Leslie “Trae” Lorts, CPA, CVA

WK Member

Phone: (573) 635-6196

Email: tlorts@williamskeepers.com

Trae joined the membership group of Williams-Keepers LLC in 2007. His career in tax consulting began in 1992 and includes four years as the principal of Lorts Group LLC. Trae holds a Masters in Accountancy from the University of Missouri and earned the designation of Certified Valuation Analyst in 1999. Over the last 30+ years, his experiences have immersed him in numerous issues impacting business owners, involving day-to-day operations, their annual needs, and once-in-a-lifetime planning.

Trae specializes in tax and business planning for family-owned businesses. Industries represented by his clients include Construction, Real Estate, Health Care (including Nursing Homes, Medical and Dental Offices), Retail, Manufacturing, Distribution, Professional Practices (including Law Firms, Governmental Affairs and Insurance), Marinas, Restaurants, and Hotels.

His personal expertise along with Williams-Keepers service offerings allow him to meet a wide range of client needs, including Controller Services, Tax Consulting, Multi-State Business Tax, Estate & Trust Planning, Exit Planning, and Family Business Transition. Trae advises owners daily, assisting with tax planning, transaction planning, and business structures. In recent years, he has helped numerous clients with exit planning involving the transition of ownership and management within the family, as well as sales to outside third parties. His approach focuses on maximizing enterprise value, efficient operations, transitions, and minimizing exposure to annual income tax and lifetime transfer taxes.

Trae believes in the positive role Williams-Keepers LLC can play in the community. He is committed to providing a great place of employment and mentoring professionals within the firm. His broader community has involved roles such as Chairman of the Rape and Abuse Crisis Service, Treasurer of Jefferson City Rotary West, and Treasurer of the Jefferson City Country Club. Trae has also served as an adjunct faculty member at William Woods University for two years and on various Boards including the Immaculate Conception Endowment Fund, Helias Foundation, YMCA, and River City Habitat for Humanity.

Trae is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts, and the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Leslie “Trae” Lorts, CPA, CVA