Gratitude
Legacy
1) a thing handed down by a predecessor

"It's not about me, but the people and the clients."

If there is a phrase that defines Schechter Dokken Kanter CPAs, this is it. At our forming in 1990, the leaders of SDK declared that ours would be a firm that strives to know each and every client on a personal level, and that we would apply our intense technical training and background to each client's situation.

Today, when we look back, we take pride in how adherence to that vision of being a firm of integrity of practice and authenticity of relationships has allowed us and those we serve to succeed. We are heartened by the fact that we have attracted and now encourage a new generation of accounting professionals who recognize and share our sense that by always doing the right thing for the client, we assure the future and continuity of the firm.

What will we look like 20 years from now? We do not know. Perhaps, as partner Chuck Selcer muses, the firm will still "be at the same address, but have more rooms -- maybe all of the 16th floor, and the 15th, too." Certainly, we hope the firm will, as partner Bill Belvedere observes, "always draw on the past, so that we project our strengths into the future."

But as partner Joe Kenyon reflects, "When we turn this practice over to younger people, we want them to have all the benefits of the firm's history. To do that we have to be playing our A-game today. That's what will ensure the future."

Thank you for being part of the SDK legacy.

Photo Galleries

Founder's Day 2011

Each year at SDK, we take a day to volunteer our time in honor of the firm's founding. This year found us at Second Harvest Heartland, packaging rice and fresh fruit. Our evening event was dinner, bowling and bocce ball at Pinstripes, with colleagues and significant others.

SDK's 2011 Holiday Card

Our clients make us smile. We can't help it. It's just what happens when we work with you. So we thought we'd share a smile with you this holiday season. If you've looked and looked and still can't find your favorite accountant, click to see each photo and name.

And then, we hope you'll smile.

Women's Golf Outing, June, 2011

SDK women hosted clients and friends at our third annual golf outing at Braemar Golf Course in Edina.

SDK Softball Team 2011

Every Monday night, the SDK team is at the ball field, wearing their shirts that say, "Certified Public All-Stars!!" Click to view the action shots from the June 20 game.

Busy Season 2011

What do accountants do to beat the stress of long hours and complicated tax returns during busy season? They rely on the SDK Stress Busters team for much-needed mind breaks.

2011 brought SDK's version of "Minute to Win It." Each Tuesday, games from the show were played, including: “A Bit Dicey”; “Movin’ On Up”;  “Separation Anxiety.”

Hoop It Up 2011

Our annual young professionals event was a hit! A great number of people showed up for some comraderie and friendly competition.

Founder's Day 2010

December of 2010 brought the annual Founder's Day celebration for SDK. This event was special, marking the beginning of the 20th year of the firm. While typically a dinner for employees and spouses/guests, this year the invitation was extended to past employees as well.

Auditors

The SDK Audit Department was featured on our 2011 SDK calendar. Think accountants sit at computers all day? Think again! Our auditors are out and about on any given day. From the tops of liquor bulk tanks to the tree fields of central Minnesota, to the mountains of cash inside casino vaults, our auditors are the action figures of accountants.

Click the gallery to place names with all the faces on the calendar.

Slyder Saturday tradition continues

As is the tradition at SDK, April 10 was the date of the Annual SDK Slyder Saturday, a silly break in the long days our team members have put in since the start of tax season.

2010 Hoop It Up

March 16th was the night of the annual "Hoop it Up" event, sponsored and hosted by the SDK young professionals. Over 60 young professionals gathered to meet, greet, and engage in some friendly March Madness competition.

SDKers volunteer at Feed My Starving Children

18 SDKers joined other volunteers at FMSC on February 18 to help bag and box food for the victims in Haiti. About 130 boxes of food were assembled amongst the 75 or so volunteers on site, providing over 24,000 meals to starving children.

Founder's Day Evening Event

Following an afternoon of volunteering, the SDK team, along with spouses and guests, enjoyed an evening at the Science Museum of Minnesota. A science experiment led off the evening, an enjoyable meal followed, and managing shareholder Joe Kenyon shared his increased respect for those in the retail industry.

Founder's Day Service Project

Almost all SDK employees participated in the annual service project, to honor the founding of the firm. We spent the day at Arc's Value Village in Brooklyn Center, sorting, tagging and hanging clothing.

Thanksgiving Card Out-takes

With 15 children, most under 7, at a park on a sunny morning, you never know what you will get. Take a peek at the "out-takes" that eventually led to our 2009 Thanksgiving card.

SDK Softball 2009

Home Runs, strike outs, cheering fans, great summer nights!

SDK 2009 Social Event

A couple hours of challenging games and friendly competition

In-House Ethics Training

Taking advantage of our national ethics trainer, Chuck Selcer, the SDK staff spent the morning discussing and learning about ethics in business.

SDK Women Into Leadership Golf Event

Showcasing our support of women into leadership trainings, the team takes clients and friends for an afternoon of golf.

SDK Founder's Day, 2008

Each year, in honor of the firm's founding, the entire office participates in a day of service.