A Firm Foundation

While some say change can make a company bigger and better, Daryl Collier says, “That’s true, but it’s the type of change that is most important and growth from within is the best.”

Collier speaks from experience. After the recent retirement of one of their firm’s partners, Daryl Collier and his business partner, Kathi Jernigan, invited two of their longtime employees to join them in the partnership. The promotion of Jacquelyn Eastman and Jayme Zublick will expand and enhance the capability of the company’s services. The resulting firm of Collier, Jernigan, Eastman & Zublick offers more than 120 years of combined experience in accounting and tax services.

“It’s exciting that they began their careers with us and are now partners in the firm,” notes Collier. “Jayme came to us right out of college and Jackie worked for us while going to college, having started as a tax processor with the firm.”

Collier knows what it’s like to move up through the ranks and what it means to gather experience along the way. After working for four years at Price Waterhouse in Orlando, he moved to Ocala. He fell in love with north Florida with its wonderful fall and beautiful spring. Collier founded the existing firm in 1978. It was the fulfillment of a longtime dream.

“Ever since high school, I wanted to be a CPA who is an advocate for his clients,” muses Collier. “I wanted to help them improve profitability and reduce taxes, and assist them with other accounting and tax needs.”

Collier’s longtime business partner, Jernigan, shares her affection for Marion County. Previously a part-owner of a horse show management company, Jernigan, who is originally from Montana, came to Florida for the horse shows. With a bachelor’s degree in accounting, five years’ experience with KPMG (an international accounting firm), combined with several years as chief financial officer for a publicly held trucking company, she soon joined Collier’s firm and brought with her an extensive background in managing equine events.

“We came here for the winter horse show circuit, bought a farm and stayed,” Jernigan reflects. “This is an area that is really beneficial for the horse business. I’m still involved with the horse show industry from a business perspective. I deal with veterinarians, farms and other ancillary businesses.”

Eastman, who has a master’s degree in accounting and specializes in QuickBooks training for business owners and managers, is thrilled to be part of the team.

“I’m excited to get the news of the new partnership out and let the community know that we are here, ready for the future, focusing on a client-centered approach,” states Eastman. “I’m excited for the next chapter in the development of the firm.”

Zublick, who came onboard in 2000, has a bachelor’s degree in accounting administration and focuses on the construction and manufacturing industries. She is treasurer of the Marion County Building Industry Association.

“I’m looking forward to continuing what is already here,” declares Zublick. “In starting this firm, Daryl has always had a family atmosphere and looks out for what’s best for our clients. I really want to continue that and improve upon it whenever possible.”

According to Collier, that family atmosphere extends across all aspects of the firm, affecting clients and employees.

“Each tax season we have ‘Souper Tuesday’ where our staff brings in soup and we eat together,” Collier explains. “Then there is the Friday Lunch Train where the staff goes out to lunch together. We go all out with costumes on Halloween and crazy Christmas hats at our Christmas Luncheon. Also, we celebrate birthdays every month with a party, and we throw in an occasional cookout and fish fry to complete the year. We truly enjoy working together and playing together.”

As the firm of Collier, Jernigan, Eastman & Zublick moves into 2021 and tax season looms on the horizon, the newly created partnership continues to provide comprehensive services in accounting, tax preparation, reviews and audits, plus full-service accounting functions and utilizing computer software training and services—particularly with QuickBooks.

“We care about our clients and want the best for them,” concludes Collier. “A lot of small business owners do their accounting once a year to prepare their tax returns. We believe it is more effective to prepare financial statements on a regular basis. This way the client will have information to make management decisions on a timely basis. Ultimately, our goal is to help our clients grow healthy, successful businesses.”