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Going Places: BT Alumni Spotlight – Stephan Gagnier

Going Places: BT Alumni Spotlight – Stephan Gagnier

by Emily Victor

By July 26, 2022News

BT alumni are doing exciting things and we want to share a few of their stories with you. Our next spotlight is Stephan Gagnier, Assistant Controller at Equilibrium and previously an auditor at BT. Check our interview with Stephan below and be sure to view his pictures from his time at BT!

When did you work at Bennett Thrasher?

I worked at Bennett Thrasher from 2010 to 2013 before moving out to Portland, OR.

What are you currently working on?

I have been working with sustainability and timberland investment funds in Portland in a wide variety of functions. I am currently starting up an investment fund with a partner in the Timberland Investment space. This work will be M&A and investment management focused, and we are excited to start.

What part of the BT culture still influences you today?

I just ran into one of the staff I was hired with here in Portland, and I visited another in DC last December. The strong bonds we made are a testament to the fact that BT hires great people and fosters an environment where people work hard and really enjoy their lives outside of work together. The fact that Rick Bennett and Ken Thrasher knew me by name, along with my hobbies, made it also feel like you were working with family. I strive to manage and lead teams in the same manner. 

How has working at BT helped you succeed in your career & life?  

BT helped me excel in fast paced environments and gave me a unique skill set to work with various organizations from small nonprofits to large international companies. The support from managers and willingness to challenge me really helped push me out of my comfort zone and learn a lot of new things. Getting to work on all aspects of the audit helped me learn the ins and outs of how companies operate. The values of the business have also stuck with me. One is the value of integrity, which the team defined as “I will do what I say, when I say I will do it”.

What is a favorite memory from your time with BT?

I have so many good ones, like our rafting trip, building a house for Habitat for Humanity, eating fried rattlesnake in Arizona and the golf outing (where I won best dressed/costume). I think my favorite one was recording a promo for the company with Robyn Gamsey and others in SNL skits. I got to play Harry Caray and one of the Spartan Cheerleaders with Robyn. 

Download Stephan’s BT Alumni Spotlight

About BT Alumni Series 

Are you a BT alumni who’d like to share your story? Email bennett-thrasher@btcpa.net for the chance to be featured on our blog and social media channels!