Photo of Brad Virkus

Brad Virkus

Group Managing Partner CPA, Commercial Industries East Lansing

My first date was with my wife, Cari, when we were 16. We saw the movie American Werewolf in London. I was terrified. I jumped in my seat, covered my eyes, and had to ‘’go get popcorn’’ more than once.

Brad Virkus
Group Managing Partner, CPA, Commercial Industries

Experience

As a member of Plante Moran’s management team, I lead client service, growth, and people development for our firm’s real estate and construction, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing and distribution, service companies, and wealth management practice areas.

I’ve always been interested in entrepreneurship and was attracted to the firm because of our concept of individual freedom – it’s allowed me to pursue a career that matches my personal interests and passions. Today, that passion has evolved into helping clients and staff achieve their goals and highest potential. 

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to serve the firm in a number of leadership positions, including nine years as leader of our real estate and construction industry group, where I worked with a team of 40 partners and 275 staff and helped to significantly grow the practice in size, capabilities, and profitability. Prior to this role, I served as office managing partner of our East Lansing office where I led a team of approximately 100 staff and partners serving clients in a variety of industries.

With more than 30 years of experience working extensively with real estate, construction, and manufacturing organizations and their owners, I’ve dedicated my career to helping clients reach their personal and professional goals by tackling the most difficult issues that impact profitability and enterprise value. I’ve spent a lot of time focusing on strategic planning and decision making, acquisitions and divestitures, entity structuring, investor transactions, and complex tax planning and structuring transactions.

I have a B.A. in accounting from Michigan State University and completed Harvard Business School’s “Leading Professional Service Firms” program in 2006. I’ve been a member and was former chairperson of the Michigan State University Department of Accounting Advisory Board, and have also been invited to lecture for numerous accounting classes and presentations at Michigan State University. I am excited to be serving on the Michigan State University Broad College Advisory Board for the 2021 – 2025 academic years.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, including attending events, traveling both abroad and to our northern Michigan cottage, and playing golf.