Principals

Joseph L. Rippe Sr., CPA, CVA, CM&AA

Joe is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Valuation Analyst (NACVA), and a Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor (AM&AA). He is a Principal and Co-Founder of Rippe & Kingston CO PSC, Rippe & Kingston, LLC, Rippe & Kingston Systems, Inc., R&K Financial Services, LTD, and serves on the Board of their affiliated broker-dealer Winton Associates, Inc. When combined, these companies are one of Greater Cincinnati’s largest public accounting, consulting and advisory firms.  Additionally, he holds Insurance, Series 6 and 63 Securities licenses.  

His background is primarily in finance and taxation.  He works extensively for the firm’s clientele in various areas including mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, corporate financing and restructuring, succession and estate planning, business valuations and both strategic and tax planning.   

Joe earned a BS in Business Administration (Accounting) and an MBA (Finance) from Xavier University.  He is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the National Scholastic Honor Society in Business.  He did post graduate work at New York University while serving an internship.

Joe is a member of various professional organizations, including the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts, the Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors, the International Business Brokers Association, M&A Source, and the Institute of Business Appraisers.  He serves on various Corporate Boards of Directors including, Bramble Savings Bank, Nisbet Investment Company, Inc., Riverbend Aviation, Inc., Profill LLC., as well as other closely held companies in the Tri-State area.

His civic duties presently include serving on the Boards of Trustees of Xavier University (where he serves on the Executive Committee, Development Committee, chairs the Audit Committee, and was the chair of the 1989 BMX Campaign).  In addition to being a Trustee, he is a member of the 1831 Society at his Alma Mater. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of Dan Beard Council – Boy Scouts of America, SPCA Cincinnati and the Talbert House.

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George W. Kingston, CPA

George is a principal in the audit department and  Co-Founder of Rippe & Kingston CO PSC, Rippe & Kingston, LLC, Rippe & Kingston Systems, Inc., R&K Financial Services, LTD, and serves on the Board of their affiliated broker-dealer Winton Associates, Inc. When combined, these companies are one of Greater Cincinnati’s largest public accounting, consulting and advisory firms.

George’s background includes audit and consultation on general business matters.  Additionally, he helps clients professionally manage mergers and acquisitions.  Primary services are to privately held companies, including both domestic and international organizations.  His expertise includes service to manufacturers, distributors, construction companies, real estate developers, and service organizations.

After completing his degree in Accounting from Shippensburg University, George obtained his Masters in Business Administration from the University of Dayton.  He is licensed to practice as a CPA in the state of Ohio.

George’s professional and service affiliations include membership in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants.  He is also the former chairperson of the Accounting and Auditing Committee of the Cincinnati Chapter of Certified Public Accountants. 

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Richard A. Daeschner, CPA

Rick is a principal in the audit department at Rippe & Kingston.  He ensures that financial statements are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  In addition, Rick works with clients on any accounting issues that arise during the engagement. 

Rick joined the firm in February 1999.  His background includes audits, reviews, and compilations of manufacturing and service companies as well as not-for-profit organizations.  Rick also oversees fifteen employee benefit plan audits.  Additionally, Rick provides business solutions through execution of projections/forecasts, due diligence, internal control analysis and a variety of other special projects.  Prior to working at Rippe and Kingston, he spent twelve years at another local CPA firm. 

A graduate of Miami University, Rick holds a BS in Accounting.  He is licensed to practice as a CPA in the state of Ohio.  

Rick is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants.  In addition, he participates in the Association of Government Accountants and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce.  

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Jeremy Frye, CPA

Jeremy is a principal in the audit department at Rippe & Kingston. He has  fifteen years of public accounting experience in the areas of audit and business advisory.  He especially enjoys being a trusted advisor on a wide range of financial and non-financial business issues.  

Jeremy’s accounting and business expertise include: mergers and acquisitions, consolidations, purchase accounting, contract and construction accounting, financial projections and budgeting, cash flow and banking analysis, auditing standards, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and financial reporting, corporate finance decisions, inventory costing (both manufacturing and merchandising) and LIFO.  

Jeremy’s industry experience includes: manufacturing, distribution, professional services, architectural design, brand identity, construction and contracting, aerospace, real estate management and development, commercial printing, aviation, trucking, retail, landscaping, employee leasing, retirement plans, and a variety of others. 

A graduate of the University of Cincinnati, Jeremy earned his BBA in accounting.  He is licensed to practice as a CPA in the state of Ohio.  

Jeremy is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants. 

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Kenneth J. Jenkins, CPA

Ken is a principal in the Rippe & Kingston tax practice.  He has primary day-to-day responsibility for managing all tax related aspects for the clients he serves.  Ken is also responsible for providing guidance and tax planning as it relates to each client. His ability to work with clients creates solid relationships and builds a foundation of trust.   

Ken has been contributing to the goals of Rippe & Kingston since October 2001.  His background includes consultation with clients on a variety of individual and business tax matters, including extensive work with many closely held companies and their shareholders.  Ken's experience primarily includes corporate tax consultation on federal, state and local income and property tax matters.  Additionally, Ken has consulted with clients regarding merger and acquisition activities.  Primary services are to privately held companies, including both domestic and international organizations. He has a wide-range of experience servicing manufacturers, health care providers, distributors, construction companies, real estate developers, and technology and professional service organizations.  Prior to joining the firm, Ken was a Tax Senior Manager with a Big Four public accounting firm where he worked for eleven years.   

Ken is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a BS in Accounting.  He is licensed to practice as a CPA in the state of Ohio.

Ken is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants. Additionally, he previously served on the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce Regional Business Retention Committee. 

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Jeffrey A. Long, CPA, CFE

Jeff is a principal in the audit department at Rippe & Kingston.  He is involved with a variety of assignments ranging from traditional audits, reviews, and compilations to litigation support services to merger and acquisition due diligence.  Jeff enjoys working with clients and supervising staff. 

Jeff rejoined the audit department during 2005.  He previously served in the audit department from 1981 to 1992 in positions ranging from intern to audit manager.  Prior to rejoining the firm, Jeff was employed as the Chief Financial Officer for a mid-sized manufacturing company.  Jeff is familiar with a number of industries including: manufacturing, real estate, construction, retail and professional services and is comfortable working with both historical and prospective financial information.   

Jeff graduated from Miami University and is licensed to practice as a CPA in the state of Ohio. 

Jeff is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. 

 

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Kenneth J. Schoster, CPA

Ken serves as the principal in charge of the tax department at Rippe & Kingston.  His breadth of knowledge and level of expertise contribute to superior client service.     

Ken’s background includes consultation with clients on a variety of tax matters, including mergers and acquisitions, sales of businesses, and accounting methods.  Primary services are to privately held companies, including both domestic and international organizations.  He has extensive experience working with manufacturers, distributors, real estate developers, and service organizations.  Ken began his public accounting career in 1987 with a "Big 4" public accounting firm prior to joining Rippe & Kingston in 2001.  Prior to practicing public accounting, he spent over three years as an Internal Revenue Service Agent. 

A graduate of Xavier University, Ken holds a BS in Accounting.  He is licensed to practice as a CPA in the state of Ohio. 

Ken is a member of several professional and service affiliations including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants.  Additionally, he is the former Treasurer of the Cincinnati Athletic Club. 

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Chad Williams, CPA

Chad is a principal in the tax department.  He takes charge of a variety of tax engagements, including coordination of work with clients and supervision of tax staff.    

Chad has over fourteen years experience in public accounting, including time in the federal tax practice of an international accounting firm.  Primary areas of service are to privately held companies in the manufacturing, real estate and service industries.  Chad consults with clients on a variety of complex tax issues including inventory accounting method change, sale of business assets, research credit studies, and tax deferred exchanges. 

Chad obtained his BS in Accounting from Morehead State University.  He is licensed to practice as a CPA in the state of Ohio.

Chad is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants.  Additionally, he serves as treasurer of Fellowship Baptist Church in Maineville, Ohio.

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