Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathen McEown.
Nathen, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I joined Whitley Penn in their Dallas office in 2004 straight out of College. At the time Whitley Penn only had two offices (FTW and Dallas) and less than 70 employees. Fast forward to today and now we have over 450 employees and four offices (FTW, Dallas, Houston, and Austin). I was one of the quickest to ever make partner in the firm doing it in under 10 years and I am the only audit partner in the firm that started as an intern and worked his/her way up all the way to partner. I am definitely a “lifer” :).
I spent the first 12 years of my career in our Dallas office, which grew from 8 employees to 180 when I left. It was a blast to be a part of that growth, so in 2016 when I had the opportunity to take over as the Partner-in-Charge of our Houston office I couldn’t say no. Earning the chance to run an entire office by the age of 35 was something I never would have imaged would happen to me when I joined Whitley Penn as an intern.
As the leader of our firm’s Energy practice Houston was the city I needed to be in and I have enjoyed every second of it so far. We had 74 in Houston when I took over the office and I think we will double that in less than 5 years. We have 100 today, so we are already on our way. Our energy industry and SEC expertise is fueling our growth and we expect that to continue.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I am very blessed and I do not think I have had any “Obstacles”. We all have challenges, but I love to be challenged. Challenges push us mold, and make us better. In 2012 I took on the biggest challenge of my life, which was to become an Ironman by completing a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and 26.2 mile run. I spent 9 months training for it and it was one of the most surreal experiences I have ever had. Anyone can do it, but few have the determination to actually make it happen. It was my first Ironman and I finished in the top 25% of my age bracket…I had no idea I was capable of that when I started the process.
Anything is possible…just write down the goal, create a plan, and then put in a lot of hard work.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Whitley Penn is a Texas based CPA firm that provides tax, audit, wealth management, and consulting services. I am an Audit Partner, Leader of our Energy Practice, and Partner-in-Charge of our Houston office. I focus 100% on energy related companies or investment funds either in the upstream, midstream or oilfield service space. I am known for working with the premier oil and gas companies that are run by the next generation of the oil patch. More than 60% of the companies I work with have a CEO and/or CFO that are under the age of 35. Other than the Tech industry oil and gas is one of the few sectors that embraces younger C-Level execs. My attitude and effort is what sets me apart from others. I don’t get stressed, I truly love my job, and no one can out work me when it comes to serving my clients. Having the chance to work with some many different companies is a blessing. Most CPAs just work in house for one Company, I get to see the inter-workings and add value to over 40 plus companies all at once!
What were you like growing up?
I have two parents that are still married to this day! So having a great family definitely helped me have a wonderful childhood. I was one of three kids with two older sisters, so now that I am married with two kids it is only fitting that I have two wonderful daughters of my own.
Ever since kindergarten math was something that I excelled at and really enjoyed. I am dyslexic so reading and writing was a struggle as a kid. Luckily, I was tested for it in 2nd grade, so once my school figured out I was dyslexic I was place in a special class for the next 6 years called Language Science. That class really was a turning point for me in school, it made me realize I wasn’t dumb I just had to learn things differently than other kids.
I have always been a hard worker, I had my first job at 15 busing tables at an all you can eat catfish buffet.
Then I went on to work at Target, Papa Johns, and the YMCA. I think having a job ever since I was 15 helped me when I entered the real world. Cleaning food off of others people’s plates as a bus boy will also make you realize how important it is to get a college education.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3737 Buffalo Speedway, suite 1600
- Website: whitleypenn.com
- Phone: 713-386-1155
- Email: nathen.mceown@whitleypenn.com
- Instagram: @whitleypenn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhitleyPenn/
- Twitter: @whitleypenn
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