Nick Petersen, CPA

How long have you lived in northern California?

I was born and raised in Chico, California.  My wife and I are raising our family here because of the great community and family we have here.

What is your fondest childhood memory?

My fondest childhood memory is swimming with my cousins in my Grandparents’ pool every day during the summer and playing war in the adjacent walnut orchards.  I was lucky enough to grow up on the same street with some of my cousins, so we would rove around the neighborhood being menaces.

What subject(s) did you study at College?

At first I couldn’t decide, but after taking an intro to accounting class I was hooked when we played Monopoly and the assignment was to account for all the transactions. It was a pretty effective teaching strategy, it got me!

What was your first job?

I worked at my parents’ automotive shop changing oil and tires.

Who has been the most influential person to you in your career?

I’m indebted to my parents for this as they provided the environment that I could pursue whatever career path I wanted and help me be successful.

How has your career created value in your life?

Professionally, I’ve developed amazing, fun relationships with colleagues and clients.  Personally, I have been able to have a successful career and still be able to spend valuable time with my family.

What do you consider to be the most significant world event that has occurred during your lifetime?

The most impactful for me has to be 9/11.  I vividly remember sitting in front of our TV thinking this can’t be real.

What is your most memorable travel experience?

My wife and I took our kids on a 3 week trip to the east coast to visit family and see the sites.  We went to Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Gettysburg, New York City and more.  We saw so much amazing U.S. History, but New York City was my favorite.

What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you?

I don’t know if it’s the funniest, but my wife thought it was hilarious. We stopped at a quickie mart to get a drink before we went on a road trip and my skin was really dry.  I asked my wife for some lotion and all she had was this tropical scented stuff.  I put it on and went in to get a drink.  As I’m checking out, the cash register guy starts sniffing the air and asked me if that good smell was me.  I denied it and he kept going on about how it smelled so good.  “Smells like coconut”.  I made my purchase and exited quickly.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

It’s an accomplishment in progress, but I’m so proud of my kids.  My wife and I have four children (two boys, two girls) and our world revolves around them.  They are awesome!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

As weird as this may sound, I really like doing yard work and landscaping.  I love the smell of a freshly manicured lawn.  But for more traditional things, I like playing golf and basketball.   Hanging out on the lake with friends and family is always fun too.

If you could possess one super-human power, what would it be?

The power to see the future.  I could definitely see the downside to it because who doesn’t like surprises and I wouldn’t want movies spoiled for me, so selective foresight would certainly be an awesome power.