Brotemarkle Davis & Co., LLP (BDCo), an accounting and advisory firm serving the wine and hospitality industries, has announced the upcoming retirement of managing partner Craig Underhill, CPA, affectionately known within the firm as the “Emperor of Enlightenment,” effective July 31, 2025.
Underhill has spent more than 40 years in the accounting profession, including the last 30 with BDCo, where he served most of that time as a partner. During his tenure, he played a key role in developing the firm’s distinctive advisory approach, which emphasizes customer collaboration, employee empowerment, and strong community roots in the Napa Valley.
In 2008, CPA Practice Advisor interviewed him for a series on forward-thinking accounting firms. Even back then, Underhill identified the importance of client relationships, and an advisory role for firms, above a fixation on traditional firm deliverables.
“I think many firms focus too much on the end product, whether producing financials, a tax return or other engagements,” he said in 2008. “Almost any accounting practice can deliver those products, and business owners know this. The key is developing loyalty, and that comes through building strong relationships with your customers.”
This focus led him to a more advisory focus for the firm, as well as a client-partnership approach to the relationship.
Underhill helped shape BDCo’s guiding philosophy, or “WHY,” which is built on three core ideas: customers hold the best answers, so we listen to them; employees spark the best ideas, so we trust them; and Napa Valley inspires excellence, so we honor its legacy and share its spirit wherever we serve.
He was also one of the earliest adopters of Mentor Plus Level 5 advisory training, which gave him tools and frameworks that BDCo still uses to guide winery owners through complex decisions and transitions.
Underhill’s title of “Emperor of Enlightenment” was one of many unique names created by the BDCo team to reflect each member’s strengths and spirit. His role and leadership were later featured in a 2010 article in CPA Practice Advisor that highlighted his innovative thinking and values-driven approach to advisory work.
“Guy is the ideal person to carry BDCo forward,” said Underhill. “He understands our culture, believes deeply in our purpose, and consistently brings practical insights to help our customers grow. I’m incredibly proud of the leader—and the team—we’ve built.”
The firm announced that longtime partner Guy Carl will step into the role of Managing Partner. Carl joined BDCo in 1992 and became a partner in 2005. Known internally as the firm’s “Profit Prophet,” he has played a pivotal role in developing BDCo’s business modeling tools and winery-specific advisory strategies.
“Craig’s leadership and vision have positioned the firm exceptionally well to serve our customers as a trusted resource for years to come,” Carl said. “We will continue listening deeply, thinking differently, and helping our customers thrive in the ever-evolving wine business.”
Underhill shared his retirement news earlier this year in a letter to BDCo’s customers. While stepping away from day-to-day operations, he expressed confidence in the firm’s future and gratitude for the relationships that have shaped his career.
Brotemarkle, Davis & Co. (BDCo) offers a broad range of accounting, financial, and advisory services to companies in the wine and hospitality industries. We’re a different kind of firm driven by our belief that customers have the best answers and employees have the best ideas to drive the kind of activities that lead to sustainable business success in the Napa Valley and beyond. What do you believe? www.bdcocpa.com
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Tags: ceo, firm leadership, Firm Management, retirement
