About Us

Apling + Associates (formerly Robert Apling + Associates) is a certified public accounting (CPA) firm with offices in Fremont and Port Clinton, Ohio. We specialize in providing personalized tax, accounting, and financial services to individuals and small businesses. Our business clients range from entrepreneurs in the initial stage of their venture to well-established, seasoned companies. We have worked extensively with S Corporations, closely-held C Corporations, limited liability companies and general partnerships. We also work with individuals and families who need accounting and tax support.

Since our establishment in 1993, we have grown to a professional staff of 10 individuals with diverse accounting and financial skills. We are committed to developing long standing relationships with our clients with our down-to-earth and humble approach to doing business.

In addition, we will continue to exceed our client’s expectations by going beyond tax and accounting compliance services and providing our clients with the advice and assistance not provided or initiated by other accounting firms.

Nicholas Apling
CPA and Partner

Nicholas Apling, CPA and Partner

A graduate from Oak Harbor High School and Purdue University, Nicholas brings over 15 years of accounting experience as he advises his clients and leads his team. He has worked in a broad range of industries and excels at providing creative, individualized solutions for his clients to maximize their tax savings. Nick is a proud northwest Ohio resident and enjoys spending time with his family, relaxing around the pool, and smoking barbeque for friends and family.

Michael Brough
CPA and Partner

Michael Brough, CPA and Partner

Mike is a graduate of Fremont Ross High School and obtained both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Bowling Green State University. He is a proud member of the Carillon Society at BGSU and is the chairman/founder of the Paul R. Brough Memorial Scholarship. Mike has over twenty years of accounting experience and is active with the AICPA and OSCPA. In addition, he is a graduate of both Hancock and Lucas County Leadership programs and is involved in many community causes. Mike is the current Habitat for Humanity of Findlay-Hancock County finance committee chairman, is an active Blanchard Valley Health System board member, and previously served as the Hannah’s Socks board president. Mike is happily married with two kids and enjoys spending his free time golfing and attending events with his family.

Debra Bailey

Debra is a graduate of Tiffin University and has over 25 years of accounting experience, including 20+ years at Apling + Associates. In her spare time, she enjoys being outside and working in her garden and flower beds, canning, and sewing.

Donna Buxsel

A University of Cincinnati alumni, Donna has close to 30 years of accounting and bookkeeping experience, including five years with Apling + Associates. Donna is happily married, loves to travel and garden, and is actively involved at New Hope Vineyard Church.

Issac Johnson

A recent graduate of Bowling Green State University, Issac is one of our newest Apling + Associates team members. He values being a part of an experienced team, learning all he can about the industry. He is an avid sports fan and loves to be on the water, boating and stargazing.

Benjamin Lakin

Benjamin graduated from the University of Toledo and has approximately 10 years of accounting experience. He is an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the Port Clinton Elks Lodge. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, watching sports, and collecting sports memorabilia, especially anything related to baseball.

Michelle Murray
CPA

Michelle Murray, CPA

Michelle has a degree in Accounting and Forensic Accounting from Franklin University and is an active member with the AICPA, Ohio Society of CPAs, and Sigma Beta Delta. She has over 15 years of both public and industry accounting experience. Originally from Liverpool, England, Michelle has lived in Ohio for most of her life and enjoys spending time with family, watching movies, being on her boat, and walking the beach to collect lucky stones.

Connie Palmer

Connie has close to five years of accounting experience. She is happily married with two sons, raises cattle and boer goats, and is a 4-H advisor for Seneca County Jr. Beef 4-H Club along with being a member of Junior, Ohio, and National Angus Associations, as well as the Seneca County Cattlemen’s Association.

Julie Peck
CPA

Julie Peck, CPA

A proud graduate of The Ohio State University, Julie has her bachelor’s degree in accounting and went on to obtain her master’s in accounting at Maryville University of St. Louis. Julie has five years of public accounting experience and joined the Apling + Associates team two years ago. On weekends she enjoys spending time outdoors or reading a mystery book.

Kim Wetzel

Kim has worked at Apling + Associates for over 15 years and currently attends Bowling Green State University. A mother of two children, she enjoys camping, hiking, and entertaining in her new home with her family and friends.

David Peer
Director

David Peer, Director

Dave obtained his undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University and master’s degree in accounting from the University of Toledo. Dave has over 18 years of experience in public accounting and recently joined the Apling & Associates team after working at a regional CPA firm. He has practiced predominately in the fields of business and individual taxation, providing solutions for his clients in a variety of fields . Dave enjoys spending his free time with his family, watching sports, and getting outside to exercise as much as possible.

Nicole Brennan

Jackie Baltz

Jackie is a graduate of the University of Dayton where she obtained both her undergraduate and graduate degrees. Jackie has over 13 years of tax experience. She is a member of both the AICPA and OSCPA and graduated from the Hancock County Leadership Program in 2018. She specializes in high-net worth individuals, trusts and gifts and their tax return compliance and consulting. Most of Jackie’s free time is spent with her three children. She also enjoys volunteering and is a chair for Coats for Christmas in Findlay.

Amy Damshroder

Amy graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Tiffin University and twenty years later received my MBA from Bowling Green State University in 2022. She has over 5 years of accounting experience and is a native of Northwest Ohio. Amy is happily married with two adult sons and one grandson. She has three dogs that create lots of entertainment. She enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, going on long walks, and traveling.