One of Wyoming’s most experienced tax accountants is retiring after 45 years in the business.
Joe Paiz is retiring as a partner from the Cheyenne firm of McGee, Hearne and Paiz, a company he formed with eight others in 2000.
Paiz’ former partners praised the Wyoming native for his creative nature.
“You could always walk down the hall and talk to him about taxes,” said Jim Hearne. “And talk about creative. We could always figure out a way to get things done and make things happen.”
Ken Dugas, who worked with Paiz for close to 40 years, said Paiz is one of the smartest businessmen he knows.
“I’ve talked to people a number of times about a problem I can’t solve, I go into Joe’s office, he just sits there for a second and bam, he’s got the answer,” he said.
After graduating from the University of Wyoming in 1975, Paiz joined the IRS and then worked for several other firms before becoming a partner at McGee, Hearne and Paiz.
Paiz also spent 35 years doing volunteer accounting work for organizations such as the Cheyenne Animal Shelter.