This month, we spotlight McGladrey LLP, the fifth largest provider of assurance, tax and consulting services in the country. The company's involvement in the renewable energy industry began in 2000 and it currently serves 20 renewable energy companies in Minnesota.

Read our interview with Dustin Petersen, partner at McGladrey LLP, below.

Q. Tell us a bit about McGladrey.

A. McGladrey LLP is the fifth largest U.S. provider of assurance, tax and consulting services, with more than 6,700 professionals and associates in 75 cities nationwide. We are the largest professional services firm focused on the middle market, tracing our history to 1926 when Ira B. McGladrey started his own accounting firm in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. George Hansen and Keith Dunn were admitted as partners in 1937, and by 1966 the firm had 29 offices in eight states. McGladrey, Hansen, Dunn & Company merged with Broeker Hendrickson & Co. in 1978 and with A.M. Pullen and Company in 1984.

In the summer of 1999, McGladrey & Pullen sold its nonattest assets and business to H&R Block, Inc. RSM McGladrey, Inc. was established as an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of the Block organization. McGladrey & Pullen continued as a separate entity offering audit and attest services.

On December 1, 2011, McGladrey & Pullen acquired RSM McGladrey from H&R Block reuniting the assurance, tax and consulting practices under an integrated McGladrey & Pullen limited liability partnership structure. In 2012 McGladrey & Pullen changed its name to McGladrey LLP.

McGladrey is also a member of RSM International, the seventh largest global network of independent accounting, tax and consulting firms.

Q. Please tell us your company’s history with the ethanol industry and why your company is committed to the development of ethanol in Minnesota?

A. Our involvement in the ethanol industry began in 2000 with our renewable energy practice. As the practice has grown to include wind, solar and biomass capabilities, we have become a leader in the alternative energy industry, dedicated to understanding critical issues and providing products and services to help our clients prosper. Today, we serve 20 Minnesota renewable energy companies, and nearly 200 nationally.

In addition to strong client representation, our professionals work closely with alternative energy industry groups and regularly advocate for the best interests of your organization. When the industry needs assistance, McGladrey has provided direct interaction with the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service.

Our clients throughout the country turn to us for their wide-ranging professional services needs. Whether you need tax compliance, audit and attest services, due diligence, computer network support, or strategy and operations improvement, McGladrey can help. The research and work we perform allows us to keep you abreast of industry changes that may impact your company. We can provide you with additional insights to assist with many of the day-to-day issues you face, so you can make important decisions quickly, capitalize on opportunities as they arise, and avoid costly mistakes.

Q. From your perspective, what would you like consumers to know about the ethanol industry?

A. The need for secure, affordable energy is a worldwide business affair. In today’s global marketplace, our interdependencies bring new opportunities, but also greater complexity. Increased demand, changing regulatory requirements, and economic uncertainty are only a few of the complex issues the industry faces. To adapt and remain competitive, the ethanol industry needs the agility to navigate rapid change while staying focused on core competencies.

Q. What does your company see for the future of ethanol and biofuels?

A. Research and development are foundational elements of the alternative energy industry. We have a thorough understanding of the latest credits and governmental incentives supporting new advances in the industry, helping your business get off the ground or stay on the leading edge. Experience the power of McGladrey life cycle services from startup to multinational energy production and distribution.