Message from the Founder

I founded Equals to create an accounting firm built on balance, integrity, and respect — a place where every client receives thoughtful attention, no matter their size or circumstance.

I grew up in Leelanau County, where community and connection shaped my values. After earning my degree from the University of Notre Dame, I spent nearly a decade in Chicago, working with multinational, publicly traded corporations across both public accounting and private industry. That experience built a strong technical foundation and deep respect for precision and accountability.

When I returned to the Traverse City area, I had the opportunity to work more closely with entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses, and individuals — people whose goals and stories reminded me why I was drawn to this profession in the first place. That perspective inspired Equals: an accounting firm where expertise meets approachability, and every client feels seen, supported, and informed.

Grounded in the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, Equals reflects my commitment to clarity, ethics, and partnership. Everyone deserves expertise and respect — because everyone counts.

— Kim Schwaiger, CPA
Managing Member, Equals PLLC