Hometown: Breckenridge, Minnesota

Breckenridge High School

Moorhead State University

North Dakota State College of Science

Mark founded Giddings and Associates in 1990, and developed a niche in sophisticated tax and business consulting, becoming one of the most-respected CPAs in the nation, with a unique distinction of serving clients on all 7 continents.

In January 2022, Mark sold his firm to Widmer Roel, another Fargo-based CPA firm, founded in 1973. Mark spent a few months assisting with the transition, but now enjoys full-time retirement from his home in the Cormorant Lakes area. Mark has led numerous discussions for our Club over the years and we hope that we can pull him from the dock to lend his insight and experience to many more.

Mark, congratulations on a stellar career and a successful exit from your company – and THANK YOU for your long-time support and contribution to our Club!

Mark’s bio from Giddings-Associates.com, prior to Mark’s retirement:

Speaking to Mark is a unique experience. A quick mind and diverse interests have helped him sustain an amazing collection of relationships across the globe. More importantly, his ability to translate the details of his clients’ interests and goals always results in a solution tailored to them. Mark had the opportunity to work with some of the best-known CPAs in the upper Midwest before founding Giddings & Associates. He is also a co-founder of Mid America Consultants International and served as the company treasurer for several years.

Mark has developed a niche in sophisticated tax and business consulting. He is best known for:

• Supporting multiple complex business deals and tax situations;
• Focusing on the personal and business needs of farmers and multi-generational enterprises;
• Providing keen insight for individuals with multi-state or expat tax matters — including filmmakers, entrepreneurs and entertainers;
• Serving clients on all seven continents.

When Mark responds to a question or need, you can be sure that he’s rolled it over in his mind and viewed every angle. Ultimately, you will make the decision, but it will be well informed from Mark’s extensive knowledge and research. His goal — and the culture of Giddings — is to serve clients for a lifetime. And then earn the trust of their children and grandchildren.

A summa cum laude graduate of Moorhead State University (now Minnesota State University – Moorhead), Mark is a member of the Red River Valley Estate Planning Council, the American Institute of Certified Pubic Accountants, the North Dakota Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants and the National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives.

He is active in the Cormorant Lions Club and is serving on the Chamber Council for Cormorant Lutheran Church.

Mark also led a team to teach a course in Russia entitled “Farm Financial Management in the Free Market Society.” He has been a guest speaker at many conferences and conventions for professional groups such as the North Dakota Bar Association, the North Dakota Society of Public Accountants, the Red River Estate Planning Council, the Independent Association of Jackson Hewitt Franchisees, the National Exchange Club and the National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives.

While his passion for Doobie Brothers music and hot air balloons is epic, Mark’s friends, family and clients love him anyway.

Mark is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Minnesota and North Dakota and has received the designation of Chartered Global Management Accountant from the AICPA.

Mark and Diane have made their home at Middle Cormorant Lake in Becker County, Minnesota.