Take Me to the River

"My first class at college was a three-hour lecture in organic chemistry," says Jonathan E. Perelman, CPA. "I knew then that I wouldn't follow in my father's footsteps and become a physician."

But Perelman felt that he could get a good job, not to mention a wealth of experience, by having an accounting background. So, he did just that, graduating in 1976 with a B.S. from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and later from Seton Hall with an M.S. in taxation.

After getting that wealth of experience by working at a series of accounting firms, Perelman put out his own shingle in 1981. "We were a general practice that specialized in health care," comments Perelman. In 2002, Perelman's practice merged with Friedman LLP, where today he is a partner who specializes in physician and dental practices.

"As the son of a doctor and a teacher, my parents always stressed an education," notes Perelman. "In obtaining the CPA designation, I wanted to get a significant credential and stand out from the crowd."

Another way to stand out was to join the New Jersey Society of CPAs. "The Society’s CPE programs are excellent, and its events are a fun way to catch up with colleagues in a relaxing atmosphere," says Perelman, one of the founding members of the NJCPA young CPAs group.

And when he's not advising clients on the financial intricacies of the Affordable Care Act? Perelman likes to put the top down on his sport car and road-trip taking in the fall foliage. He's also a diehard NY Giants fan who enjoys hiking and photography, and has a comprehensive stamp collection — his oldest stamp dating back to the mid-1800s. "In 2001, I founded the NJ/Wharton Business School Alumni Association," says this 2014 NJ CPA-List winner. "With about 300 members, we've had Chris Christie, Meredith Vieira and prominent CFOs as speakers. The alumni association experience has been very gratifying."

But what he really falls for hook, line and sinker is fishing. "When I was a kid, we'd go to the Catskills every year. And while my dad golfed, my brothers and I would fish on the streams running through the golf course," recalls Perelman.

Jump ahead to 2004 when Perelman's brother, Robert, took him fly fishing on the Upper Delaware River and he got "hooked" so to speak. "Fly fishing is much different than rod-and-reel fishing," notes Perelman. "You generally go for trout, which is one of the most challenging fish to catch. There's also a lot more technique involved with fly fishing: how to cast, where to cast in the river and what type of fly to use. And it’s more about catch-and-release for the next person.”

Perelman has fished in some exotic and not-so-exotic locations. "I've fished in Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, the United Kingdom and right here in New Jersey's Raritan River," says the Chatham resident. He's also joined fly fishing clubs in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

He calls the South Fork River in Idaho the most beautiful, with bald eagles flying around and the fish literally jumping out of the water; the Upper Delaware in New York the most challenging; and the Garden State’s Raritan River the site of his largest catch, a 26-inch rainbow trout. Perelman also notes the time he was fishing in Pennsylvania and had a close encounter with a black bear.

Perelman has even gotten his son, Max, into fishing. While Max isn't at fly-fishing status just yet, he's holding his own with the rod and reel. "He just caught a three-foot pike in the Passaic River," comments Perelman. "Believe it or not, thanks to some conservation efforts, the Passaic River is slowly becoming a mecca for pike fishing."

Fishing has become so enjoyable for Perelman, he’s put away his golf clubs. "Every September, me, my brothers and some friends get on a plane and go somewhere to fish," notes Perelman. "We fish, have a few beers, meet some interesting people on the river and bond over the experience."

"Breathing the clean air and seeing such scenic landscapes, fly fishing is such a peaceful, relaxing experience," says Perelman. "It's the perfect antidote for a stressful tax season."