’re here to help you achieve your goals. We partner with you to track facts, ask questions, find answers, evaluate options, develop strategies, harness resources, access training, and implement growth.
History
Pictured here is Montgomery & Company’s first sign, hung on the front porch of 133 Augusta Court in Greenville, SC- Mr. Montgomery’s childhood home. The living room was Joe’s first office, and there he operated the business for a few years before growth required him to take over the dining room as well. From the very beginning, Joe knew that his service to people mattered more than the location he served them from. So, while he was not known for his fancy office at first, he was known for saving his clients every possible tax dollar he could, and the company still works hard to provide this same service to their clients today.
As a college student, Joe started earning money doing taxes for fellow students. After college, he got married, worked as a staff accountant, put in several years with the Big Four, and took on the challenge of private accounting, working as a controller for a hydro-electric company. When the company asked him to relocate, Joe and Lynn didn’t want to leave Greenville, so that’s when they took a leap of faith and hung the sign on their door. Thanks to their hard work, the home business experienced double- and triple-digit growth for the first 5 years. In 1998, Joe bought a commercial building at 941 Pleasantburg Drive where he continued expanding his team. After two decades there, the company built a beautiful office and relocated once again off of Roper Mountain Road. They have a team of bookkeepers, tax experts, payroll specialists, financial planners, CFOs, and business coaches that work to maximize client success. Thirty-five years later, and the focus is still the same. People matter.
Jarrod B
Montgomery & Co. has been a great partner to me. They’ve got my best interest at heart. They’ll proactively reach out and ask questions to understand us better. They’ve taken me as a business owner to the next level. They were able to take us from a mom & pop shop to the next level.
Joseph B
Most CPAs are known for high integrity, reducing tax burden, and keeping books straight. They do a lot of looking in the rear-view mirror, not out the windshield. Montgomery & Co does a lot to come alongside me and my team and help lead them forward.
We leverage the best technology to ensure your accounting system is automated, simple, and capable of producing accurate and timely financial insights. If you like the way this sounds, we might be good partners. Contact us to set up an initial conversation.
Joe Montgomery, Jr., CPA
Managing Partner
Joe founded Montgomery & Company, CPAs in 1994. Joe received a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1986 from Bob Jones University and became a CPA in 1989. Prior to branching out on his own, he worked locally as a senior accountant at Deloitte and as a corporate controller at Consolidated Hydro.
The firm Joe built started out with humble beginnings. While it has come a long way since the days of card table-desks and self-produced radio ads, his vision and passion have remained the same: to serve clients by helping them build efficient and profitable businesses. Today, Joe is the managing partner and team mentor for the firm. He has served as a board member of several churches and nonprofits, keeps up with the ever-changing demands of technology, and continues to study the ins and outs of the tax code in order to best serve clients.
Joe enjoys spending time with his family, including international scuba trips with his wife, Lynn, and beach trips with the grandkids, who affectionately call him “Pop Joe.” He occasionally takes time off to revisit his roots in New England, snowmobile, and pick up a bit of childhood nostalgia in a bottle, i.e., real maple syrup. His simple pleasures include cappuccinos, sci-fi, and cribbage.
Andrew Hudson, CPA
Partner
Andrew is an Upstate native, but after he received his accounting degree from Bob Jones University, he relocated and worked for nearly a decade in an Atlanta-based firm.
He now lives on Greenville’s Eastside and does what he loves: building relationships, helping entrepreneurs develop a better understanding of their businesses, and showing clients how to save money on their taxes. Andrew is passionate about seeing clients achieve their dreams because he himself grew up in a family running a small business and knows firsthand what it takes to make a company succeed.
Andrew and his wife Ann have two children, Asher and Adeline. When he has time, he enjoys backpacking in the woods, camping with his family, and building trains with the kids.
Rebecca Reed, CPA, CMA
Advisor
Rebecca grew up in Alabama but moved to South Carolina to attend Bob Jones University where she graduated top in her class with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 2008. She became a CPA in 2011 and a CMA in 2019. Prior to joining Montgomery & Company, she had various roles in public accounting, investment accounting, financial controlling and forecasting/budgeting.
Outside the office, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her pups, baking, playing piano and working out. Her pups, Brutus and Skittles are lively 10 year old toy schnauzers that expect all the belly rubs and attention when she’s not at work!
George Jester
Tax Specialist
George was born in Greer South Carolina and has been a native of the Upstate all his life outside of the few years at College of Charleston while earning his B.S. in Accounting. After graduating in 2016 he moved back to Greenville and worked for a wealth management and tax advisory firm before finding his way to Montgomery and Company in 2024. There he learned how to balance the financial, tax, and personal aspects of a multitude of different situations to offer meaningful advice and guidance to his clients. Helping people is what makes him happy, and he is always happy to help.
When he is not working George enjoys biking, reading, and being outside in general. He is always ready for the next adventure and is continuously improving his “green thumb” in his garden each spring and fall outside of tax season. At home he can usually be found cuddled up on the coach with a cat reading or watching something fantasy and science fiction themed.
Lauren Watson, CPA, EA
Advisor
Lauren graduated from Clemson University in 2008 with a degree in accounting and a minor in finance before moving to Pittsburgh. While providing accounting services to several industrial clients, she discovered her love of tax preparation and went on to earn her EA and CPA. She passed all four parts of the CPA exam on her first try, something fewer than twenty percent of all CPAs in the country have achieved.
Born and raised in Sumter, SC, she returned to the upstate in the summer of 2024 to be close to family and joined the Montgomery & Company team just one week later. She enjoys exploring the Appalachian Mountains, spending quality time with her family, and finding fun and exciting things to do in her new hometown.
Cherylyn Morrow
Accountant
As the longest-standing member of our team, Cherylyn brings both experience and heart to her role as Lead Accountant. With a Master’s in Accounting and a concentration in Forensic Accounting, she thrives on solving complex problems, streamlining processes, and ensuring client satisfaction. Known for her keen eye for detail and critical thinking skills, Cherylyn helps clients feel like we’re not just their accountants—we’re part of their team.
Outside of work, Cherylyn’s world revolves around her two children, but she also finds joy in pottery, singing, traveling, gaming, and caring for her menagerie of pets (three cats, an Australian shepherd, and even a jumping spider). She’s a natural people-person who loves making friends and connecting with others. And though she’s dedicated to her clients, she firmly believes life’s challenges are best tackled after a solid eight hours of sleep.
Lorraine Dorsey
Accountant
Lorraine joined our bookkeeping team in 2018. She’s a vivacious hard worker, and adds a unique twist to our Montgomery & Co. family with her British accent and affinity for hot tea. Lorraine completed her education and gained most of her experience in accounting while living in Brooklyn, NY. When they decided life in the South was a better pace for achieving their goals and dreams, Lorraine and her husband picked up their lives and moved down to Greenville.
As an accountant, Lorraine displays her drive in her high-quality, fast-paced work ethic, but outside the office, she does competitive kickboxing. In her early years, you could also find her vying for the top spot in track and field events like the 100m, 200m, and cross-country two-mile race, as well as the shot put and javelin. To say she’s competitive is an understatement, but we consider her drive and motivation an invaluable asset to our team.
Minerva Cespedes
Accountant
Minerva was born in Havana, Cuba and immigrated to the US when she was 5. She has lived in Chicago, Miami and now lives in Travelers Rest. She has been in the accounting field for over 35 years and enjoys working with clients to help them navigate there accounting needs. Married for 37 years, she and her husband, children and now, foster children, enjoy the wonders of the mountains and waterfalls in the Upstate, it is what brought them to this area! Minerva enjoys yoga, especially in the open. Her favorite thing is the beach and will eagerly take a day trip to Folly. Minerva and her family spend their free time at their church, working in their yard with their garden and chickens and walking around Greenville and its many Farmers Markets and weekend events. Apart from the children, Minerva’s family includes her parents still in Miami, her brothers and many nieces and nephews both in Miami and New York, this means that weekend travel is surely on the horizon! Minerva enjoys life to the fullest and considers herself extremely blessed especially at M&C!
Shannon Rothluebber
Accountant
Shannon was born in Memphis but has lived in many states across the country. Although she has lived in many places, she has resided in South Carolina the longest and claims the upstate as her home.
She graduated from DeVry University with a BS in Accounting in August of 2022 and anticipates graduating with a Master’s in Accounting and Financial Management in May of 2024.
She enjoys spending time with her family, crocheting, and creating art with her children.
Sherry Johnson
Accountant
Sherry is a native of South Carolina and has lived here her entire life. She graduated from Spartanburg Methodist College with a degree in business and entered the accounting world shortly after. Before joining the Montgomery & Company team, Sherry was a multi-state payroll manager and has over 20 years of experience in payroll, accounting, and employer tax.
Sherry enjoys spending her time outside of the office with her husband and son, especially when she is attending her son’s karate classes. When she isn’t being a karate mom, Sherry enjoys working out, cooking, and learning new things.
Kristin Brandt
Accountant
Kristin holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and comes to us after working in audit for a regional CPA firm specializing non-profits and a stint working in payroll for a federal contractor. Her varied experience has come in handy–especially with Excel!
When she is not working, she enjoys many at-home hobbies, including tending to her flock of chickens, gardening, and staying inside to watch TV with her husband. She identifies as an older soul and enjoys the quiet country life (except for the chickens squawking…that noise is ok…usually.)
Rachel Peterson
Accountant
Rachel is originally from Minnesota, though she has lived in four different countries, doing missions and humanitarian work – and speaks three languages! She has been doing accounting, bookkeeping, and financial consulting for more than twenty-five years.
In her free time, Rachel enjoys spending time with her husband and their five children, reading, traveling, shopping, walking her 2 fluffy dogs, and going to her son’s basketball games. The Peterson family is very active in their church and has volunteered in many aspects of ministry over the years.
Carter Murphy
Accountant
As a dedicated accountant, Carter has earned a Bachelor’s in Business Management from Palm Beach Atlantic University and a Master’s in Accountancy from Colorado State University. Originally from Delaware, he moved to West Palm Beach for college and then to Greenville three years ago after marrying his wife, Jenna.
While helping his parents with their construction business, Carter became an entrepreneur at heart, and his passion for accounting began. He has since started multiple businesses and truly understands the challenges that small business owners face.
Outside of his career, Carter enjoys watching sports, spending time outdoors, and diving into a good book whenever he gets the chance. His diverse interests and entrepreneurial spirit make him a well-rounded, professional accountant who is always eager to learn and grow.
Krista Hilgeman
Accountant
Krista was born and raised in Brazil, South America. She has called Greenville home since 1999. Her journey includes a bachelor’s degree in international business and 23 years at a small business where she gained extensive experience as a full-staff bookkeeper, administrative assistant, and corporate office manager.
She and her husband have raised two daughters (who are now wonderful adults) and are currently raising an active son. Outside of work, she enjoys cleaning and organizing, diving into a good book, following Cubs baseball, or planning the next trip! Other things that bring her joy are deep conversations with friends, spending time with her husband and children, and watching her son play baseball.
Sarah Bennett
Accountant
Sarah holds an associate’s degree in accounting and is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree with the goal of becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). With five years of experience in audit and one year in tax, she has developed a solid foundation in both fields. Her professional journey reflects a strong commitment to growth and a deep interest in the intricacies of financial compliance and reporting. Sarah is focused on expanding her expertise and credentials to open new opportunities within the accounting profession.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys a fulfilling life shared with her husband, their two energetic German Shepherds, and a sweet bunny. She values self-care and often spends her free time hiking, which allows her to recharge and stay grounded. Time with her husband, friends, and family is especially important to her, providing balance and connection. Whether she’s exploring the outdoors or enjoying a cozy evening in, Sarah makes the most of every moment.
Isaac Montgomery
Operations Manager
Isaac has lived in Greenville, SC all his life. He graduated in the summer of 2022 with his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Liberty University. Isaac also enjoys computer programming which allows him to build custom software for M&C and solve various IT related issues in his role as Operations Manager.
Isaac earned his 4th degree black belt in Tang Soo Do in November of 2022 and is now pursuing his 5th degree. He has been training in martial arts for 18 years, and his long-term goal is to open his own martial arts studio in the upstate that can be used to minister to adults, teens, and children alike.
Cherie Benwire
Administrative Assistant
Cherie is a Michigan native, and she has worked in the public accounting sector for over 20 years in office administration. Her friendly personality and hard work ethic have helped her meet the needs of clients and greatly benefit those around her. Having been married for over 30 years, Cherie and her husband live in Travelers Rest with their dogs, Mocha & Prince. Their kids, TJ & Amanda, are grown adults that enjoy visiting home and going on many kinds of adventures with their parents. When Cherie is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Lee. They have been training in Tang Soo Do for the past 5 ½ years and in October of 2020, they earned their black belts. She also enjoys walking, hiking, and taking trips with her kids and dogs to explore new trails, places, and cultures.
Kevin Huefner
Administrative Assistant
Kevin is an upstate South Carolina native who now calls Greer home. He came to Montgomery & Company after several years at Elliott Davis, where he worked as a logistics coordinator, handling vendor management, training team members at various locations, and consulting on stationary contracts.
Kevin is an avid outdoorsman, whether it’s conquering mountain trails or hitting the slopes. When he isn’t chasing adrenaline, he likes to engage in fierce yet friendly competition over boardgames or cards (no mercy here, my friends!). He believes the best moments in life are those spent with family and friends, so any activity that allows him to bond with them is always at the top of his list.
Katala Peterson
Administrative Assistant
Originally from Minnesota, Katala moved to Greenville, SC to study at North Greenville University (NGU). She graduated in 2021 and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Marriage & Family Therapy. With a clinical focus on perinatal mental health, she is very passionate about her studies and even more so about her clients and their success.
Katala loves to read and attend yoga and cycling classes in her free time, balancing her active lifestyle with her academic and professional commitments. Combined with her love for reading, her dedication to her studies and her clients makes her an excellent communicator, a deeply committed individual, and a valuable addition to the M&C Support Team.