HSSK Group

Representative Cases

Tue, 13 May 2008 16:16:09 GMT

Mel R. Sweatman and Paz Gas Corp. v. Gulf Energy Marketing, Inc., Coral Energy Holdings, Tejas Coral GP, LLC, Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, LP, Kinder Morgan Inc., Intergen and Tejas Gas Operating, LLC, Intergen (North American) Inc.; No. 02-06-19,059, De Witt County Court, TX (One of the largest top ten verdicts in Texas in 2005 - $444,000,000)
Gulsby Engineering, National American Insurance Co., Bay Ltd, Gulsby-Bay Plant Partners, American Home Assurance Co. v. Gulf Liquids new River Project LLC and Williams Energy Marketing and Trading Co.; No. 2001-48088; Harris County District Court, 215th TX (One of the largest top-ten verdicts in Texas in 2006 - $699,535,037)
Enrico DiPortanova, et al. v. Quintana Petroleum Co., et al.
J. Howard Marshall, III and Vickie Lynn Marshall v. Pierce Marshall, et al.
The Shoshone Tribe of the Wind River Reservation, et al. v. The United States
Blitz Holdings Corp., et al. v. Grant Thornton, L.L.P.
WRT Creditors Liquidation Trust v. KPMG, L.L.P.
@Outcome, Inc. v. Sulzer Medica, Inc. et al.
EpicEdge v. Reliant Resources, Inc. et al.
Coral Petroleum v. Matthew Ratteree

Upcoming Events

Mon, 12 May 2008 20:01:59 GMT

Lunch & Learn CPE Presentation, Audit Failures: A View from the Dark Side Calvetti, Ferguson & Wagner, P.C. May 27, 2008, 12:00 p.m. W. Marc Schwartz Houston, Texas Sponsor, Southwest Healthcare Transactions Conference May 30, 2008 Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas (Las Colinas), Texas Register: www.renaissanceamerican.com download: Event Brochure Co-Presenter, An Update of Key Healthcare Regulatory Issues and their Impact on Valuations Southwest Healthcare Transactions Conference May 30, 2008, 8:30 a.m. Don Barbo Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas (Las Colinas), Texas download: Event Brochure CLE Lunch Presentation, Computer Forensics, Be Informed - Your Adversaries Are! Carrington, Coleman, Sloman & Blumenthal, L.L.P. June 11, 2008 David Greetham Dallas, Texas Sponsor, Association for Accounting Marketing Houston Chapter Luncheon Event June 17, 2008 Del Friscos Houston, Texas Presenter, 2008 CPE Family Conference,...

Our Examiners

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 19:37:53 GMT

David A. Greetham Managing Director, Computer Forensics & E-Discovery David Greetham is the Managing Director of the Computer Forensics & E-Discovery Group. Prior to joining HSSK, David was Vice President of Electronic Evidence for First Advantage Litigation Consulting where he worked on some of the largest cases in the U.S. He has testified as an expert on many occasions nationally and internationally. Notably, David provided testimony in the landmark Coleman Holdings vs. Morgan Stanley case. David is a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and is a Certified Computer Crime Investigator by the High Tech Crime Network. He is a member of the Association of British Investigators and Digital Forensic Research Workshops (DFRWS). He is a frequent speaker for Bar Association meetings and continuing legal education events. David was educated in the North of England and received further training at The Defense Academy of the...

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 19:37:02 GMT

In Memory of Christal Wainwright, 1973 - 2008 As a member of our HSSK family for almost a decade, Christal Wainwright will be severely missed and remembered as an integral part of the success of our company. Christal loved her job and she was a huge contributor to the success of the computer forensics practice and in the lab earning accreditation. She was loved and well regarded in her profession and will forever be a part of our family. If desired, donations can be made in Christals honor to the High Technology Crime Investigation Association.

HSSK Homepage 3

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 21:46:49 GMT

If you are fast approaching a designation deadline and need to know if we can help you, follow the link below to submit case information to us and we will respond to you on the next business day if we have a potential conflict and who we would propose you use from our organization. (learn more)

Click here to learn more
about our business
valuation services

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:43:33 GMT

David A. Greetham dgreetham@hsskgroup.com 5847 San Felipe Suite 3100 Houston, Texas 77057 Direct: 713.341.1708 David Greetham is the Managing Director of the Computer Forensics & E-Discovery Group. Prior to joining HSSK, David was Vice President of Electronic Evidence for First Advantage Litigation Consulting where he worked on some of the largest cases in the U.S. He has testified as an expert on numerous occasions both nationally and internationally. Notably, David provided testimony in the landmark Coleman Holdings vs. Morgan Stanley case. David is a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and is a Certified Computer Crime Investigator by the High Tech Crime Network. He is also a member of the Association of British Investigators and Digital Forensic Research Workshops (DFRWS). He is a frequent speaker for Bar Association meetings...

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:12:02 GMT

Don Barbo, CPA/ABV, MBA dbarbo@hsskgroup.com 5001 LBJ Freeway Suite 300 Dallas, Texas 75244 214.741.5360 Ext. 102 Don has a broad background in business valuations with extensive experience in healthcare valuation engagements involving mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, partnership transactions, leasing arrangements, divorces, and commercial damages. He has also served as an expert witness in federal court cases. His healthcare valuation experience includes hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, cardiac catheter centers, imaging centers, and a variety of physician practices. Don has also served as the director of finance for a physician practice management company that provided management services to a variety of physician practices. download: Full Curriculum Vitae [pdf]

Our People

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 20:12:09 GMT

James M. Hill, FASA, CBA W. Marc Schwartz, CPA, CFE Jeffrey W. Spilker, JD, CPA/ABV Gerald A. Keller, ASA, CBA J. Michael Hill, Jr., ASA, CPA/ABV Don Barbo, CPA/ABV, MBA Bernard T. Beckwith Ed Blair, PhD Herbert L. Lyon, PhD David A. Greetham Christopher J. Kelly, CFE Mary Beth Monzingo Ray A. Sheeler, CPA, DABFA, CPCM Anthony De Benedictis, CFE Lee DeGrasse, CPA Allen Goodrick, ASA, CPA/ABV Robert Mundy, CPA/ABV, CVA David Smith, ASA, CFA Gilbert G. Moreno Christal Wainwright, EnCE Pamela White, CPA/ABV, MBA/MPA Helga Abreu, MBA James W. Killgo, MBA Donald W. McAlpine, MBA Jared A. Millar, AM, CBA Dustin S. Sachs, CCE, EnCE Tim Stuhlreyer, MBA Mitchell Sheaffer, MBA Gregory C. White

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 20:08:29 GMT

Jared A. Millar, AM, CBA jmillar@hsskgroup.com 5001 LBJ Freeway Suite 300 Dallas, Texas 75244 214.741.5360 Ext. 112 Jared Millar is a Manager of our Valuation Group in the Dallas office. He has provided valuation services in conjunction with financial reporting, estate and gift planning, tax planning, contemplated transactions, corporate planning, litigation and fairness opinions. Specific industry experience includes, but is not limited to, healthcare, retail sales, oil and gas exploration, agriculture, construction, communication, entertainment and professional services. In addition to holding the Certified Business Appraiser designation of the Institute of Business Appraisers, Jared is also an Accredited Member in Business Valuation by the American Society of Appraisers. Jared is a graduate of the Walton School of Business at the...

Construction Litigation

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 20:07:12 GMT

HSSK has in-depth experience in the construction industry in assisting clients in preparing and prosecuting damages due to delays and other related construction claims. We bring to the construction litigator, experts with previous executive level experience in the construction and development industry. Our construction claims services include:

* Forensic Accounting
* Lost Profits Determination
* Damage Analyses
* Quantification of Economic Losses Related to Construction Delays
& Disruptions
* Electronic Discovery Services for Complex Construction Claims Litigation

Please contact Jeff Spilker, J.D., CPA/ABV for more information at jspilker@hsskgroup.com or at 713.771.5011.

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 19:53:06 GMT

Our People James M. Hill, FASA, CBA W. Marc Schwartz, CPA, CFE Jeffrey W. Spilker, JD, CPA/ABV Gerald A. Keller, ASA, CBA J. Michael Hill, Jr. ASA, CPA/ABV Don Barbo, CPA/ABV, MBA Bernard T. Beckwith Ed Blair, PhD Herbert L. Lyon, PhD Christopher J. Kelly, CFE Mary Beth Monzingo David A. Greetham Ray A. Sheeler, CPA, DABFA, CPCM Anthony De Benedictis, CFE Lee DeGrasse, CPA Allen M. Goodrick, ASA, CPA/ABV Robert M. Mundy CPA/ABV, CVA David Smith, ASA, CFA Gilbert G. Moreno Christal Wainwright, EnCE Pamela White, CPA/ABV, MBA, MPA Helga Abreu, MBA James W. Killgo, MBA Donald W. McAlpine, MBA Jared A. Millar, AM, CBA Dustin S. Sachs, CCE, EnCeE Tim Stuhlreyer, MBA Mitchell Sheaffer, MBA W. Bryan Stewart, MBA Gregory C. White The professionals at HSSK are available to give a wide variety of CPE and CLE courses on the topics of valuation, litigation related topics and computer forensics. Please contact Mary...

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:18:18 GMT

Dustin S. Sachs, CCE, EnCE dsachs@hsskgroup.com 5847 San Felipe Suite 3100 Houston, Texas 77057 713.771.5011 Ext. 233 Dustin Sachs joined HSSK in 2008 as a Senior Lab Technician in the Computer Forensics & E-Discovery Group in the Houston office. He has a Masters Certification in Computer Forensics from the University of Central Florida, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of South Florida. Dustin was previously with Grant Thornton, LLP as a Computer Forensics Associate where he conducted forensic evidence acquisitions and imaging, prepared reports, and maintained the forensic laboratory according to ASCLD standards. Prior to Grant Thornton, he served as a Law Clerk for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, State of Florida and was Chief Justice over the University of South Floridas Student Judicial Branch. ...

Computer Forensics & E-Discovery

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:45:13 GMT

As most documents in business are created and stored electronically, HSSK's professionals are certified and experienced in providing in-house computer forensics and electronic data discovery services to clients. Using state of the art technology and forensically sound procedures and tools, including maintaining the appropriate chain of custody (all evidence is stored in an access controlled lab in our Houston office), we assist our clients with the all phases of electronic discovery of computer forensics including identification, acquisition, analysis, reporting and, if necessary, testify on evidence from electronic storage mediums such as computer hard drives.

Businesses and law firms use our computer forensics services in a number of sensitive areas including:

Image and analyze computers of terminated, soon to be terminated or potentially litigious employees.
Search for evidence of:
- Intellectual property theft
- Fraud or embezzlement
- Inappropriate computer use or other
  unauthorized activity
Data recovery
Password override

For more information about our Computer Forensics Services, please contact David Greetham.

Licensed Private Investigators (A14609)

Home

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 23:19:19 GMT

Computer Forensics and E-Discovery HSSKs professionals are certified and experienced in providing in-house expert witness service, computer forensic service and electronic data discovery services to clients. Using state of the art technology and forensically sound procedures and tools, including maintaining the appropriate chain of custody (all evidence is stored in an access controlled lab in our Houston office), we assist our clients with all phases of electronic discovery and computer forensics including identification, imaging/acquisition, analysis, reporting and, if necessary, testify on evidence from electronic storage mediums such as computer hard drives. . ... [view more] What Sets HSSK Apart? HSSK professionals are trained and have a proven track record in expert witness services. We are EnCase® Certified and can provide expert testimony. Unlike some other computer forensics companies, we do more than bits and bytes. Our firm has a long history in litigation and...

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 17:33:27 GMT

J. Michael Hill, Jr., ASA, CPA/ABV mhilljr@hsskgroup.com 5847 San Felipe Suite 3100 Houston, Texas 77057 713.771.5011 Ext. 224 Mike Hill, Jr. has over twelve years of experience in preparing business valuations. Prior to joining Hill Valuation Group in 1996, Mike was a Senior Staff Appraiser in the Houston office of Arthur Andersen specializing in financial valuation. His experience includes equity and intangible asset valuations for various purposes such as estate and gift tax, purchase price allocations, litigation and ESOPs in industries such as oil and gas exploration and production, waste management, retail and wholesale food distribution, printing and publishing, marine transportation, finance and banking, health care and many other manufacturing and service industries. He received his BBA in both accounting and...

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:18:36 GMT

Business Valuation Services The HSSK valuation group has been providing business valuation services to publicly and privately held businesses for more than 30 years throughout the United States and Europe and include Fortune 100 companie. Led by Mike Hill, Sr., past Chairman of The Appraisal Foundation and a Fellow of the American Society of Appraisers, the principals of this valuation group are among the most experienced and qualified in the business valuation profession. Many of HSSKs professionals are recognized leaders in their business professions; the typical HSSK professional has over twenty years of business or industry experience. They are ASAs, CPAs, CFAs, CFEs, EnCEs, JDs, P.E.s and PhDs with considerable financial and accounting acumen. With expert business skills and exceptional valuation knowledge, we offer business valuation services to both public and privately owned companies for a variety of scenarios: Tax Valuation Services ...

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:58:46 GMT

Mary Beth Monzingo mmonzingo@hsskgroup.com 5847 San Felipe Street Suite 3100 Houston, Texas 77057 713.771.5011 Ext. 214 Mary Beth joined HSSK in 2007 as the Executive Director of the firm overseeing all key areas of operations including marketing, finance, technology, human resources, and strategic planning. She also has practice development responsibilities for the firms Litigation Consulting group. Mary Beths background includes more than 15 years in the legal and professional services industries as an administrator, consultant and marketing manager including most recently for Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP and Chadbourne & Parke LLP. She is an active member in the Legal Marketing Association, the American Marketing Association, Energy Industry Special Interest Group, the Association for Corporate Growth and the Womens Energy Network....

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 00:39:54 GMT

Christopher J. Kelly, CFE ckelly@hsskgroup.com 5001 LBJ Freeway, Suite 300 Dallas, Texas 75244 214.741.5360 Ext. 105 Chris Kelly is Managing Director for the Litigation Consulting Group in the Dallas office. He has more than 35 years of experience in litigation consulting, financial and restructuring consulting, and financial institutions. Chris has been engaged by law firms, corporations, and regulatory agencies to provide written reports and testimony in deposition and at trial in local, state, federal and bankruptcy courts. His 16 years of litigation consulting experience includes banking practices, transaction analysis, standards of care, fiduciary duties, economic damages, fraud investigations, funds tracking, preferences, fraudulent transfers and forensic accounting. Chris has been engaged as a consultant on bankruptcy and...

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:33:45 GMT

Helga Abreu, MBA habreu@hsskgroup.com 5847 San Felipe Suite 3100 Houston, Texas 77057 713.771.5011 Ext. 251 Helga Abreu is a Senior Associate in the Houston office. She brings 14 years of unique experience to HSSK in Financial Analysis, Budgeting, Reporting and Cash Flow Analysis and Forecasting. She specializes in Forecasting Techniques, Time Series Analysis and Econometrics and has extensive experience in Quantitative and Data Analysis. Helgas background includes serving as a Financial Advisor in banking and corporate credit and as a partner and Financial Manager in the construction and automobile dealership businesses, where she handled treasury, accounting, and other financial duties. Helga holds American and Mexican dual citizenship and is bilingual in English and Spanish, as well as conversational in French. She was an Associate Professor for...

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:51:33 GMT

Gregory C. White gwhite@hsskgroup.com 5001 LBJ Freeway, Suite 300 Dallas, Texas 75244 214.741.5360 Ext. 119 Greg White is an Associate in our Valuation Group in the Dallas office. His background includes serving as the primary contact for large institutional and corporate trust relationships with total assets in excess of $30 billion. His clients have included public and corporate pensions, foundations, endowments, investment managers, fund of funds and investment consultants. His strong technical skill set, coupled with his analytical approach, have fostered Greg’s ability to apply valuation principals and quantitative concepts used to measure and determine value. Greg’s proficiency with business information tools designed for capital market research and analysis extend to multiple asset classes, and include applications such as...

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:44:18 GMT

Edward Blair, PhD 5847 San Felipe Suite 3100 Houston, Texas 77057 713.771.5011 Edward Blair is Professor of Marketing & Entrepreneurship and Chairman of the Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship at the C. T. Bauer College of Business, University of Houston. He is also a member of HSSKs Council of Advisors. Professor Blair is the author of 40 academic papers and co-authored three books on marketing and marketing research procedures. Professor Blair also serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Marketing Research, the Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science and the Journal of Business Research, and serves on the U. S. Census Bureau Advisory Committee, and has been national conference chairman for the American Marketing Association. In addition to teaching graduate-level courses on Marketing, Market Research, Survey Research Methods, Sampling, Statistics and...

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:33:16 GMT

Bernard (Ben) T. Beckwith

bbeckwith@hsskgroup.com

5001 LBJ Freeway
Suite 300
Dallas, Texas 75244
214.741.5360

Ben Beckwith is one of the most experienced professionals in the country in the field of cost segregation. He was a leader in the computerization of construction cost modeling and cost segregation techniques and has served as an instructor in the application of these tools. In addition to working with some of our most prestigious corporations, he has provided consulting services to the U. S. Government.

In addition to his leadership role in the field of cost segregation, Ben performs real estate valuations for use in connection with purchase price allocations and property tax studies. Ben is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Construction Technology and has done advanced studies at the University of Texas at Austin.

download: Read Curriculum Vitae [pdf]

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:45:20 GMT

Gerald A. Keller, ASA, CBA gkeller@hsskgroup.com 5001 LBJ Freeway Suite 300 Dallas, Texas 75244 214.741.5360 Ext. 101 Gerry joined Mike Hill in 1989 to assist in opening a Dallas office following an eighteen year career in commercial banking where he served as Executive Vice President, Chief Operations Officer and CFO of a Frost Bancshares member bank. Gerry has extensive experience in the valuation of businesses and business interests for tax purposes such as purchase price allocation and estate planning for wealthy individuals, as well as in connection with mergers and acquisitions and other business purposes. His clients have come from a variety of industries including manufacturing, real estate development, oil and gas exploration and production, casting, telecommunications, printing and professional services. He is an...

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:20:10 GMT

Ray A. Sheeler, CPA, DABFA, CPCM rsheeler@hsskgroup.com 5001 LBJ Freeway, Suite 300 Dallas, Texas 75244 214.741.5360 Ext. 220 Ray has over twenty years of experience in the valuation profession. Prior to joining HSSK he was a Director with CBIZ Valuation Group, Inc. and a principal with its predecessor, Business Valuation Services, Inc. Previously, he was with two other national valuation firms, CFO of three companies and began his career with, the then, Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co. His expertise includes financial valuation of businesses and underlying intangible assets, as well as project management on large and complex assignments undertaken for transaction (including IPOs and ESOPs), financing, economic damages, tax (ad valorum, state, federal and international), bankruptcy, fairness, solvency and numerous other...

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:59:14 GMT

James M. (Mike) Hill, FASA, CBA mhill@hsskgroup.com 5847 San Felipe, Suite 3100 Houston, Texas 77057 Ph: 713.771.5011 Ext. 222 5001 LBJ Freeway, Suite 300 Dallas, Texas 75244 Ph: 214.741.5360 Ext. 222 Mike has extensive experience in valuing closely held businesses and equity ownership in connection with tax planning, estate planning, estate valuations, divorce and commercial litigation and is a recognized leader in the business appraisal industry. He has extensive experience appraising businesses in the service, manufacturing, petrochemical, construction, healthcare, retail and oil and gas exploration and production industries. He has been an active member of the American Society of Appraisers since 1981, most recently serving at the chairman of its Long-Range Planning Committee. Mike is past Chairman of the Business Valuation...

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 23:41:27 GMT

James W. (Will) Killgo, MBA

wkillgo@hsskgroup.com

5001 LBJ Freeway, Suite 300
Dallas, Texas 75244
214.741.5360 Ext. 117

Will Killgo has experience in the valuation of closely held businesses in conjunction with estate and gift taxation, contemplated transactions, Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), and financial reporting. He has valued companies involved in a variety of different industries including retail sales, construction, professional services, manufacturing, and wholesale distribution.

Will's prior experience includes regulatory compliance in the banking industry. Will holds a B.S. in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University and an MBA from Eastern New Mexico University.

download: Full Curriculum Vitae [pdf]

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 22:37:27 GMT

Consultant, Computer Forensics & E-Discovery, Houston Hill Schwartz Spilker Keller seeks a Consultant to join our dynamic Computer Forensics & E-Discovery group in Houston. Responsibilities: - Perform acquisition and analysis of digital evidence - Assist in development and follow up of new business leads - Ensure adherence of self and others to laboratory policies and procedures - Analyze and solve technical problems - Perform reviews of case files as assigned in accordance with company policies - Research and develop technical processes and toolsets - Work in a team environment Qualifications: Successful individual will have a working knowledge of computer forensics fundamentals, and have the ability to quickly grasp technical concepts. In addition, candidate must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, work independently, be flexible in work hours and...

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 22:34:34 GMT

Senior Consultant, Computer Forensics & E-Discovery, Houston Hill Schwartz Spilker Keller seeks a Senior Consultant to join our dynamic Computer Forensics & E-Discovery group in Houston. Responsibilities: - Perform acquisition and analysis of digital evidence - Testify in court to methods and findings of analysis - Responsible for case and project management. Determine case needs, assign tasks to Consultants and Lab Technicians - Perform reviews of case files as assigned in accordance with company policies - Research and develop technical processes and toolsets - High level of client interaction, including case intake, client coordination and communication - Develop and follow up on new business leads - Ensure adherence of self and others to laboratory policies and procedures - Analyze and solve potentially complex technical problems - Work in a team...

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 22:32:53 GMT

Lab Technician, Computer Forensics & E-Discovery, Houston Hill Schwartz Spilker Keller seeks a Lab Technician to join our dynamic Computer Forensics & E-Discovery group in Houston. Responsibilities: - Assist consultants with processing of digital evidence - Maintain equipment and evidence inventories, including check in/out and ordering - Perform maintenance and troubleshooting on lab equipment, including workstations and storage servers - Ensure adherence of laboratory policies and procedures - Analyze and solve technical problems. - Work in a team environment Qualifications: Successful individual will be technically focused, and have an interest in computer forensics and/or electronic discovery. In addition, candidate must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, be flexible in work hours and maintain a pleasant attitude in a busy and dynamic work...

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 16:48:52 GMT

HSSK is Nation’s First Private Computer Forensics Lab Accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board Texas Firm Operates Only Accredited Computer Forensics Lab in Houston and One of Two Statewide HOUSTON, TX (January 9, 2008) — Texas-based Hill Schwartz Spilker Keller LLC (HSSK), a business valuation, litigation consulting and computer forensics firm, today announced that their computer forensics lab located in Houston is the first private lab in the U.S. to be accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB). This accreditation confirms that a computer forensics laboratory’s management, operations, personnel, procedures and instruments, physical plant and security procedures meet quality standards set by ASCLD/LAB. HSSK is the only accredited computer forensics lab in Houston and one of two in Texas, with the other being the FBI Regional Cooperative Forensics Lab...

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 23:43:19 GMT

Press Release: HSSK is Nation’s First Private Computer Forensics Lab Accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board

Texas Firm Operates Only Accredited Computer Forensics Lab in Houston and One of Two Statewide

HOUSTON, TX (January 9, 2008) — Texas-based Hill Schwartz Spilker Keller LLC (HSSK), a business valuation, litigation consulting and computer forensics firm, today announced that their computer forensics lab located in Houston is the first private lab in the U.S. to be accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB). This accreditation confirms that a computer forensics laboratory’s management, operations, personnel, procedures and instruments, physical plant and security procedures meet quality standards set by ASCLD/LAB. (Click here for full story...)

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 22:11:38 GMT

W. Marc Schwartz, CPA, CFE mschwartz@hsskgroup.com 5847 San Felipe Suite 3100 Houston, Texas 77057 713.771.5011 Ext. 208 Marc founded a predecessor to HSSK in 1993 following an almost 20 year career with Coopers & Lybrand. At the time he left Coopers & Lybrand as an audit partner, he was partner in charge of its Houston based Financial Advisory Services Group (FAS). In that responsibility he had twenty people reporting to him providing business valuation, bankruptcy and reorganization, and litigation services to clients. He has assisted clients in performing due diligence and negotiating business purchases in the banking, petrochemical, refining, heavy equipment manufacturing and electric and water utility industries. He has worked with clients of all sizes in the petrochemical, energy, manufacturing, publishing, airline, retail and finance...

Representative Client List

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 17:46:03 GMT

Major Corporations: American Electric Power Company Burlington Resources Haliburton Company Home Depot, Inc. Tractebel Power Incorporated Valero Corporation Brookshire Grocery Company Ferro Corporation PRG-Schultz United Parcel Service, Inc. Law Firms: Ahmad, Zavitsanos & Anaipakos, PC Andrews Kurth, LLP Andrews Myers Coulter & Cohen P.C. Baker Botts L.L.P. Beck, Redden & Secrest, LLP Bracewell & Patterson, LLP Bryan Cave LLP Carrington, Coleman, Sloman & Blumenthal, L.L.P. Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Martin Clark, Thomas & Winters Kacal, Adams & Law, P.C. Eastham, Watson, Dale & Forney Emanuel, Sheppard & Condon Fulbright & Jaworski, LLP...

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 23:31:44 GMT

Brian R. Larsen, EnCE Brian Larsen is Manager of the Computer Forensics & E-Discovery Group at Hill Schwartz Spilker Keller LLC. He has managed enterprise scale electronic discovery cases for a variety of organizations including Fortune 500 companies. Brian’s extensive technical experience includes handling production servers, complex networks, and hardware and software issues. He consults and advises attorneys and corporate clients on electronic discovery issues including identification and preservation of responsive electronic documents for production. Brian has performed computer forensic acquisitions and examinations for business and employment disputes, compliance with discovery requests in litigation and government investigations, SEC matters, intellectual property theft, fraud, harassment, family law, and...

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 21:22:49 GMT

W. Bryan Stewart, MBA bstewart@hsskgroup.com 5847 San Felipe Suite 3100 Houston, Texas 77057 713.771.5011 Ext. 254 Bryan Stewart is an Associate in our Litigation Consulting group in the Houston office. His background includes providing analyses as a revenue accountant for Pioneer Americas, LLC and in Finance at National Oilwell Varco. He also spent three years as a Legal Assistant researching income tax and property valuations and verifying assets in property disputes and settlements. Bryan has a Bachelors in Communications from Texas Christian University and an MBA in International Finance and Management from Thunderbird-The Garvin School of International Management.

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 17:51:33 GMT

Jeffrey (Jeff) W. Spilker, JD, CPA/ABV jspilker@hsskgroup.com 5847 San Felipe Suite 3100 Houston, Texas 77057 Ph: 713.771.5011 Ext. 211 Jeff specializes in forensic accounting, economic damage analysis, and real estate and business valuation. He leads the firms real estate consulting and construction advisory practice. Previously, Jeff was with a national accounting and consulting firm. He has also served as CFO of an engineering and construction company and as a Vice President and General Manager of a company that specialized in multifamily and office construction. Jeff has provided expert testimony in over eighty matters involving accounting, financial and valuation issues in federal district court, Unites States bankruptcy court, and arbitration settings. Jeff holds a Bachelors degree in Architecture with High Honors and an MBA from the...

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:54:11 GMT

HSSK Homepage

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 21:30:51 GMT

Hill Schwartz Spilker Keller LLC is a business valuation services, expert witness services and litigation consulting practice whose principals have been serving the corporate and professional communities for over three decades. The group assists clients in quantifying and articulating value for financing, taxation, transaction and litigation purposes throughout the United States and the Western world. This work is used in connection with business valuation services for transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, transfer pricing, cross border transactions between affiliates, expert witness services, bankruptcy, estate and tax planning and in connection with commercial litigation consulting. HSSK also provides computer forensic and e-discovery services.

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 18:45:45 GMT

Mary Beth Monzingo Mary Beth joined HSSK in 2007 as the Executive Director of the firm overseeing all key areas of operations including marketing, finance, technology, human resources, and strategic planning. She also has practice development responsibilities for the firms Litigation Consulting group. Mary Beths background includes more than 15 years in the legal and professional services industries as an administrator, consultant and marketing manager including most recently for Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP and Chadbourne & Parke LLP. She is an active member in the Legal Marketing Association, the American Marketing Association, Energy Industry Special Interest Group, the Association for Corporate Growth and the Womens Energy Network. Mary Beth is also a member of CEO Network Partners, University of Houston - The Bauer...

Careers

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 02:23:54 GMT

At Hill Schwartz Spilker Keller, we maintain a positive culture of mutual support and respect, trust and integrity; and one that allows for and supports a balanced lifestyle. We are committed to the growth, development and advancement of our people. We pay close attention to the quality of our work product and our client service, utilizing the most efficient and effective work processes, methodologies, and technology. We offer outstanding benefits and competitive salaries with progressive career advancement. If our philosophy appeals to you, please review our exciting career opportunities and consider joining our team. Please contact Mary Beth Monzingo at: mmonzingo@hsskgroup.com Ph: 713.771.5011 Ext. 214 Current Opportunities Senior Associate, Litigation Consulting, Houston Hill Schwartz Spilker Keller seeks a Senior Associate with two to four years of experience as an auditor with a public accounting firm to join our Litigation Consulting group in Houston. [View...

Associate, Business Valuation and Litigation Consulting, Dallas

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 18:05:17 GMT

Hill Schwartz Spilker Keller seeks an Associate to join our Business Valuation and Litigation Consulting group in Dallas. The ideal candidate would possess a BBA minimum/MBA preferred as well as the successful completion of all ASA courses or is a CFA candidate. CPA is a plus. We are looking for one to three years of experience in business valuation assignments including litigation consulting.

If you are interested in this career opportunity, please send your resume to Mary Beth Monzingo at mmonzingo@hsskgroup.com.

Manager, Business Valuation and/or Litigation Consulting, Dallas

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 15:09:35 GMT

Hill Schwartz Spilker Keller seeks a Manager to join our Business Valuation and/or Litigation Consulting group in Dallas. The ideal candidate would possess a BBA minimum/MBA preferred, with an ASA/CFA designation as well. CPA is a plus. We are looking for someone with five to seven years of experience in a variety of business valuation or litigation consulting assignments. A demonstrated ability to foster new relationships for developing new business is definitely a plus in this position.

If you are interested in this career opportunity, please send your resume to Mary Beth Monzingo at mmonzingo@hsskgroup.com.

Mitchell Sheaffer, MBA

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 01:51:54 GMT

Mitchell Sheaffer is an Associate in our Business Valuation group in the Houston office. He earned his Masters of Business Administration in Corporate Finance from Louisiana State University and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Texas State University, McCoy School of Business.

Prior to joining HSSK, Mitch was with Plains All American Pipeline where he performed operational audits on lease operations and developed recommendations unifying lease structures, as well as rendered Sarbanes Oxley audits on financial reporting to ensure compliance.

email: msheaffer@hsskgroup.com
ph: 713.771.5011 ext. 252

Computer Forensics & Data Discovery

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 22:25:52 GMT

As most documents in business are created and stored electronically, HSSKs professionals are certified and experienced in providing in-house computer forensics and electronic data discovery services to clients. Using state of the art technology and forensically sound procedures and tools, including maintaining the appropriate chain of custody (all evidence is stored in an access controlled lab in our Houston office), we assist our clients with the all phases of electronic discovery including identification, acquisition, analysis, reporting and, if necessary, testify on evidence from electronic storage mediums such as computer hard drives. Electronic data discovery is one the fastest growing areas in litigation. Attorneys today cannot afford to ignore the wealth of evidence that may exist on computers. This evidence can often change the course of the case. Some of the services we provide to assist you are: Consultations on viability of electronic data discovery Review...

Thu, 20 Sep 2007 21:30:20 GMT

Ray A. Sheeler, CPA, DABFA, CPCM

Ray has over twenty years of experience in the valuation profession. Prior to joining HSSK he was a Director with CBIZ Valuation Group, Inc. and a principal with its predecessor, Business Valuation Services, Inc. Previously he was with two other national valuation firms, CFO of three companies and began his career with the then Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co.

His expertise includes financial valuation of businesses and underlying intangible assets, as well as project management on large and complex assignments undertaken for transaction (including IPOs and ESOPs), financing, economic damages, tax (ad valorum, state, federal and international), bankruptcy, fairness, solvency and numerous other purposes. He consults on acquisition and divestiture deal structuring, enhancing stockholder value and other strategic issues, succession planning and other corporate governance issues and similar management/valuation issues. He frequently speaks and writes on valuation topics. He received his BS in Accounting from Valparaiso University and belongs to the Association for Corporate Growth as well as various other professional and civic organizations. Ray is a Diplomate of the Amercian Board of Forensic Accounting (DABFA) and a Certified Professional Consultant to Management (CPCM).

download: Read Curriculum Vitae [pdf format]
email: rsheeler@hsskgroup.com

ph: 214.741.5360 ext. 220

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 15:14:23 GMT

Jared Millar, AM, CBA Jared Millar is a Senior Valuation Analyst in our Dallas practice. He has experience in the valuation of closely held businesses in conjunction with estate and gift taxation, estate planning, tax planning, contemplated transactions and divorce matters. His experience includes the appraisal of businesses competing in a variety of industries including healthcare, retail sales, oil and gas exploration, agriculture, construction, communication, entertainment and professional services. In addition to the valuation of privately held businesses, Jared also has experience valuing stock options and warrants issued by publicly traded companies. Prior to joining HSSK, Jared worked in individual income tax accounting and planning as well as the information technology industry as a Microsoft Certified Systems...

Senior Associate, Litigation Consulting, Houston

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 15:20:20 GMT

Hill Schwartz Spilker Keller seeks a Senior Associate to join our Litigation Consulting group in Houston. Responsibilities: - Work with managers and shareholders in preparing financial analysis and forensic examinations and overseeing assigned engagement staff - Critical review of the work of others, particularly experts engaged by opposing parties - Perform and supervise detailed fact finding and accounting research and analysis - Direct and develop computer models including detailed and potentially complex spreadsheet analyses - Conduct data gathering activities including document review and quality control of data entry activities - Prepare client communications for manager or shareholder review - Analyze and solve complex problems - Work in a team environment and exhibit leadership when necessary Qualifications: - Must have two to four years as an auditor in a public accounting firm - CPA or at least eligible to sit for the CPA exam in Texas - Knowledge of...

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 15:11:10 GMT

James W. (Will) Killgo, MBA

Will has experience in the valuation of closely held businesses in conjunction with estate and gift taxation, contemplated transactions, Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and litigation support. He has valued companies involved in a variety of different industries including retail sales, construction, professional services, wholesale distribution, and healthcare.

Mr. Killgo's prior experience includes regulatory compliance
in the banking industry and commodity brokerage
logistical support. Will holds a B.S. in Agricultural Economics

from Texas A&M University and an MBA from Eastern New

Mexico University.

download: Read Curriculum Vitae [pdf format]
email: wkillgo@hsskgroup.com
ph: 214.741.5360 ext. 117

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 14:35:23 GMT

Christal Wainwright

Christal is a Consultant in the Houston office of our Computer Forensics and E-Discovery Group. Her practice involves imaging and analyzing computer drives and other media for the purpose of extracting electronically stored information. Christal also provides consulting in our commercial litigation group. She has received formal computer forensics training from Guidance Software Inc. (EnCase).

Prior to joining HSSK in 1999, Christal worked for four years in the oil and gas industry and one year in technical contracting. She had responsibility for various accounting functions including gathering and compiling financial information and other data required for SEC filings. Christal has also managed a Human Resources Department which included administering Department of Defense security clearances. Christal also assisted with various accounting tasks for the Houston Police Activities League.

email: cwainwright@hsskgroup.com
ph: 713.771.5011 ext. 231

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 14:34:25 GMT

Tim Stuhlreyer

Tim Stuhlreyer has over nine years of business experience including over three years in corporate finance and business valuation. Prior to joining the firm, Tim held positions with Marion Financial Corp., Freescale Semiconductor Inc. and Motorola Inc.

Tim received his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Texas A&M University and his Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants. He is currently completing the exam requirements to become a Certified Public Accountant and is a Candidate Member of the American Society of Appraisers.

email: tims@hsskgroup.com

ph: 713.771.5011 ext. 212