Interview with Staff Accountant, Jack Michelson

Q: Tell us about your family.

A: I come from a close knit family in Willmar, MN. My father, Ryan, works here at CDS while my mother, Angela, works for Willmar Public Schools as a 5th grade teacher. I have two brothers, Henry and Evan.

Q: What inspired your career path?

A: Growing up, I was surrounded by accounting, both my dad and grandpa were accountants, so the field always felt familiar to me. When I saw that my high school offered an accounting class, I decided to give it a try, and it quickly became clear that the concepts came naturally to me. That initial experience sparked my interest, and as I progressed through college, I continued to excel in my accounting courses. The more I learned, the more I realized that accounting was the right career path for me.

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?

A: In my spare time, I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends. I also love playing guitar, which allows me to express creativity as well as relax and unwind. Additionally, I enjoy golfing, hunting, and fishing as a way to spend time outdoors.

Q: Why CDS?

A: CDS has been a familiar name in my family for as long as I can remember. My grandpa used to tell stories about working there, and those stuck with me over the years. On top of that, I saw firsthand how the flexibility at CDS benefited my dad—he could step away when needed, even during the busiest times, which showed me how much the company values its people. When I interned here, I got to experience that culture myself. The people, the environment, and the way everyone works together made it clear that CDS was the right place for me, and I knew I wanted to come back.

Jack’s Full Bio