Apple Growth Partners

Apple Growth Partners’ Principal Earns Prestigious Award from NSME Akron/Canton™

AKRON, Ohio – (December 9, 2019) – Apple Growth Partners (AGP), award-winning accounting and business advisory firm, proudly announces tax principal Mark Lapikas, CPA, CGMA, MTax, MBA, as one of the upcoming National Sales & Marketing Executives (NSME) Akron/Canton™ Achievements in Excellence Award™ recipients for 2020. Lapikas will be recognized during the 48th annual Accent on Excellence event held on February 25, 2020, at The Tangier in Akron.

Mark Lapikas, CPA, CGMA, MTax, MBA

The NSME Akron/Canton™ Achievements in Excellence Awards™ are based on competitively selective criteria, including sales and marketing performance, professional and business recognition, professional and trade organizations, community, and civic involvement, and overall career achievement. For AGP tax supervisor Kristy Angerstien, 2019 Achievement in Excellence Award recipient, Lapikas exceeded the nomination requirements.

“Mark has the utmost commitment to AGP and the firm’s shared values,” comments Angerstien. “He brings continued success to the firm, our community and to everyone he meets. He is extremely client-driven and motivated for the success of the firm’s clients.”

Chairman Chuck Mullen agrees.

“In his past role as the director of tax, he successfully managed our tax department, while helping open our newest office in his hometown of Canton,” states Mullen. “Mark is an exemplary leader in both the firm and the community, as proven by his recent appointment to the firm’s Executive Committee.”

Lapikas holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a Master of Taxation degree, both from the University of Akron and a Master of Business Administration from Ohio University. Lapikas is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). He began his career with AGP in 2006 and has quickly worked the ranks to become a principal in July 2018. Excelling in client services, Lapikas exceeds his clients’ expectations through outlining deliverables, staying attentive to client matters, and communicating frequently. Lapikas specializes in manufacturing and provides tax and succession planning services to privately held companies throughout Northeastern Ohio. His relationships with clients date as far back as 13 years from when he first joined the firm.

Along with his professional accomplishments, Lapikas is dedicated to presenting locally to help business owners grow their company. In the last 12 months, Lapikas has presented in local seminars for business owners, educating on the firm’s Healthy Growth Checkup® services, utilizing social media in the workplace, and tax reform. Before being promoted to a principal, Lapikas served as the director of tax for the firm’s tax department, responsible for employee management and scheduling. As a principal, Lapikas successfully onboarded a new director of tax to focus on growing his client base in the Akron, Canton, and Cleveland markets. 

“When assessing the future of our firm, Mark is an excellent example of a young professional that is both dedicated to his career and community while practicing a healthy work/life balance,” says Mullen. “We’re proud Mark has grown his career with our firm, and it’s no surprise he’s been acknowledged by the National Sales & Marketing Executives (NSME) Akron/Canton™ chapter.”

About Apple Growth Partners

Apple Growth Partners is an award-winning accounting and business advisory firm with more than 75 years of helping grow local businesses. With offices in Cleveland, Akron, Canton, and Kent, AGP offers a full range of services, including audit and assurance, tax planning and compliance, business valuation, litigation consulting, employee stock ownership plans, and transaction advisory services.

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