Stephen Perkins moved to Fort Walton Beach 11 years ago, leaving a small town outside Winston-Salem, North Carolina, after earning his master’s degree.

• While interviewing with public accounting firms, he discovered Warren Averett and instantly knew he’d found the team, the culture, and the community he wanted to be part of. Today, he’s a partner in the firm’s tax department, helping clients navigate complex financial decisions and long-term planning.

His mornings begin early with coffee, a quick trip outside with his German shepherd Eevee, and a workout before diving into client calls, tax projections, and strategy sessions.

From solving intricate cash flow puzzles to grabbing a smoked cheddar bacon burger at Sax Grille, the former Chairman of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce finds ways to blend precision, practicality, and a love for local businesses into every day.

Are you a life-long local, if not, where are you from originally and how did you end up in the area?

I am not a life-long local, I moved here 11 years ago from a small town outside of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. I ended up finding out about Fort Walton Beach after completing my masters degree when I was interviewing with public accounting firms. After meeting and interviewing the team at Warren Averett, I knew this was where I wanted to be, no doubt about it.

What’s your current job title and where do you work?

I am a partner, and I work in our tax department. I predominantly sit in our Fort Walton Beach office.

What’s your morning routine?

FIRST THING is to turn on the coffee maker. Then I normally take our german shepherd Eevee outside to get her energy out and then most days I’ll get a work out in.

Describe what a typical workday looks like for you.

Most of the time I’m fielding calls, emails, or meetings with clients about their unique tax questions or deals that they are considering — aiming to minimize the tax impact or maximize the return they’re looking for.

What’s the first thing you do when you get to work (or start your workday)?

Normally I start with my most complex task as I find that I’m my sharpest in the morning. That’ll often be a cash flow or tax projection of some kind.

What tools, apps, or gadgets can’t you live without?

Excel is the easy answer for work. It’s a great tool. Personally though, I cannot live without Facebook marketplace. I love a good deal.

Apple or Android?

Reluctant Apple user here…

What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order?

Black coffee.

What’s your go-to lunch spot or work snack?

I am a sucker for Sax Grille. Their smoked cheddar bacon burger is top tier.

What’s one local business you love supporting?

I love supporting Wood Foot Beer Co. in downtown Fort Walton Beach. I love everything they’re doing downtown and that thick crust pizza is so stinking good.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

“Take care of your clients and they’ll take care of you.” — Jody Henderson.

If you could give your 20-year-old self a piece of advice, what would it be?

Start investing immediately. Doesn’t matter how little you have, now is the best time.

How do you unwind after a long day?

I’d love to say wrenching on a car but that probably makes me more frustrated at times. I think playing with my dog is a good reset. She’s just so happy and eager to see me and my wife Sloane when we get home – it just instantly makes it all better.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

That I have two middle names.

What’s your favorite local event or tradition?

Hard to pick. I love the parades on Eglin Parkway, the Christmas lights in Northgate, and the Fort Walton Beach Chamber’s ‘First Friday Coffees’.

What’s inspiring you right now (book, podcast, person, hobby)?

I love working with my hands and fixing things. I will always love wrenching on cars in the pursuit of speed — but I’ve recently spent more time in home renovation and that’s very rewarding as well.

Early bird or night owl?

Early bird.

Most used emoji?

😂

Music while working — yes or no?

Typically no, but I love 90s and early 2000s country.

If you could give any advice for someone getting into the same field as you, what advice would you give?

Pass the CPA exam before you start working full time. It’s very difficult to do both at the same time.