Steven Glasbrenner '18, Managing Partner at Hamm & Glasbrenner CPAs.

Accounting is often stereotyped as a strict matter of fact, numbers-driven profession that is devoid of emotion. But for Steven Glasbrenner ‘18, managing partner at Hamm & Glasbrenner CPAs, life is all about finding the perfect balance -- and he’s not just talking about the ledger sheets.

Founded in 1993 by Regina Hamm, the firm was built from the ground up, one client at a time. Over three decades, the business blossomed into a thriving practice. In 2023, Glasbrenner purchased the firm, stepping into the role of managing partner. Today, Hamm & Glasbrenner CPAs, with locations in Cresaptown and Frostburg, Md., employs nine full-time and three part-time seasonal employees, offering everything from individual and business tax preparation to business consulting, payroll and bookkeeping. Behind this successful transition is a foundation built on hard work, community ties and an educational journey at FSU that shaped Glasbrenner’s approach to leadership and business.

“My entire FSU experience shaped my career,” he said. “I tried to take full advantage of every opportunity available. On the basketball and tennis teams, I had to be disciplined and learned the value of hard work. As the accounting intern at the FSU Foundation, Inc., I had great opportunities not only to learn about accounting and what the 'real world' workplace was like, but also to meet so many successful FSU grads that inspired me to set high goals.”

As an FSU graduate with a degree in accounting, Glasbrenner credits his entire college experience with setting up the direction of his career. As a student-athlete on both the basketball and tennis teams, he learned early on the value of willpower and challenges. Although his athletic skills were a great learning opportunity, his professional growth really happened off the court.

Working with the FSU Foundation, Inc. introduced Glasbrenner to successful alumni who inspired him to set the numbers high. Another instrumental moment of his college career came during his tenure as president of the Accounting Association.

“Standing in front of 50-60 accounting students/alumni welcoming them to the alumni event as a 19-year-old sophomore at FSU was the first moment when I realized I enjoyed being a leader.”

At the 2017 Homecoming alumni event, he connected with Tracy Morey ‘04, a partner at Squire, Lemkin & Company. That connection led to an interview, a job and the experience he needed to eventually run his own firm. Through these experiences, FSU taught him a vital lesson for young entrepreneurs -- how to be comfortable being uncomfortable.

“Being a young business owner, or a boss/manager in any other situation, there are times when you will have to lead, correct or discipline people that are older than you or have more experience,” Glasbrenner said.

As his firm grows, this FSU alum hasn’t forgotten about his beginnings. In fact, he has built his team around them. By maintaining strong relationships with FSU faculty, the firm actively recruits local talent, facilitating four successful transitions from interns to full-time employees.

“I have only hired FSU alums for my staff accountant positions,” Glasbrenner said. “Being a recent alumnus, I still have a good relationship with several faculty who were there when I was a student, and they announce to their classes when we are hiring. We have had four successful intern-to-full-time transitions from FSU graduates. Being connected to the local area based on going to FSU is a huge factor in hiring.”

His commitment to the University goes beyond hiring. Upon becoming managing partner, one of his very first acts was establishing the Hamm & Glasbrenner CPAs Accounting Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded annually to a local accounting student, and the endowment is Glasbrenner’s way of paying forward the financial support he received as an undergrad. After all, watching local students succeed is a return on investment you just can’t depreciate.

With the accounting industry evolving rapidly with modern technologies and tax laws, Glasbrenner is adamant that his firm will never write off their small-town firm's feel. Glasbrenner makes himself readily accessible, even giving his clients his personal cell phone number.

“We are able to see people start their business, grow their business and sell their business, which is always satisfying to know that we played a small role in getting them to that point,” Glasbrenner said. “However, we also see the tough times -- deaths, divorces, sicknesses -- and are able to help clients through them.”

For current FSU accounting undergraduates looking to follow in his footsteps, Glassbrenner offered two pieces of advice.

“Take advantage of every opportunity, as you never know where the smallest opportunity may lead. Get involved!” he said. “Bet on yourself. There are many outside factors that can change out of your control. But there are a few things that you have full control of -- your attitude and your work ethic. Don't wait on someone else to set your table, go ahead and eat.”

Meet the Tax Team at Hamm & Glasbrenner CPAs