West Virginia Executive Spring/Summer 2020 | Page 103

1990
1995
1995 Graduated from
University of Charleston
1995 Started full-time position
with Suttle & Stalnaker
“Someone gave back and
allowed me the opportunities
I have had, and it is not a right
but a duty for me to also give
back for the next generation.”
1998 Married wife, Tracie
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2004 Became a partner
at Suttle & Stalnaker
2004 Daughter, Madison,
was born
2007 Opened MOX Properties
2011 Opened Meadow
Ridge Ranch
2017 Opened Meadow
Ridge Ranch II
2019 Named president
of the WVSCPAs
early years, he made more money with
his lawn care business then he did as an
accountant, so he kept it up, mowing
lawns in the evenings and on weekends
while working tirelessly to gain as much
exposure and experience as possible and
build his professional network.
His dedication paid off, and he was
made a partner at Suttle & Stalnaker in
2004. Today, Deweese is the firm’s director
of accounting and auditing, and he oversees
the quality control and continuing
professional education areas for the firm
and is responsible for the public company
audit engagements.
In 2007, Deweese—ever the entrepreneur—and
his father started MOX
Properties LLC, a residential rental property
business. The father and son duo
built a four-unit apartment building
together, and today the business has 70
rental properties.
In 2011, Deweese opened Meadow
Ridge Ranch, a startup cattle operation,
even though he had no prior experience
with cattle. He has expanded the ranch
to include 2,000 acres in Jackson and
Putnam counties for raising and selling
calves and baling hay. In 2017, he opened
Meadow Ridge Ranch II with the purchase
of additional farmland and 50 rental units
in Jackson County.
Like entrepreneur, mentor has been an
important role for Deweese throughout
his career, whether in his company, as
a coach or through his involvement in
professional organizations. He helped
establish a mentorship program at Suttle
& Stalnaker, and he serves as president
and executive committee member of the
West Virginia Society of Certified Public
Accountants (WVSCPAs). He has also
served as president of the Charleston chapter
of the WVSCPAs and council member
for the American Institute of Certified
Public Accountants and is involved with the
Government Financial Officers Association
and West Virginia Board of Education
accounting committee.
“Change is a critical component in the
CPA profession, and we must continue to
grow our brand and the knowledge that we
pass on to the next generation,” he says.
Deweese is also committed to giving
back to his community. He volunteers his
time as a coach for Maranatha Baptist
Church’s Upward Basketball League and
chairman of the statewide committee and
Charleston banquet for the National Wild
Turkey Federation, where he helps raise
funds for hunters with disabilities and
programs aimed at engaging children with
the outdoors. He is also a founder and
past board member for the Bridgemont
Foundation. When it comes to deciding
where to give his time, Deweese’s priorities
are his family, his faith and his profession.
“Someone gave back and allowed me
the opportunities I have had, and it is
not a right but a duty for me to also give
back for the next generation,” he says.
Deweese’s family is the inspiration
for all he does. Tracie, his wife of nearly
22 years, keeps him grounded, and his
16-year-old daughter, Madison, shares
her father’s entrepreneurial spirit.
“What I do is for my family and my
family’s future,” he says. “When I take
my last breath, I want to have left them
with my faith and the spirit to not only
continue what I have started but take it
to the next level.” •
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