The Anne Arundel Estate Planning Council recently sat down with Zachary Reichenbach, Membership Chair, to discuss his journey, the challenges he has faced, and his aspirations for the future. Below is a detailed look at his professional background and insights:

1. Can you tell us about your background and what led you to your current role/field?

My background, and how I got into my current role, is certainly unique. Like most accounting majors coming out of college, my two options for employment were either to be an auditor or a tax accountant. Right out of college, I chose to become an auditor. However, within the first few months of my employment at a CPA firm in Maryland, I had an unfortunate accident where I broke several bones in my body. This injury prevented me from doing typical audit fieldwork.

As a result of not being able to do typical auditor tasks, I stayed in the office and was exposed to various business valuation and forensic accounting assignments as a junior associate. I enjoyed it so much that, after I healed, I made the full-time transition into business valuation and forensic accounting. It’s one of those situations where life threw me a curveball, but it was a blessing in disguise, introducing me to a career I may never have been exposed to if not for my accident.

Today, I am a managing member at Paradigm Forensics, a business valuation, forensic accounting, and litigation support firm in Annapolis and other areas in Maryland. My career path since then has been very typical. I worked hard to develop my skills, gain the necessary credentials and designations, and build my relationships and book of business.

Recently, I had the opportunity to join Paradigm Forensics as a managing member. The firm is filled with fantastic, high-character people who are focused on providing the highest level of service to its customers. This firm aligns with my core values, and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of it.

2. What are some challenges you've faced in your career and how have you overcome them?

Part of my practice involves providing business valuation and forensic accounting work in litigation, either as an expert witness or consultant. Litigation itself is a challenging field where every conclusion or assumption I make is scrutinized.

To overcome high levels of scrutiny, I really learn about the facts and evidence in any engagement and think of all the possible outcomes with each decision, conclusion, or assumption. Taking the time early on, before finalizing any conclusion or opinion, and being critical of my own work is a strategy that I have used to overcome the scrutiny in litigation.

Additionally, dealing with challenging clients is a reality in my field. My strategy is to be transparent about my work process and maintain high levels of communication. While this does not guarantee success, it has helped me overcome many of the challenges professionals often face.

3. What project or achievement are you most proud of, and why?

I am really proud of my civic affiliations and the work I’ve done with local professional organizations in Maryland. I’ve been an active board member for the CFA Society Baltimore, an executive committee member of the Anne Arundel Estate Planning Council, and an executive committee member of the forensic and valuation services section of the Maryland Association of CPAs.

My work with these organizations has allowed me to give back to my profession and share my knowledge with peers to raise the standards in business valuation and forensic accounting. I also enjoy teaching younger CPAs and industry peers about the techniques and methods used in these fields.

4. How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life?

I admit that I don’t always succeed in balancing my professional responsibilities with my personal life very well. I have worked hard to create a healthy lifestyle that allows me to be present when not working. The invention of the smartphone has made this even more difficult.

I try and break up my day into “zones” which allows me to focus on one task at a time. During the workday, the zones may include working on client matters, spending time on business development, or to working with my partners on firm-related issues. Outside of work, my zones are more personal, such as family time, hobbies, or relaxation. Using this process has helped me not to stretch myself too thin and to maintain a balance in all of the responsibilities that life throws at us.

I often remind myself that we only get one life, and work is just one component of it. This reminder has helped me find some balance, but I’d be lying if I said I have it all figured out.

5. What are you currently passionate about or what motivates you in your daily work?

I love puzzles, and each business valuation or forensic accounting engagement feels like one. I’m driven by the challenge of solving these “puzzles,” and figuring out the answers keeps me motivated.

I also enjoy developing relationships with clients and referral sources. I enjoy getting to know them and learning about their businesses. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some great clients in the past, and I cherish the relationships that I have built. I love hearing about their backgrounds and stories and incorporating those experiences in my work.

6. Looking ahead, what are some goals or aspirations you have for the next few years?

Over the next few years, my goal is to grow my personal brand and help build Paradigm Forensics into a nationally recognized thought leader in business valuation and forensic accounting. I am fortunate to be with a great firm and surrounded by great colleagues, and I’m confident we will work together to achieve these goals.