Solving business problems for a client makes Mel Kitts' day. He says he relishes any opportunity to also make lasting friendships with clients, regardless of their need for accounting services.

Mel is member-in-charge of the firm's Feedyard group and has an accounting background in auditing and tax, estate planning, income tax planning, commercial feedlots and agricultural financial consulting. He was admitted to the membership in 1981.

Mel works with approximately 50 feedlots in eight states, as well as ancillary businesses including farming and dairies. He offers unique expertise regarding benchmarking and turn-key operational assistance and can assist clients in the early stages of buying feedyards, including procuring financing and buy-sell agreements and projection/forecasting.

Though he's a cowboy at heart, Mel says his favorite vacation spot is the Big Island of Hawaii. He and his wife, Synda, and son, Holden, toured every day and spent time lying on the beach. Next time, Mel says he will be sure and take surfing lessons.

Professional and Civic Associations

• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Kansas Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Texas Cattle Feeders Association
• Kansas Livestock Association
• National Cattlemen's Beef Association
• Treasurer of NFP Assisted Living Center
• Treasurer of Anthony Fair Association

Education

• Fort Hays State University, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Emphasis in Accounting

Hobbies

• Hunting
• Fishing
• Golf
• Taking Care of Cattle
• Racquetball
• Gardening