West Virginia Executive Spring/Summer 2020 | Page 102

������������� Chris Deweese, CPA, CGMA Partner, Suttle & Stalnaker, PLLC LORI KERSEY Photo by Will Price. CHRIS DEWEESE, a partner at Suttle & Stalnaker, PLLC, is an accountant with the heart of an entrepreneur. Before the Chelyan native could even drive, he had already started his own business. “I started a small lawn mowing company and was mowing as many neighbors’ yards as I could,” he recalls. “I was known for mowing at a sprint, and I would never agree to work by the hour. While I took pride in how fast I could get the job done, I kept quality as my number one priority.” Deweese knew from a young age he wanted to be an accountant. He credits his mentor, Jack Suttle, with showing him how to turn a job into a meaningful career. “Jack was a true inspiration and visionary who focused on improving his chosen profession and everyone around him,” says Deweese. “Throughout his entire life, Jack was a giver in his professional career, his personal life and his Christian faith.” Deweese’s career with the firm began when he was hired as an intern in 1994. The following year, he went full time after graduating from the University of Charleston. In those 100 WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE