Michael M. Marasco, MBA

Mike has more than 24 years of experience in business administration, finance and accounting leadership. Prior to joining Schneider Downs, he was CFO at a large Pittsburgh-based cultural organization where he led the organization through significant change. He also served as the longtime CFO for a New York-based company where he oversaw significant growth and ultimately managed the company through a strategic exit.

He has extensive experience developing the administrative infrastructure and reporting that successful companies require, while providing the financial analysis necessary to execute strategic initiatives.

At Schneider Downs, Mike is part of the leadership team of the Accounting Advisory practice, focusing on outsourced services capabilities. He partners with clients to find solutions to company challenges and assists senior leadership in achieving their goals. He develops and executes strategic plans aimed at creating long-term value.

Mike provides administrative, planning, analytic and accounting expertise to clients seeking a strategic partner or those looking to outsource some or all of their accounting and finance functions.

Professional and Community Involvement

Member — Schneider Downs Not-for-Profit Focus Group

Education

Master of Business Administration — Duquesne University
B.S. — Business Administration, Duquesne University

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Do you have a hobby/personal passion?

I’m a parent, an avid golfer, and a coach at heart.

What was the best advice you’ve ever received?

Surround yourself with great people.

Who is your role model?

My parents.

What was your childhood dream?

To be a major league baseball player.

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your college self?

Join Schneider Downs right away!

What was your first job?

Paper route

Do you have a “motto”? (spoken or unspoken)

We’ll be successful if our clients reach their goals.

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

Hang out on the back patio with my family and dog.

Do you have advice for young professionals?

Focus on a long-term objective and find mentors who have already achieved that goal.

Our Thoughts On

FEATURED

Big Problem: Large Tax Burden In The Succession Plans Of A Family Business.


Big Thinking: Creating A Grantor Trust To Save $1.5 Million.

GREG ALLISON is responsible for estate and succession planning for business owners, executives and high-net-worth individuals. He also prepares annual income tax returns for estates and trusts in addition to gift tax returns, federal estate tax returns and state inheritance tax returns.
One of Greg’s clients was a father wanting to retire and give his son 100% ownership of their company. Giving his 80% share in the company would result in a $1.5 million tax due on redemption. Greg’s team was able to avoid the $1.5 million tax and introduce asset protection by having the father creator a grantor trust instead. “By creating a grantor trust, the father was able to sell his shares under the same terms as redemption but save money since no gain is recognized on the sale,” said Greg. “We were also able to integrate asset protection into the structure and procure the recurring tax and attest services.” 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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