Haley Bass, ’16
Associate Accountant II, Montgomery, AL
My office visit played a huge part in my decision process in coming to work for Draffin Tucker. I met with many people in Albany, and everyone I met with was super nice and very welcoming.
Being a new person in any office, it is difficult to get started and learn your way around the office, software, and procedures in general. Here at Draffin Tucker I always feel like there is someone nearby who is always willing to help, even with the smallest tasks. I have never felt like I couldn’t go to someone with any type of question, everyone is so helpful and doesn’t mind taking the time to make sure you understand what you are doing.
I never was a big city type of person, so to me, it was an obvious choice to be in Albany. I love how convenient everything is.
My husband and I still love going back to Auburn and walking around campus and downtown. We watch every football game on TV and still occasionally get tickets to some games too. War Eagle!
Keara Dowling, ’09
Manager, Huntsville, AL
I chose Draffin Tucker when I was a MAc student at Auburn because I knew that the people here would truly care about helping me grow and succeed both personally and professionally.
During my interview, the managing partner told me that he believes choosing Draffin Tucker is not just the start of a job, it’s the beginning of a career here, because the firm provides many opportunities to take on new and greater responsibilities.
Draffin Tucker is a great place to work because it’s small enough that you can know everyone at the firm and really stand out when you’re doing a good job, but it’s big enough that you can have a variety of experiences. The partners are also very accessible, even to first-year staff, and it’s not uncommon to work with them directly, which is a great way to learn.
I love living in Atlanta because it is close to both my hometown and Auburn, and there are many options for dining, shopping and entertainment. I really enjoy going to concerts, Braves games and festivals.
I am a Life Member of the alumni association and enjoy participating in Atlanta Auburn Club events. I also love returning to campus anytime I can to attend band performances and football and baseball games, and I proudly sport an Auburn University Marching Band sticker and National Champions license plate frame on my car!
Miles Espy, ’91
Partner, Headland, AL
Upon graduation, I had opportunities to onboard with national CPA firms, but as I learned about their environments, I knew that on a long-term basis it was not the right fit for me.
After considerable thought and prayer, and as I learned about the culture and the high-quality services and clients of Draffin Tucker, I knew that I would get great experience with the firm and that it would enhance my career. I also believed that Draffin Tucker would be an environment in which I could work my entire career. After starting with the firm in 1991, it has been my only employer as a professional accountant, and I became a Partner with the firm in 2001. I saw the opportunity for advancement as I evaluated Draffin Tucker, and I can see those same opportunities available to young professionals beginning their careers with our firm today.
In addition to providing a challenging and rewarding professional career, Draffin Tucker has a family atmosphere that was birthed in our small-city roots in Albany and has transitioned nicely into our Atlanta office.
Albany is a great place to enjoy a nice quality of life. The short commute times of 10 to 15 minutes afford you the opportunities to enjoy “small town” living, while having an enriching professional career. During my tenure here, this pace of living has allowed me to enjoy sports and recreation activities with friends after work, be involved with my children as my wife and I began a family (including coaching my children in sports), and be actively involved in many civic and church activities. The best part about Albany is that it is only a two-hour drive from Auburn, so it is easy to get back to the Plains anytime you desire.
Albany is also home to the Southwest Georgia Auburn Alumni Association, which is a very active Chapter. Its signature event is the Cleve Wester Scholarship Hunt, where current coaches and yesterday’s gridiron heroes participate in hunts on area quail plantations. The event is highlighted by a dinner where the coaches address the club and there is an auction of Auburn memorabilia enjoyed by all. I am member of Tigers Unlimited and a season ticketholder to the football, basketball and baseball programs. Nothing beats a day on the Plains. In addition, the vehicles that I drive are typically orange or blue, and I am known throughout the community for my Auburn spirit. I have a framed print of the Auburn Creed in my office and reflect on it from time to time. I believe in Auburn and love it! It’s great to be an Auburn Tiger!
Andrea Garvin, ’85
Manager, Moultrie, GA
I was recruited by DT in 1985 and came to work for them in June 1985. After several years of working with DT, which I truly enjoyed, I decided to move to Mobile, AL to be closer to family. Fast forward about 30 years or so, and I now find myself back here at DT and it is such a great feeling to be back.
For me, after having been gone from DT for so many years, it has been like coming home again. Everyone has been so welcoming.
I live in Roswell, which offers the small town feel which I grew up in and love. Living in one of the many suburbs of Atlanta gives me the exposure to everything from sporting events to cultural arts, both of which I happen to love.
Savannah Sartain, ’15
Manager, Albany, GA
I chose Draffin Tucker because everyone was so welcoming on my office visit and made me feel like I was already a part of the Draffin Tucker family before I had even received an offer.
It was very apparent to me that this was a company that truly cares for its employees and that was the type of company I wanted as my employer.
I love being here at Draffin Tucker because I enjoy the people that I work with and I also get to call them my friends. It also makes a huge difference when you enjoy the work that you are doing which is true for me here at Draffin Tucker.
Living in Albany is important to me because it is my hometown and all my family is here. I like to hang out or go to dinner with my family and friends. I also love shopping at all the local businesses that come with living in a smaller town!
My parents started buying season football tickets when I started school at Auburn. I think they probably wanted an excuse to come visit me every weekend in the fall, but now that I have graduated and am back at home, we still buy tickets and love going to the games together. It has become some of my favorite memories.
Jeff Wright, ’90
Managing Partner, Pensacola, FL
I chose Draffin Tucker because I was impressed with the personality of the firm and believed that the firm was committed to investing in its people.
I wanted to begin my career with a place that I could have the potential to stay long-term and I believed DT was such a place.
Ever since I began with DT, the reasons I chose this firm have only been reinforced. DT is about long-term relationships with both clients and its personnel. I enjoy the rewards of that commitment.
My wife and I have made some great friends in Albany over the last twenty years. As our children are now teenagers, I see them forming bonds with their peers as well.
I believe in Auburn and the quality of students it produces. I now serve on Auburn’s School of Accountancy Advisory Board.
