If you are looking for someone who loves precise details, Alan Clark is your man. A numbers guy as far back as he can remember, Alan honed his appreciation for order and precision as a member of the U.S. Army Reserve. “My time serving in the Army Reserve reinforced the importance of discipline, taking time to manage the process, and getting every detail exactly right. If you are even a little sloppy with the small numbers, you can end up with a major mess down the road.”
Alan studied animal science in college, with a business concentration. Later, he worked for startups and major international retailers, across several different industries. Alan finished his Masters in Accounting in January of 2017. Four months later, he met Val Sherman. As CFO, he manages all of United’s financial matters, from invoicing to cash flow to risk management. “As a growing company, it’s a balancing act. We have to measure each new opportunity against the bigger picture, because we are committed to providing the best possible service for all our clients.”
Alan says one of the chief attractions for him was the culture of the company. “Val really cares about the company, and, by that, I mean the people on this team and about our clients. This creates a culture where honesty is expected and growth is celebrated. The people here actively support each other, and work together to help each other grow. That kind of culture is fairly rare, and we all benefit from it, especially, our customers.”
At home, Alan and his wife, Jennifer, are “official empty nesters,” with four adult children busy building their own lives. “They are becoming good, productive people, and it’s so great to see. Jennifer and I stay busy too. When we’re not working or with our church family, we like to get outdoors. I grew up hunting, fishing, and hiking; so, for me, any day I can be out in a canoe with a fishing line in the water is a good day. I also do my best to maintain a good sense of humor. Yes, I know, I’m an accountant, but I also realize, if you can’t see the humor in life, you’re taking yourself way too seriously.”