As Kreischer Miller celebrates its 50th anniversary, we sat down with Managing Director Chris Meshginpoosh to reflect on his career journey, what makes the firm unique, and how it’s preparing for the next 50 years. Chris is only the third managing director in the firm’s history, succeeding Jack Kreischer and Steve Christian. He assumed the Managing Director role in 2017.
What has your journey at Kreischer Miller looked like?
I joined Kreischer Miller in 1998 after spending several years at KPMG and working in industry at a large family-owned business. Shortly after I started, Jack Kreischer invited me to assist with an M&A project, where I provided due diligence and financial modeling services for roll-up transactions across three industries.
Those projects were incredibly energizing—they deepened my understanding of both financial performance and business strategy. I enjoyed the work so much that I went into business with Tom Bevivino, another Manager at the firm, to provide M&A services to companies preparing to go public. Midway through our first assignment, our sole client—a Dallas-based company—hired both of us to lead their finance team through an IPO and the purchase of nine businesses. However, I didn’t venture too far from Kreischer Miller, as we engaged them to provide interim staffing and recruiting services for our NYC-based business unit.
Following that experience, I took on a role as CFO of another public company in Fort Washington, where we again engaged Kreischer Miller—this time to audit our employee benefit plan. These roles gave me firsthand insight into what it’s like to be a Kreischer Miller client, and I loved it.
After successfully restructuring and selling that business, I knew I wanted to return to public accounting in an advisory role. Mark Metzler, a longtime mentor and partner at Kreischer Miller, connected me with Steve Christian. I didn’t even consider another firm—I knew their team, their culture, and their values, and I was eager to come back. After reconnecting with Steve, the decision was easy, and I returned in 2003 to lead the consulting group.
About four years later, Steve asked me to step in and lead our Audit & Accounting practice, and I took on Managing Director responsibilities in 2017 after Steve’s retirement from the role.
Throughout my time here, I’ve been fortunate to have many remarkable mentors—most notably, Mark Metzler, Jack Kreischer, and Steve Christian. Each has unique perspectives that have shaped my views on culture, management, and strategy.
What has helped Kreischer Miller thrive over the past 50 years, especially in a consolidating industry?
Our leaders understand the needs of privately held, middle-market businesses because they’ve lived it. We are a growing middle market business and face the same challenges as our clients. That insight shapes both our service offerings and our approach to client service.
We also hire exceptional people who share our values and are committed to becoming trusted advisors. Our people are our greatest asset, and clients consistently tell us how much they enjoy working with them.
What accomplishments are you most proud of as Managing Director?
I’m incredibly proud of the growth I’ve seen in our people over the last eight years. One of the great privileges of being here so long is having a front-row seat as the next generation of leaders steps forward. Watching that evolution in real time is deeply rewarding.
What has surprised you most during your time at Kreischer Miller?
When I first joined the firm, I expected to work primarily as an auditor. I never imagined the breadth of opportunities I’d have to develop new skills. Kreischer Miller is a nimble organization that encourages people to explore, take on challenges, and create new service lines. That entrepreneurial spirit is one of our greatest strengths—and something I hope we never lose.
What advice would you give to those entering the profession or just starting their careers?
Never say no to an opportunity that helps you build new skills. Stepping outside your comfort zone leads to a more fulfilling career and keeps your skills relevant in a rapidly evolving world.
Where do you think the profession is headed?
Technology will significantly reshape the accounting profession. It will allow us to focus on helping professionals build broader business skills earlier in their careers. The accountant of tomorrow will be a data-driven strategist—someone who uses technology, client data, and market insights to help businesses become stronger and more resilient.
What’s your vision for Kreischer Miller’s future? What do the next 50 years look like?
I believe our future will reflect much of our past: continuing to serve as the leading provider of professional services to middle-market businesses and their owners.
In the industries we serve, we’ll continue to build on our deep expertise in ownership structures, governance, trends, and technology to expand our services and geographic reach. We’re not standing still—we’re always looking ahead and committed to evolving in ways that better serve our clients and our people.