JUSTIN C. STEELE ESQ

Justin serves as Chief Operating Officer of Schneider Downs, where he is responsible for leading the firm’s day-to-day operations and driving operational excellence across practices and service lines. In this role, he supports the firm’s continued growth and ensures the delivery of exceptional client service.

Justin joined the firm in 2017 and most recently served as Tax Practice Leader, where he guided the strategic direction of the firm’s tax services. He developed deep expertise advising clients on mergers and acquisitions, with a focus on structuring middle market transactions for closely held businesses, private equity portfolio companies and their owners.

Justin continues to advise clients on M&A transactions in his role as COO, applying his tax and legal background to support deal structuring and execution. His experience leading a major practice area, combined with his technical expertise, informs his approach to firm leadership and client service.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Justin resides in Hampton with his wife and their two children.

Education

B.A. – Accounting, University of Pittsburgh
J.D. – Duquesne University School of Law

Professional and Community Involvement

Managing Shareholder – Tax

Member—Allegheny County Bar Association – Taxation Section

Treasurer—Hampton Youth Lacrosse Association

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Do you have a hobby or personal passion?

I enjoy spending time with my wife and children and boating on the Allegheny River.

 

What was the best advice you’ve ever received?

Treat everyone like a future client.

 

People would be surprised to know that I…….

Was interviewed twice on the Gretchen Carlson Show on Fox News.

 

What is the best or most interesting thing about your career?

Helping my client’s understand the tax impact of business transactions.

 

What was your first job?

Bagging groceries and collecting shopping carts from the parking lot at the local Giant Eagle.

 

When you have an hour of free time, what do you like to do?

Spend time with my children.

 

Do you have advice for young professionals?

Be a sponge.

Our Thoughts On

FEATURED

Big Problem: New Rules For Business Deductions.


Big Thinking: New Tax Planning Strategies To Save $300,000.

Shareholder EVAN OGRODNIK has been with Schneider Downs since 2005 and is one of our experts in tax compliance and planning, accounting, and financial reporting matters.
Evan’s team always worked closely with our clients’ accounting group and Schneider Downs‘ audit team. When the IRS changed the rules on the deductibility of repairs and maintenance versus capitalization of assets, a group of Schneider Downs’ tax specialists performed a deep-dive on the technical rules of this change to develop tax planning strategies for their clients.  In one particular instance, through extensive analysis of the client’s fixed asset ledgers as well as those of related-party commercial rental properties, we were able to find tax savings of approximately $300,000. “Communication with our clients is always critical,” Ogrodnik said. “Our understanding of new, complex regulations, knowledge of our client’s business and internal workings, and the trust the client had in our experts, allowed us to take advantage of tax rules and garner significant deductions.” 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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