EUGENE M. DEFRANK CPA

Eugene is a shareholder in the Accounting, Assurance and Advisory Services practice at Schneider Downs, bringing many years of experience and leadership to the firm. He began his public accounting career in 1985 and joined the firm in 1988, where his dedication and expertise led to his promotion to shareholder in 1998. Over the years, Eugene has gained extensive experience and expertise with privately held, private-equity-owned and ESOP-owned businesses in the construction, manufacturing, transportation and logistics industries.

Eugene is regarded as a trusted business advisor by both clients and colleagues. His counsel is frequently sought to solve complex financial, accounting, and business issues.

Professional and Community Involvement

Officer and Board Member—Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central Pennsylvania

Member—American and Pennsylvania Institutes of Certified Public Accountants.

Member—Construction Financial Management Association

Member—Schneider Downs Construction Industry Group

Member—Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association

Past Chairman—Schneider Downs Transportation and Logistics Services Group

Past Member—Schneider Downs Accounting, Assurance and Advisory Services Committee

Past Chairman – Schneider Downs Accounting and Assurance Effectiveness Committee

Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP)

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What was your childhood dream?
To play for the Pittsburgh Pirates

What is the best or most interesting thing about your career?
I met my wife at Schneider Downs.

Do you have a “motto?”
Do unto others as you would have them do to you.

When you have an hour of free time, what do you like to do?
Anything with my children.

Do you have advice for young professionals?
Work hard, learn every day, build your network, take care of your family and give to those who are less fortunate.

Eugene Defrank

Our Thoughts On

FEATURED

Big Problem: A Complex Business Evaluation Case.


Big Thinking: Dispute Settlement And Control Of The Business.

With Schneider Downs since 2014, shareholder TOM PRATT has more than 30 years of experience in public accounting, forensic accounting, litigation support, business valuation and financial reorganization.
Tom’s team was involved in a complex and contentious business evaluation dispute between our client, who was the controlling shareholder, and a non-controlling shareholder. The dispute included allegations of fraud, self-dealing and mismanagement of entities against our client. We worked with our client’s outside legal counsel to help them respond to both the valuation issues and, importantly, refute the allegations being made against him. Our diligent and objective work assisted in the settlement of the dispute, and our client purchased the interests of the non-controlling shareholder prior to going to trial. “We’ve seen just about everything you can see when it comes to disputes between business partners,” Pratt said. “So we know what to look for and what analysis and evidence will help our clients.” Schneider Downs provides Big Thinking and Personal Focus in delivering a variety of services for large and small businesses, both publicly and privately held, as well as nonprofit organizations, government entities and more. Through our commitment to thought leadership and knowledge management, we deliver the solutions our clients need with a personal commitment to service.

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