A Nashville CPA You Can Actually Talk To

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Certified Public Accountant

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Wendy Wessel, CPA

615-673-4160

wendywessel@darkhorse.cpa

TITLE

Principal

HOMETOWN

Nashville, TN

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

18

EDUCATION

You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.

— Wayne Gretzky

Being raised on the family farm in rural Michigan, Wendy discovered early on that bailing hay in the summer heat, day after day, was about the worst thing she could imagine doing with her life. She planted a seed of a different kind when she worked for her aunt in high school, typing up tax returns that her aunt prepared by hand. That seed would begin to germinate when she helped a friend start a small business, handling the bookkeeping for the company.

So, she went back to school and earned her Bachelor’s degree in accounting from Northwood University. After college, she took a job at a small town firm where she learned how to prepare tax returns without the assistance of software, an unfamiliar and unfathomable concept to millennials and subsequent generations. She then went on to work for a larger firm and a boutique firm both in Nashville, where she developed extensive experience in tax compliance, tax planning and advisory services for businesses and high net worth individuals. She also currently serves on the Federal Tax Committee for TSCPA.

Outside her professional endeavors, Wendy loves following her favorite sports teams. In fact, her and her husband are season ticket holders for both the Nashville Predators and Nashville SC. She also loves exploring her city, especially the myriad live music options Nashville has to offer. Wendy is pure rock-n-roll.

Specialties

High-Net Worth Individuals

Closely Held Businesses

Industries

Real Estate

Medical Practices

Legal

Accounting Solutions for Businesses.

The Problem: Business owners often don’t receive timely, accurate, and actionable financial data. Even worse, many aren’t getting tax planning advice from their so-called “tax pro,” which costs them untold amounts of money. That’s not acceptable. You deserve better. You deserve a proactive partner, like an efficient Nashville CPA Firm.

The Solution: At Dark Horse CPAs, small businesses should expect more from their accounting team. Unlike many accounting firms in Nashville, we prioritize strategic insight, proactive tax planning, and performance-focused financial support designed to help your business grow.

Solutions for Businesses

Tax Services for People.

The Problem: The sting of your tax situation often hits only after filing your return. Whether it’s an unexpected balance due or missed tax-saving opportunities, the impact is real and painful. We believe in No Surprises, especially the bad kind.

The Solution: That’s why our team works collaboratively with clients to ensure they plan ahead and reduce taxes wherever possible. Every engagement includes proactive tax planning with your CPA as a requirement, not an afterthought. With Dark Horse CPAs, you get a Nashville CPA Firm service that emphasizes clarity, preparation, and smarter tax outcomes.

Tax & Wealth Advisory for Individuals

WENDY WESSEL, PRINCIPAL

“There are many ways to educate and strategize with clients on tax liabilities, it all starts with a conversation. Meeting with each client throughout the year is critical to provide the proactive tax guidance I believe makes the biggest impact. That is why I love working at Dark Horse where planning comes first and is a requirement of every engagement from the onset."

Nancy R.

I have used James Larsen as my CPA for many years and am confident in his work ethic and tax knowledge.

Kyle T.

With our prior accountant we didn't feel we were receiving adequate tax guidance and felt we were always paying more than our fair share of taxes. We have been very pleased with the service we have received with Adam Ripperdan. He has taken the time to review in detail our current situation and upcoming plans. With that information he has helped us create tax strategies for our businesses, investments, and personal taxes that not only help us save on taxes but also helps us plan for the future. I highly recommend Dark Horse CPAs.

Patrick W.

I was referred to Max by a friend who is also a small business owner. I was definitely in need of direction when it came to my finances. After speaking with Max I was able to understand how I can be efficient in the accounting side of my business and he and his team is there to guide me every step of the way. I'm now confident I have the right team watching my books I highly recommend Max and Dark Horse CPAs.

Marisa M.

I had the pleasure of working with Stella and she was absolutely incredible. I had received what I suspected was bad advice from a previous tax preparer, and I was looking for another professional opinion on a specific tax situation. I found Dark Horse and Stella and I couldn't be happier. Stella confirmed what I had suspected about the previous tax situation being handled incorrectly by my former preparer at a different firm, and helped me fix the problem. Stella was prompt, exceedingly professional, and actually took the time to explain everything. Prices for services are fair. I am thrilled to have found a knowledgeable, trustworthy tax advisor and I look forward to continue working with Stella in the future.

Susan H.

Megan, Kim and staff were very prompt filing our business and personal taxes. The secure email site to upload our documents was very user friendly. The staff was also extremely prompt answering our questions through email and on the phone. In addition, Megan met with us personally a couple of times several months in advance to map out a plan for our business and personal taxes. Thank you all!

Quinn R.

We signed on with Adam's accounting group after bouncing around trying to find the right 'fit' with other companies. I knew immediately that we found what we needed when Adam took the time to sit down and talk to me about my business, my plans, my goals and where I wanted my company to be in the next 2, 5, 10 years. Adam and his team are responsive - and by that, I mean proactive - which is probably the single best reason to use Dark Horse. After 8 years and 3 different accounting firms we found what we need with Dark Horse.

Blogs and Pods

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