December 2023 Summit Employee Spotlight: David Bernhardt

As a hybrid firm, not only do we serve our clients remotely, but our team members are often distributed as well. We understand the accounting, bookkeeping, cash flow management, and tax nuances of running a distributed company. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide the highest quality Virtual CFO services while being hybrid, and we couldn't do any of it without our amazing team.

Every month we spotlight one of our employees so you can get to know us better. This month we bring you David Bernhardt. David has been with Summit for seven years. He is a Virtual CFO Supervisor here at Summit.

Here are 10 things about our December Employee Spotlight, David Bernhardt!

Do you love working from home or would you rather be in the office?

Working from home is a delight. The commute is a brisk walk from the kitchen to my desk, remarkably free of traffic, unless you count the occasional pet. The daily presence of my family and pets adds a certain sitcom-like charm to my work environment, minus the laugh track. It's quite efficient too, transitioning from professional to parent as soon as the kids are home from school. In this domestic sanctuary, productivity coexists with comfort. While others may prefer the buzz of an office, I cherish the quiet yet amusing atmosphere of home, where each day blends work with the unexpected joys of family life.

What’s your number one tip for combating distractions when working from home?

My number one tip for combating distractions when working from home? Establish a 'distraction-free zone' – think of it as an invisible force field around your workspace. It's like setting up a 'Do Not Disturb' sign but for your entire work area. This zone should ideally be impervious to the usual home distractions, whether that's the siren call of the fridge or the allure of an unwatched TV show. Commit to treating this space as sacred during work hours. Of course, the effectiveness of this force field against pets or kids may vary – they seem to have special powers in breaching any work defenses on occasion!
Are you an early bird or night owl?

An aspiring early bird trapped in a night owl's body – that's me. I'm most productive in the early hours, yet the snooze button and I share a special bond. It's a daily battle between ambition and comfort!
Do you play any sports?

Sports? My main athletic endeavor is competitive channel surfing, with a side of marathon 'keyboard typing'. I occasionally dabble in the high-stakes game of 'dodging the gym' too. In all seriousness, traditional sports and I tend to respectfully keep our distance!

What’s your caffeinated beverage of choice?

Coffee is my caffeinated soul mate. It's like a warm hug in a mug, and the only thing that listens to me before I’m fully awake. It's less of a choice and more of a morning survival strategy!

Best book you’ve ever read?

The Martian by Andy Weir tops my list. It's not just a book, it's a master class in grinding against the impossible, and something I relate to on a personal level. Like the protagonist, I too often find myself solving complex problems, though thankfully, mine don't involve being stranded on Mars!

What would your superpower be and why?

Time travel, but just five minutes into the past. Enough to undo embarrassing moments or rehearse the perfect comeback. Basically, a life 'Ctrl+Z'. Perfect for redoing those moments when I call my boss 'mom' or wave back at someone who wasn't waving at me. It's my personal 'oops' eraser!

Do you think you could live without your smartphone (or other technology item) for 24 hours?

I could survive 24 hours without my smartphone, but it would be like stepping back into the 90s. I'd have to rely on archaic tools like paper maps, actual face-to-face conversations, and maybe even a camera that doesn’t also send emails!

If you could do anything in the world as your career, what would you do?

A Park Ranger. Swapping financial ledgers for hiking trails. I'd still be advising people, but it'd be about bear safety instead of tax avoidance strategies.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

The most impactful advice I've ever embraced is, 'Persistently push beyond your limits; never give up.' This mantra has become my silent cheerleader, especially during those moments when my greatest challenge is resisting the urge to use 'forgot password' for the umpteenth time. It's a reminder that the real victory lies in the small, everyday battles, like resisting the call of the comfy couch on a lazy Sunday or bravely facing the mountain of laundry. This advice doesn't just apply to monumental life challenges; it's equally relevant when the biggest hurdle is simply getting out of bed on a chilly Monday morning.

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