Attorney at Law mini preview Sandy Abalos : Page 18At a Glance chairs to advise Congress on tax issues that impact small business. To this day, much of her community involvement is a result of those ventures in the public arena. “So many times in my life I thought: what am I doing here?” Abalos said. “I’m just Sandy Abalos. I’m a CPA from Phoenix, Arizona.” Abalos & Associates, PLLC 7150 N. 16th St. Phoenix, AZ 85020 Phone: (602) 943-1984 http://abaloscpa.com Partners Pursuing a Lifelong Dream Not everyone can keep a goal in the crosshairs for years, even decades. Abalos knew she wanted to become an accountant in 8th grade and never strayed from that goal. She was the oldest of five children and her parents moved her to Arizona at a young age, leaving behind their farm communities, but not the work ethic. “I learned young in life that if you wanted something, you had to earn it,” Abalos remembers. “That philosophy really defines our roots as a family. If you want something you have to work, earn it and pay cash.” Her father still boasts that he never had to pay a dime in credit card debt. In high school, Abalos took to her accounting classes with vigor. “Accounting was like algebra on steroids,” Abalos said. “You could use the concepts of algebra and it was even expansive and applicable.” Although the conventional wisdom at the time said she should graduate high school, get married and settle down, that path never appealed to Abalos. She wanted to make her own way and never become financially dependent on anyone else. Today, she has surpassed that goal and looks forward to the new experiences and challenges on the way. Outside of work, Abalos enjoys cycling, hiking and skiing. She met her husband based on their shared love of cycling. “These bikes are my identity,” Abalos said. “If I have a frustrating day I just take it out on my bike.” Abalos also spends as much time as possible with her three daughters and three grandchildren, all of whom live in Arizona. Sandra Abalos, CPA, Managing Partner Barry Friefield, CPA, Partner Cheryl Folkerth, CPA, Partner Services • • • • • • • • • • Accounting Services Quickbooks Hosting Audit Services Business Consulting Buying/Selling a Business Estate Planning Life Planning Retirement Planning Succession Planning Tax Planning and Consulting Industry Focus Includes • • • • • • • • • Legal Architecture Medical Real Estate Manufacturing Restaurant Retail Nonprofit Construction 18 | Greater Phoenix Public Accountant Magazine® April 2012 Publication List Using a screen reader? Click Here |
