Principal
Dirk is a Principal at Ahlbeck Cook & Associates and brings over 25 years of public accounting experience. Dirk concentrates on servicing restaurants, distributors, construction and professionals in the service sector. Dirk has spoken and written several articles on best practices, tax planning, and related accounting topics. Within the restaurant and brewery industries, Dirk improves profitability and performance by utilizing benchmarks and related metrics, developing more streamline accounting systems, applying best practices using technology, and identifying unique tax-saving opportunities. Dirk takes a proactive approach in tax planning matters and consulting to provide effective solutions.
Dirk graduated from Michigan State University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting. He is an active member of the AICPA, ILCPAS, and Illinois Craft Brewers Guild. He also serves on the Advisory Council of the Illinois Restaurant Association and was Past President of the Food and Beverage Equipment Executives. He shares his experience and knowledge of the industry as an Adjunct Professor in the Manfred Steinfeld School of Hospitality at Roosevelt University in Chicago.
Dirk is married with two grown children, one who holds a degree in Real Estate and Finance from The University of Colorado, and has a passion for traveling. He enjoys spending time considering his next destination and quenching his thirst for wanderlust.