March 2011

Blackman Expands Tax Practice - Elects Two New Partners

Blackman Kallick is pleased to announce the addition of two new partners to the Tax Services Group. Brian S. Carter and Craig Maksymiak bring a wealth of experience and strategic insights to their manufacturing, distribution, private equity and high net worth clients. The advancement of these seasoned professionals, both members of the Family Office Services Group and the Private Equity and Venture Capital Group, strengthen a tax practice already rich with talent.

Brian S. Carter, CPA, MST

Brian is especially adept at helping clients integrate tax strategies and ideas to achieve real financial results.

He brings a comprehensive approach to tax planning to all of his diverse clients – who range from affluent families to private equity, venture capital and real estate funds to manufacturing businesses. His high-net-worth clients also take advantage of his strategic advice in matters regarding family office structure and charitable giving strategies. Brian is a frequent speaker on family office topics and regularly contributes articles to Blackman Kallick’s Tax Highlights publication.

“Brian has been instrumental in establishing the foundation that allows us to serve some of the largest families in the Midwest,” says Mark Blumenthal, Partner and Chairman of the Family Office Services Group. “Clients and staff rely on Brian to help solve their most complicated problems. He has become their ‘go to’ guy.”

Drawing on his past experience as a controller at a private equity firm, Brian also has extensive experience with the unique tax structures that benefit mid-market private equity and venture capital funds.

Read Brian's full bio.

Craig Maksymiak, CPA

Craig’s background in partnership taxation makes him particularly attuned to the needs of investment partnerships, including real estate, private equity, technology and family offices.

A well-rounded advisor, Craig understands his clients’ goals, allowing him to develop the appropriate tax-planning strategies to meet their unique needs.

“Craig treats each client as if that person were part of his family,” says Mike Calahan, Tax Partner. “He learns about all aspects of his clients to better advise on a roadmap with respect to tax decisions. I look forward to working with Craig in meeting the challenges that face our clients and taxpayers today.”

As a member of the Family Office Services Group strategy team, Craig develops systems to manage the most complex engagements. Leveraging his deep knowledge of partnership taxation, he conducts many of the firm’s training sessions on the topic. He also is a regular contributor to the firm’s Tax Highlights publication.

Read Craig's full bio.