Marc Bastnagel
From first-generation college student to practice manager for Myers Holum, Marc Bastnagel (BSAcc 2012), CPA, made his way up the corporate ladder. When one has crawled to the top of that proverbial ladder, where is there go and what is there do?
Bastnagel’s journey started in his childhood home, located in Salinas, California, where his father ran their family’s construction company. Here he discovered a love for extreme sports, outdoor pursuits and real estate. Before attending the Daniels College of Business, Bastnagel played American football and hockey during his preteen years. His passion for high-impact sports continued at the University of Denver, where he played club rugby for a year and a half, when multiple concussions forced him to retire.
Stepping away from contact sports, Bastnagel began focusing on his most beloved hobby, rock crawling. No, this hobby does not involve getting down on all fours and wearing shin guards, but instead involves souping up jeeps or trucks, strapping down, and attempting to haul oneself over boulders and up 60-degree angled hills. “The trick is to stay on your tires and off the metal chassis and frame,” Bastnagel said. His other hobbies include big game hunting, snowmobiling and fishing. Regarding fishing, he confidently asserts, “I’m sure to catch something, whether that be a buzz or a fish. I’m not too picky.”
An outdoor lifestyle and the mountains were central to Bastnagel’s upbringing. Balancing these passions with academics, Bastnagel chose to attend the University of Denver for his undergraduate degree. This decision was brought about by his love for mountain sports and the upstanding reputation Daniels had for business education. Originally planning to end up with an undergraduate degree in real estate and construction management, Bastnagel made acquaintance with Professor Cynthia Hollenbach, who he credits with triggering his interest in obtaining a BA in accounting.
After taking an intro to accounting class and receiving counsel from the instructor, Professor Hollenbach, Bastnagel chose to switch his major to accounting. He remembers that he found accounting to be an easy task and the transition was natural for him. He always had an interest in the language of money and problem solving.
Bastnagel comes across as a kind of “space cowboy.” His curiosity for technology sets him apart from his country-loving peers, while his love for country life distinguishes him from his coworkers.
After graduating with his BA in accounting, Bastnagel started applying for jobs in Golden, Colorado, a location that would allow him to stay near the mountains. Located about 20 minutes west of Denver, Golden sits at the piedmont of the Rocky Mountains. Here, he landed his first post-college job as a concrete accountant for Martin Marietta Materials.
While working for Martin Marietta, Bastnagel transitioned into the tech world. He worked for homeadvisor.com in process improvement and building Excel tools. Demonstrating his competency in problem-solving on the tech side, he took over the implementation of NetSuite for the company.
This implementation project became the springboard that launched Bastnagel’s career into success. NetSuite was a new but crucial ERP, and Bastnagel’s deep understanding of the program propelled him toward his current position. He made a significant career jump at only 25 years old, transitioning from accounting at a construction business to a staff consultant position at Deloitte. He credits his success to obtaining his CPA certification, combined with his knowledge of NetSuite. After a brief stint as a consulting supervisor at RSM, he joined Meyers Holum at age 28. Here, he quickly rose through the ranks, from delivery manager to practice manager in only three years. “My favorite aspect of the work I do is helping and empowering clients to grow their business as well as teaching junior consultants,” Bastnagel said.
The ability to work remotely has significantly impacted Bastnagel’s career trajectory. A well-rounded work-life balance, on his own terms, seems to have been a driving force in his success. Currently, Bastnagel enjoys complete remote work flexibility. He can work from his home in Cheyenne, Wyoming, or even from the road while in between rock crawling, fishing, and hunting trips in his RV. “I just hook up to Starlink and work from the road for about two months out of the year, or whenever I can,” he explains. Notably, in his five years at this New York-based company, Bastnagel has never had to visit the office.
In the future, Bastnagel envisions himself embarking on Alaskan fishing trips while establishing his own practice in retirement. For now, he plans to ride out the economy and continue investing in property in Wyoming and Utah.
For young people in the accounting field, Bastnagel offers this advice: “Don’t be afraid to take chances. I made the career shift to consulting and technology and, while it could have failed, the rewards speak for themselves. Young people should prioritize practice in their work ethic. With the older generation retiring, there’s a wealth of opportunity to climb the ranks quickly. Don’t be discouraged and work hard; only then will you see results.”