The Portland Business Journal's annual “Forty Under 40” listing recognizes young and talented business leaders in the Portland region who are making significant contributions in their field of expertise, and will be making an impact in the community in the coming years. Those recognized are selected based on professional accomplishment, community involvement, and professional recognition. The recognition follows first a nomination process by someone in the Portland business community, then a review by committee of business leaders and ultimately the selection from generally over 200 other qualified individuals to be one of only 40 recognized for this annual honor.
Profile of Shareholder Raymond C. Cheung
Your Name: Raymond C. Cheung
Name of your business or organization: Geffen Mesher & Company, P.C.
Your title: Shareholder
Your age: 36
Your hometown (where you primarily grew up): Hong Kong
What led to your present career? I wanted to be an accountant since I took my first accounting class in college. Over the years, my career has allowed me to meet many dynamic business leaders and to help them succeed. There were many other jobs that I could have done for a living, but none of them would have provided me with such a wide range of experiences, both socially and professionally.
What does your company (organization) do? Geffen Mesher & Company is one of Portland’s largest locally-owned accounting and business consulting firms. Commitment to excellence, relationships and professional growth are hallmarks of this locally-owned accounting firm.
What’s the most significant issue your business/organization faces right now? Ensuring that we as accountants and business advisors understand and can respond to the business needs of our clients. We must be proactive and do more than meeting the client’s immediate accounting needs, we must be continually thinking about how to help them achieve their long term goals.
Tell us about a trend, hot topic or pressing issue in your field or industry: The continuing uncertainty in the capital markets and world economic weakness. Companies today face an environment where credit is still tight and cash is king. The accounting profession is working on various projects to improve financial statement reporting such as fair value measurement, transition to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), lease accounting, etc. I feel fortunate to be a part of this industry during such a pivotal time.
Describe a difficult decision you made and what guided you to that choice: I moved from Hong Kong to Oregon after being a semi-professional athlete in Cross Country and Track for four years. Terminating my athletic endorsement contract with Reebok and coming to Portland for college was the most difficult decision I have made thus far. The promise of great opportunities, and the unwavering support of my high school running coach, convinced me that was the right decision. I can honestly say that I have not looked back.
What you do to relax: Outside of work, I enjoy being with my family – and playing with my five-year old son helps me to relax. He loves being chased around the house, which drives my wife crazy sometimes. I also enjoy going to the gym, where on most days you will find me playing basketball with a bunch of local high school students. They keep me on my toes and it’s a great way for me to get back to my athletic roots.
Briefly describe a charitable or political cause you actively support, and why: Oregon Mentor. It’s an amazing local nonprofit organization that works to expand positive life opportunities for all young Oregonians by connecting them with caring mentors. The organization’s vision is to provide a mentor for every child in Oregon who needs one. I’ve been fortunate to be mentored in both my personal and professional life. It is truly an invaluable service to provide and to receive.
Your best read (book) from the past 12 months: “Dreams From My Father,” by Barack Obama.
CD most recently purchased or song you most recently downloaded: Pachelbel’s Canon in D Major.
Favorite local restaurant: Koji Japanese Restaurant
Favorite place to go for a weekend escape: Seattle
Favorite place for farther travel: Asian – Taiwan and Hong Kong
Tells us one bit of personal trivia that might surprise people: I was on the Hong Kong National Junior Cross Country team and was endorsed by Reebok.