As a Wausau financial planning firm, we think you deserve to know exactly who's handling your finances before you hand anything over, which is why this about us page introduces our history and our full team by name.
The People Behind Your Books and Your Return
Invested in Wausau Long Before You Walked In
Our roots in the Wausau community run deeper than client relationships. While our name is new, Financial Planning and Tax Center has served Wausau-area families and businesses for over 30 years — formerly known as Mesenberg & Bird Tax & Accounting.
James has served as chair of the United Way of Marathon County Emerging Leaders board, sat on the Get $mart Wausau Coalition board, volunteered as a financial counselor through the UW-Extension system, and taught financial education courses at the Wausau Money Conference. He was also recognized by the Wausau Daily Herald with a "20 Under Forty" award for his community service.
That involvement shapes how we work with clients. We're not a seasonal operation that disappears after April. We're accountants who live here, teach here, and plan to keep showing up here.
Meet the Accounting Team Wausau Clients Work With Directly
Every client is assigned a real accountant, not a rotating cast of preparers. Here's who makes up our team.
James Ison, MSA, CFP
Owner
James leads the firm's advisory practice, working with clients on tax strategy, business planning, and long-term financial decisions rather than compliance work alone. He holds a Master of Science in Accounting and is a Certified Financial Planner. Outside the office, James lives in the Town of Texas with his wife, Connie, their children, and three dogs that keep the household in line. He spends his free time hunting, fishing, and staying active outdoors.
Denver Coscio
Accountant
Denver joined the team in 2022 and works with our accounting and bookkeeping clients on managing their business plans from start-up through growth and ownership transition. He works with clients to collect information to prepare accurate reports and reduce tax obligations. Denver graduated from the University of Wisconsin—Stevens Point with a bachelor’s in accounting and is currently studying for the CPA exam. He enjoys music and spending time with his friends, family and three dogs.
Joseph Abadeer
Accountant
Joseph brings his experience as a small business owner to the accounting and bookkeeping team to compile and translate clients’ business records into an actionable business plan. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin—Stevens Point with a bachelor’s in accounting and business administration. Joe and his wife, Hnin Htet Htet live in Wausau and they remain busy exploring beautiful hiking trails in the Midwest. Joe enjoys music, the arts and cooking.
Orion Ison
tax preparer
There is no free pass in the Ison household. Orion began learning about tax preparation when he was 14 years old sitting in client meeting with his father. Since then, he has learned how to prepare accurate tax returns and is currently studying tax planning opportunities to share during future client meetings. Orion is an honors student at the University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire and is pursuing a double major in Finance and Spanish.
Emily Hollis
tax preparer
Emily looks forward to building lasting relationships with her clients. She wants to be a lasting resource they can rely on year after year. Emily enjoys spending time at home working on projects, spending time with her pets, and exploring the outdoors. She is always looking for opportunities to learn something new and grow both personally and professionally.
Kestler Ison
Tax Preparer & IT
Kestler has been with the firm for nine years, preparing tax returns and serving as the primary point of contact with our third-party IT team to keep our systems running. He's currently pursuing degrees in computer programming and IT at Northcentral Technical College. Kestler played football, track, and basketball at Wausau West, and spends his free time gaming and playing sports with friends.
