Michael Di Pietro
CPA
Michael DiPietro began his career in public accounting in 1981. After interning at Arthur Young & Company, he founded his own firm in 1986 and was incorporated in 1991. With more than thirty years of experience in public accounting, Mike developed a focus on small to medium businesses, business owners, and high net-worth individuals. Though he primarily services businesses (about 75% of the Practice), he also specializes in individual tax services (preparing 1000-1500 returns per year). The firm’s strength is in reducing or mitigating taxes, using innovative and advanced strategies allowed by the Tax Code. Mike sees himself as an advocate for the taxpayer, rather than simply a technician for the IRS. Additionally, one of the unique aspects of Mike’s firm is the comprehensive approach he applies to his clients. He serves clients in all phases of the business cycle from start-ups, through organic and acquisition growth, to mature companies and business owners seeking exit strategies and other liquidity events.
Mike is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the California Society of Certified Public Accountants. Additionally, Mike is also licensed as an Investment Advisory and has served as a Director of a Commercial Bank for over 11 years.
This background provides Mike with a unique set of experience and expertise in accounting, taxes, banking, finance, and investments for the benefit of the client and fully optimizes the client’s planning opportunities. From accounting to taxes, to finances and estate & trust planning, as well as investment and retirement planning, Michael DiPietro and his firm take a holistic view of every client’s unique situation.
Mike is also a big believer in giving back to his community. He has served and is serving on the boards of various civic, community, church, and charitable organizations.
Currently, Mike is a director of Chino Commercial Bank where he sits on three committees: Audit Committee, ALCO Committee (Asset Management), and Loan Committee. He is also a founding board member and chairman of Nutrition & Education Institute (NEI), an international charitable organization dedicated to combating malnutrition among women and children in Afghanistan, which recently received a $25 million grant from the UN for their work in Afghanistan. Also, Mike is on the Board of Cathedral High School in Los Angeles and chairman of its finance committee. Locally, he serves his parish community in various capacities and committees and leads a home Bible Study as well.
In the past, Mike has served on numerous Boards and charities such as:
Elev8-X, a charitable organization focused on helping troubled teens (3 years);
The Right to Life League of Southern California (10 years) and;
The Advertisement Club of Los Angeles (10 years).
In addition, he served on the Board at Haven House, a shelter for abused women and children (2 years).
Mike has been a member of Legatus, a national Catholic businessman’s association; and the Catholic Association of Latino Leaders (CALL). He also spent time as both a teacher and Campus Director at St. Francis High School in La Canada (1984-1986). A dedicated husband and father, Mike has not only helped coach his kids’ various sports teams but also served on the Board and as President of the Pasadena Little League Association.
Mike is a graduate of both the University of Notre Dame and Fuller Theological Seminary, and holds numerous degrees beyond accounting (Psychology, Religious Studies, Masters in Divinities, M.A. in Church History, and M.A. in Biblical Studies).
Together with Yolanda, his wife of 37 years, Mike has 8 children (5 girls and 3 boys) and 10 grandchildren. Their second son, Luke (B.A. in Finance in 2009), is a certified Investment Advisory Representative. He heads the Financial Services division of the company and was recently made a partner. Their youngest son, Michael, also has his CPA license but has chosen to pursue a calling to the priesthood and is currently a seminarian at St. John’s Seminary.