PEPPEP TALKSTALKS PEP TALKSJULY 2026JULY 2026JULY 2026Ending Summer strong, together as one team! Have a great summer travel photo? Send it to emily.buis@roedlusa.com for a chance to be featured in the next PEP Talk.
03 - 04 05 - 09 10 - 13 14 - 18 19. 20 - 21 MOVEMENT & MILESTONES INSIDE INITIATIVES CELEBRATION CORNER CULTURE CHRONICLES RÖDL CARES EDITORIAL TEAM Our firm philosophy is to safeguard personal employee information in the same manner we maintain confidentially of client information; however, certain non-sensitive personal information may be shared from time to time amongst our colleagues (name, photos, publications you author, information you specifically submit to an internal publication, etc.), once this information is shared or published internally, you understand and accept that we cannot control unauthorized distribution to third parties. PRIVACY POLICY HOOTLE HELLOS PEP Talks is our bi-monthly newsletter created by the People Engagement Promoters Team (“PEP Team”) to highlight our amazing culture. Content includes office news, employee achievements, employees’ personal news (engagements, birth announcements, marriages, etc.), and more. PEP Talks connect our team across all of our offices and brings us all together! Table of Contents. WHAT ARE PEP TALKS? Alanna Bragg, Alanna.Bragg@roedlusa.com Audrey Gianaris, Audrey.Gianaris@roedlusa.com Casey Farrell, Casey.Farrell@roedlusa.com Emily Buis, Emily.Buis@roedlusa.com Emma Arrowood, Emma.Arrowood@roedlusa.com Jack Howard, Jack.Howard@roedlusa.com Jackie Gomez, Jackie.Gomez@roedlusa.com Lauren Bornstein, Lauren.Bornstein@roedlusa.com Lindsay Kirwan, Lindsay.Kirwan@roedlusa.com Maddy Weakland, Maddy.Weakland@roedlusa.com Olga Papaioannou, Olga.Papaioannou@roedlusa.com Romy Gadus, Romy.Gadus@roedlusa.com Staci Wilson, Staci.Wilson@roedlusa.com Tracy Meier, Tracy.Meier@roedlusa.com
MOVEMENT & MILESTONESMOVEMENT & MILESTONES 03ManagerManagerManagerNADJA RHODESTax - BirminghamTax - BirminghamTax - Birmingham FIRM ANNIVERSARIES PROMOTIONS THANK YOU FOR YOUR OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE FIRM! “It is an honor to recognize employees with milestone anniversaries in the PEP Talks” - Firm ManagementCongratulations to our newly promoted Managers and Senior Associates!5 Year Celebrities20 Year CelebritiesChicago: Lauren Franceschini Charlotte: Norbert SporbeckCharlotte: J.T. SullivanManagerManagerManagerJASMINE JOHNSONSTO - AtlantaSTO - AtlantaSTO - AtlantaSenior AssociateSenior AssociateSenior AssociateNIKLAS SCHWABEM&D - ChicagoM&D - ChicagoM&D - Chicago
CONGRATULATIONS ON THIRTY YEARS RICK!
05 Idea Submitted by Action Result Automating CCH Practice Management to Planner Ronnie Redd, Birmingham Office Integrating CCH Practice Management with Microsoft Planner would automate task and project tracking, reducing manual effort and improving visibility. A custom API connection would sync projects and tasks between CCH and Planner, enabling teams to work within Microsoft 365 while keeping both systems aligned through bi-directional updates. In Review AI Prompt Library Lukas Maurer, Chicago Office A centralized AI Prompt Library would provide employees with access to partner-approved AI prompts, promoting consistency, knowledge sharing, and faster onboarding. It would reduce duplicate effort while supporting security and compliance by encouraging the use of approved AI tools, such as Microsoft Copilot, for client-related work. In Review INSIDE INITIATIVESINSIDE INITIATIVES The Innovative Task Force is a platform for sharing ideas, tracking progress, and ensuring accountability. It’s a chance for everyone to contribute to our success. Check out the most recent submissions below.INNOVATIVE TASK FORCE
06 Idea Submitted by Action Result Review Note Console — Cell- Level Review Notes for Excel Workpapers Kelvin Wu, Chicago Office The Review Note Console (RNC) is an Excel add-in that streamlines the review process by allowing reviewers to attach notes directly to specific cells, track note statuses, and manage all review comments in a centralized Review Note Tracker within Excel. In Review BD charge code Amina Borklund, Denver Office Create a dedicated charge code for Internal Business Development/Cross- Service Referrals to track time spent identifying and developing opportunities for other service lines, providing better visibility into business development efforts and a more accurate view of client profitability. Innovation Task Force followed up - there is already a BD code INSIDE INITIATIVESINSIDE INITIATIVES
07LinkedIn Life Page To make this initiative a success, we need help from all of you with posting more content on LinkedIn. Your personal LinkedIn accounts are powerful tools that can significantly boost our visibility and reach. By sharing our posts, articles, and updates, you contribute to spreading the word about RÖDL USA and showcasing our culture. Remember, every like, comment, and share matters! Let’s come together as a team and create a buzz on LinkedIn. Together, we can make our “Life Page” thrive and engage with a wider audience. GUIDELINES FOR THE LIFE PAGE Make sure your privacy settings are changed to enable “representing your organizations and interest” on your personal profile. Making this change is necessary so your post is visible on the Life Page. Please reach out to the PEP Team if you need help with this. Check that the correct RÖDL & Partner USA page is listed as your employer Update your LinkedIn profile with a professional headshot and your most up-to-date title All posts must be longer than 50+ characters to show up on the Life Page tab. Pictures/videos are encouraged! Posts that show up on the page must be original content (no reposts). Your posts must include one of our hashtags to show up on the trending employee content and Life Page LIFE PAGE HASHTAGS Our Firm #achievetogether #weareroedl #roedlunited Life at RÖDL USA #lifeatroedl #roedllife #wepavetheway Campus Recruiting #startwithroedl #roedloncampus #roedlintern Experienced Hires #achievewithroedl #chooseroedl International Presence #roedlworldwide #roedlglobal IDEAS FOR LINKEDIN POSTS Why RÖDL? Share your story about how the firm or another colleague supports you to achieve your goals Firm Events and Holiday Celebrations End of busy season party, annual summer outing, Halloween, Christmas Potluck, after-hours events, and other office parties Milestones and Recognitions Promotions, passing the CPA, other achievements. Don’t forget to recognize your colleagues’ achievements as well. Staff Training New hire and intern training, Senior Staff Symposium, Lunch and Learn, CPR Training, Tuesdays at 2, Audit Simulation Firm Culture and Flexible Work Testimonies Team photo from audit travel, intern recognition, work from home set-up, testimonial about flexible work options Networking Campus recruiting visits, firm presentations, German American Chambers of Commerce events, other networking events where you represent the firmINSIDE INITIATIVES
08INSIDE INITIATIVESEmployee ReferralProgramRÖDL USA is looking for quality people - just like you! That’s why we are looking to you as the best source of new candidates for a variety of open positions. If you appreciate the idea of a referral bonus for bringing new people on board, then you want to know all about our Employee Referral Program.To refer a candidate, look through our open positions on our website: www.roedl.us/careers/career-opportunitiesYOU COULD EARN:$4,000-$8,000$4,000-$8,000$4,000-$8,000PER QUALIFYING REFERRALThen submit your referral through the Employee Referral Form on GRIPS. If you have any questions, please contact Casey Farrell.
09 INTERN AMBASSADOR PROGRAM INTERN AMBASSADOR PROGRAM Refer a friend, make money!K n o w s o m e o n e y o u t h i n k m akesagreatfit?INSIDE INITIATIVES $500 bonus for a referred intern in their senior year or master’s program $300 bonus for a referred intern in their junior year of college To submit your referral, please contact Olga Papaioannou directly at olga.papaioannou@roedlusa.com
10 CULTURE CHRONICLESCULTURE CHRONICLESCULTURE CHRONICLES The Atlanta office brought plenty of team spirit to the France vs. Spain World Cup match! Employees gathered to cheer on their favorite teams while enjoying food, drinks, and some friendly competition. The celebration even included face painting, making for a fun and festive atmosphere as colleagues came together to enjoy the excitement of the game.World Cup Watch Party
11CULTURE CHRONICLESSummer Outings! The Chicago team set sail for a summer outing aboard the Tall Ship Windy on Lake Michigan before dropping anchor at Lirica on Navy Pier for food and drinks. Despite the hazy skies, the team had a fantastic time connecting, unwinding, and enjoying an afternoon together outside the office. A Tiger’s overtime loss did not diminish the fun of the annual Detroit outing! The sun shone; the seats were great, and of course ballpark food is in a league of its own! We were excited to have Lindsay Kirwan from the Chicago office join us this year!
08International Senior Associate WeekCULTURE CHRONICLES Senior Associates from across our US offices recently traveled to Germany for the 15th annual International Senior Associate Week (ISAW). The program brought together 280 professionals from around the globe for a week of collaboration, networking, and professional development while strengthening connections across the RÖDL international network.
13Thank you to all of our Interns!CULTURE CHRONICLES As summer internships come to a close, we'd like to thank the incredible interns across all RÖDL US offices for their hard work, enthusiasm, and contributions this season. We're grateful for the time, energy, and dedication you've shared with us this summer. Thank you for being part of the RÖDL team. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors and look forward to seeing what you accomplish next!InternIntern
14 CELEBRATION CORNERCELEBRATION CORNERCELEBRATION CORNER The Charlotte office recently gathered to celebrate Steve Cooper and his nearly 22 years of service to the firm. Throughout his career, Steve has made a lasting impact through his dedication, leadership, and commitment to those around him. As he begins his well-earned retirement, colleagues reflected on the many contributions he has made over the years and the positive influence he has had on the firm. We thank Steve for his remarkable service and wish him all the best in this exciting new chapter filled with happiness, relaxation, and new adventures. Enjoy retirement, Steve!Thank you Steve!
15 Thank you to everyone who joined the fun for our National Emoji Day challenge! Employees across RÖDL USA put their emoji decoding skills to the test, and after plenty of guessing, creativity, and friendly competition, we are excited to recognize our winners: JP van der Walt (Atlanta), Mallory McCart (Charlotte), Latane Lawson (Houston), William Gryder (Birmingham), Gabby Foster (Cincinnati), Nicole Kielba (Chicago), Patrick Stolze (Denver), and Roselande Thomas (Manhattan). Congratulations to all of our emoji experts, and thank you to everyone who participated and helped make National Emoji Day a success!CELEBRATION CORNER Emoji Day Winners
16CELEBRATION CORNER Congratulations to Faithe Fillmore in the Atlanta Office on the newest addition to her family! Faithe recently welcomed her son, Xolani Kael Fillmore, who arrived weighing 6 lbs. 2 oz. His unique name carries a special meaning: "mighty but peaceful warrior." Pictured here with his proud big sister, Xolani is already surrounded by lots of love. Join us in welcoming the newest member of the RÖDL family!Rödl Baby Boom Congratulations to Anne Doyle in the Chicago office on the newest addition to her family! Anne recently welcomed her daughter, Fiadh Yaros, on May 22, 2026, weighing 8 lbs. 5 oz. This precious little girl is already bringing so much joy to her family. Join us in celebrating Anne and welcoming the newest member of the RÖDL family! Congratulations to Jacqueline Wartusch in the Detroit office on the newest addition to her family! Jacqueline recently welcomed her daughter, Amelie, on July 28, weighing 7 lbs. 6.9 oz. This precious little girl is already bringing so much joy to her family. Join us in celebrating Jacqueline and welcoming the newest member of the RÖDL family Congratulations to John McGarty in the Charlotte office on the newest addition to his family! John and his wife, Kelsie, welcomed their daughter, Emmaline Cate McGarty, in February as an early Valentine's Day gift. As first-time parents, they are enjoying all the special moments and new adventures that come with welcoming a little one. Join us in celebrating John and Kelsie and welcoming the newest member of the RÖDL family!
17CELEBRATION CORNER We’re delighted to congratulate Rachel Hagen from the Birmingham office on her recent wedding! This exciting milestone marks the beginning of a wonderful new chapter, and we couldn’t be happier for her. Congratulations and best wishes from all of us!Congratulations! The Detroit office recently gathered for a morning of volunteering at a local urban farm. While unexpected air quality concerns and a last-minute closure notice changed the original plans, the team made the most of the day by coming together, enjoying some coffee, and spending time with one another. Sometimes the best team moments happen when plans take an unexpected turn! Volunteer Day
18CELEBRATION CORNER Four team members from the Denver Office recently took on the challenge of the Aspen Half Marathon and Marathon, proudly representing RÖDL USA along the way. Torben Krieger completed the full marathon, while Julian Geuter, Richard Ridenour, and Patrick Stolze crossed the finish line in the half marathon. Congratulations to all four runners on this impressive accomplishment and thank you for showcasing your RÖDL spirit from the mountains of Aspen! Running with Rödl Pride
Several members of the Birmingham office recently volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, helping complete interior trim work at the Jones family home. Chandler Pearce, Scottie McIntosh, Max Grill, Daniel Bradford, Nadja Rhodes, Tiffany Parkinson, and Peyton Parkinson spent the day preparing the home for painting while making a meaningful impact in the community. The volunteer day was a rewarding opportunity to give back, strengthen team connections, and help make a local family's dream of homeownership a reality. Rödl Cares 19
20 HOOTLE HELLOSHOOTLE HELLOS AT L A N TAHOOTLE HELLOS Hello, my name is Colin Miller, and I recently joined the Atlanta Transaction Services team in July. I graduated from Michigan State University in May 2026 with a bachelor's degree in Accounting. My time at Michigan State gave me a strong foundation in accounting while also providing opportunities to build lasting relationships, take on new challenges, and grow both personally and professionally. Outside of work, you'll usually find me watching college football, spending time with friends and family, or diving into something new to learn. I'm excited to officially kick off my career with the Transaction Services team and look forward to learning from those around me, contributing wherever I can, and continuing to grow alongside such a talented group. D E N V E R Hi, my name is Sophia Hemingway! I am rejoining the Denver Team after finishing my bachelor's degree. I graduated from Colorado State University in May of 2026 with a bachelor's in Corporate/Investment Finance and a minor in German. At CSU I was a member and team captain of the Women's Swim and Dive team! Now that my time swimming has come to an end, I have started to pick up more hobbies. I enjoy paddleboarding with my dog, going camping, going to concerts, finding new restaurants, and overall exploring new places. I am excited to officially continue my professional journey with the Denver office. I am looking forward to growing and learning new things!
21 H O U S T O NHOOTLE HELLOS Hi everyone! My name is Yannick Martin and I am excited about the opportunity to join RÖDL for a Tax and Audit internship from July 26 through March 27. Originally from a small village close to the German Alps, I received my Highschool diploma at a German boarding School at Lake Constance and graduated with a degree in Business administration at the Munich school of Management (LMU) this march! In my free time, I am passionate about playing the piano, classical music, as well as running and hiking. As I had the opportunity attending a boarding school in the bay area for a few weeks during my High school time at lake constance, I am thrilled to dive deeper into U.S. business culture and practices. I'm excited to build on the experiences I gained in Munich, including an internship at EY, internal audit work at a TIC company, and economic and political research for the Vice President of the Bavarian Parliament and former Bavarian State Minister, Dr. Heubisch. I´m looking forward to learning from the team and contributing to RÖDL´s journey. Hi everyone, my name is Cara Glassock. I recently graduated from Sam Houston State University and have joined RÖDL as an associate. I’m from Scotland but have lived in the U.S. for ten years. I like to read and freedive— my favourite books are The Road to Wigan Pier by George Orwell and Lavinia by Ursula K. Le Guin. I volunteered with the TCE tax preparation at Lone Star Montgomery and worked as an accounting tutor at Sam Houston. I’m excited to learn more in public accounting with RÖDL!
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