Partner & Business Advisor
"When dealing with the IRS, what is terrifying for my client, is just another day for me. That's why I do what I do: keep the fear of the IRS away from people."
Call Chris when you're weighing a big move and want to know what it means for your taxes. Ideally, call him before you make it.
As the firm's tax manager, Chris is who clients call to ask, "If we did this, how would it work for taxes?" His favorite work is business advisory: learning clients' dreams and watching the moment they start to believe they can achieve them.
Background
Chris started in public accounting before he had even graduated from CSU Fresno, while holding down three jobs to finish school debt-free. He went on to spend years in the private industry as a controller for a nationwide construction equipment company, a parts distributor, and an almond processor, where he learned business from the inside.
After 39 years in accounting, Chris holds a rare distinction: he joined Dale’s team twice. The first time came after his previous employer unexpectedly closed, and Dale gave him a place to land during the transition. A week after being hired, Chris accepted an opportunity at full salary—but still gave two weeks’ notice. As he told Dale at the time, he was raised to do things the right way. Years later, the two partnered again, and Chris has now been with the firm for 17 years and counting.
Chris loves sitting down with clients to talk about their goals and how he can help them get there. Many accountants see their work as something AI will replace, but Chris believes relationships are what matter.
At a Glance
Experience in the Field: 39 years
With The Garabedian Group since: 2009
Before The Garabedian Group: Controller for a construction equipment company, a parts distributor, and an almond processor; worked three jobs to graduate from CSU Fresno debt-free
Focus areas: Tax Strategy & Planning, Business Advisory, IRS Notices & Resolution, Business & Personal Tax
Off the clock: Married 36 years to the girl he met in fourth grade, and grandpa to three young grandsons (he's still waiting on a granddaughter). Chris has studied martial arts for 30+ years, which he says explains the state of his knees and back. Because his wife works for their church, most weekends he's "voluntold" into service, usually on security in the children's center. As he puts it, how dangerous can that be?
