Our Partners
Our Founding Partners
Philip R. Clarke
George E. Starke
Arthur W. Diegel
Our Partners
Stanley C. Nahrgang, C.A. - email
Stan has been a Resident of Waterloo Region throughout his life attending Eastwood Collegiate, graduating in 1966 into the Chartered Accounting program. Stan Nahrgang has been with the firm since its inception in 1972 as one of its first employees. He obtained his CA designation from the Ontario Institute of Chartered Accountants through an educational program that included Queen’s, McMaster and York Universities. His client experience has included extensive involvement in Real Estate Development, General and Residential Construction, Non-Profit Organizations and Manager-owned businesses. Stan has over the years been involved in the leadership of provincial organizations for the hearing impaired and with parents of hearing impaired children. He has recently completed his responsibilities as the Chair of the Centre In The Square and continues as a member of the their Business Advisory Council. Stan is one of the Trustees of The Lyle S. Hallman Foundation and participates in ballroom dancing as a hobby.
Allan A. Benson, C.A. - email
Al graduated with a Bachelor of Business Management from Ryerson University in 1975. He obtained his CA designation that same year while working with a Toronto firm, before becoming a Partner with another Toronto firm - a position he held for five years. Al moved to the Kitchener area in 1981 and spent several years as a Senior Audit Manager at Price Waterhouse before joining Clarke Starke & Diegel as a Partner in 1987. In 1984 Al began to lecture in the accounting faculty at Wilfrid Laurier University and he continues to do so today. Al is an avid athlete who enjoys a variety of sports; in particular, he is involved in hockey as a Certified Player Agent with the National Hockey League Players' Association, as a scout for several hockey teams in the Ontario Hockey and as a former treasurer of the Kitchener Rangers.
Scott J. H. Craig, B. Math, C.A. - email
Scott joined Clarke Starke & Diegel in 1987 as a student-in-accounts; hired by Carl Elstner and George Starke as a co-op student from the University of Waterloo. Upon graduation in 1992 with a Bachelor of Mathematics ( Computer Science Minor ) , Scott joined the firm full-time. In the fall of 1993, Scott sat for the Uniform Final Exam, having completed the necessary articling hours, and was granted his CA designation in December of that year. In June of 1998, Scott was admitted to partnership. Scott has a broad cross-section of clients, spanning most industries in variety and size. Recently, Scott has been involved in a number of business transactions, and has developed a growing practice in the medical community. Scott grew up in Elmira, and was very involved in minor sports. He participated in officiating hockey for 18 years at all levels, and enjoyed the opportunity to supervise and instruct officiating to younger officials. Scott and his wife Lisa reside in Waterloo with their children, and are members of First United Church. Scott enjoys golf, skiing and has a keen interest in vintage fountain pens.
Douglas E. Bruns, B. Sc., C.A. - email
Doug graduated from the University of Waterloo in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science and from Wlifrid Laurier University in 1987 with a Diploma in Business Administration. He obtained his C.A. designation in 1990 and completed the CICA In-depth Tax Course in 1995. Doug joined Clarke Starke & Deigel in 1996 after working as a senior auditor at Price Waterhouse and a manager in both the audit and tax departments at Ernst & Young. Doug has served on the Board of Directors of the United Way of Kitchener & Waterloo and remains involved in the community as a coach of minor hockey and baseball.
Ellen Murphy, B.B.A., C.A. - email
Ellen joined Clarke Starke & Diegel in 1998 and was promoted to partnership in 2005. Ellen looks after the corporate accounting, auditing and taxation needs of a variety of small and medium-sized clients. Prior to deciding on a career in accounting, Ellen trained with the National Ballet School for over four years. She obtained her C.A. designation in 1990 after graduating from Wilfrid Laurier University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1988. She completed the CICA's specialized Income Tax Practice Course in 2003. Ellen started her career as a staff accountant with Price Waterhouse and a senior accountant with Peat Marwick Thorne before becoming a full-time member of the accounting faculty at Wilfrid Laurier University for two years. Ellen took time away from her career for a few years while her husband played professional hockey in several European cities. They have two active boys who keep them busy with competitive hockey, soccer, track and field, as well as golf and music interests. She has served on the board of directors of the Kitchener Waterloo Business Women's Association for a number of years.
Wayne Haves, C.A, M.B.A. - email
Wayne became a partner in 2006, after joining the Clarke Starke & Diegel team in March 2005. Wayne began his career with Ernst & Young, spending 10 years in their audit practice including a two year secondment to the firm's London England office. He joined Mutual Life (now Sun Life) in 1995, holding various financial management roles in Waterloo and Toronto before becoming C.F.O of a local private group of companies in 2003. Wayne specializes in providing accounting and tax advice to individuals and small and medium sized organizations. He is a two-time graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University - he earned an Honours B.B.A. in 1985 and an M.B.A in 1998. He is a past director of a number of not-for-profit organizations and enjoys playing squash, curling and outdoor activities in his spare time.