Scott Smead, CPA

1. How long have you lived in the Bay Area? 

I was born in San Jose, CA and have spent my entire life here, minus a few years while I was away for college.

2. What is your fondest childhood memory?

One particular summer while at summer camp near Pinecrest, CA, I thought I was on top of the world. I spent my time enjoying the warm summer days while fishing in Pinecrest Lake, learning archery, shooting BB guns, whittling balsa wood into airplanes and singing around a campfire with some of my closest friends. Towards the end of the week, we rode our mountain bikes to the top of Dodge Ridge Ski Resort where I quickly learned a tough life lesson on the ride down. Do not tailgate your best friend while riding your bike downhill as fast as you can. Although the end of my week-long summer camp trip ended with me wrapped in bandages covering a slew of road rash, I’ll never forget the fun I had. Most importantly, I’ll never forget to leave an adequate distance between myself and whoever is in front of me.

3. What subject(s) did you study at College?

I started off as a music major, but quickly realized I was not so good and I would have a better chance of supporting myself if I switched to finance and accounting.

4. What was your first job?

Technically my first job was selling firecrackers and candy to my schoolmates, but my first “real” job was washing cars at the family business.

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

Bob Lee, but don’t tell him I said that.

6. How has your career created value in your life?

My career has helped me develop tools to pay the least amount of income tax as possible, does it get anymore valuable than that?

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

When the terrorists hijacked the four airliners and carried out deadly attacks on September 11, 2001; my eyes along with millions of others were opened.

8. What is your most memorable travel experience?

My wife and I somehow managed to obtain free tickets on Alaska Airlines and figured we might as well use them to go to Alaska. With minor planning, but open minds we spent our travels pulling several salmon out of the waters near Seward, eating wild blueberries near Alyeska, watching the wildlife and enjoying the never-ending daylight.

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

Becoming a father. It’s funny because I thought it was going to be easy. Boy, was I wrong!

10. What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Becoming a father.

11. What do you like to do in your spare time?

Mountain biking, backpacking, riding motorcycles, camping, traveling, cooking, eating great food and enjoying my family and friends.

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

The ability to fly. I would be able to see the world and, most importantly, avoid traffic.