A Florida CPA You Can Actually Talk To
Chris Ries, CPA
TITLE
Associate Principal
HOMETOWN
New Lenox, IL
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
7
EDUCATION
"I can accept failure; everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying." - Michael Jordan
Chris’s journey through public accounting spans two vastly different worlds. He began his career at a small, local firm near his hometown in Illinois, where he worked closely with the CPA and firm owner to gain hands-on experience—not just in serving clients, but also in the day-to-day operations of running a small business. It was during this time that Chris discovered his passion for working with small businesses and their owners. After several years of learning and seeking new challenges, he relocated to Southwest Florida, joining a top 10 national public accounting firm. There, he continued to serve small businesses across a variety of industries, quickly climbing the corporate ladder. Despite a clear path to partnership, Chris made the bold decision to leave the corporate world and join Dark Horse, seeking more autonomy in both who he serves and how he serves them.
Chris views the relationship between a CPA and a small business as a true partnership, not just a transactional service. In an industry where many CPAs are overworked, exhausted, and racing towards retirement, Chris hopes to be part of a new era of accounting—one that redefines the profession both for the clients we serve and for the future talent entering the field. He prides himself on having the heart of a teacher and strives to be proactive, responsive, and knowledgeable, ensuring his clients see him as a trusted advisor.
Outside of work, Chris stays active through various recreational sports (with a current obsession for pickleball), enjoys playing video games on the computer he built himself, and has developed a passion for travel. Though he only recently started exploring the world, Chris has already visited five countries across Europe and looks forward to expanding his global adventures in the years ahead.
Specialties
Business and Personal Advisory
Multi-State Tax
Real Estate Investments
Partnerships
Closely Held Businesses
Industries
Healthcare Practices
Real Estate
Real Estate Investors
Architecture & Engineering
Professional Services
Your Fort Myers CPA for Tax & Accounting Advisory
Fort Myers is one of Southwest Florida’s fastest-growing markets, with thriving industries in real estate, healthcare, hospitality, and small business services. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or family looking to preserve and grow wealth, your dedicated Fort Myers CPA, Chris Ries, is here to help.
As a Principal at Dark Horse CPAs, Chris provides more than tax preparation—he delivers proactive tax planning, strategic business advisory, and modern accounting solutions tailored to Fort Myers professionals and businesses. From navigating complex tax strategies to managing day-to-day accounting, Chris is a trusted partner committed to helping you achieve clarity, compliance, and long-term success.
CHRIS RIES, ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
A few years ago, I stumbled upon Dark Horse CPAs on LinkedIn and was immediately captivated. The accounting industry often struggles with adapting to change and lacks a visionary approach. I sought a firm that prioritized advisory services, focused on clients, and valued its people. Joining Dark Horse CPAs allowed me to continue serving my clients within a firm that shares my values and those of my clients.
80%
Net Promoter Score
The average NPS for accounting firms is 38%. At Dark Horse, 80% of our clients would recommend us to a friend.
Net Promoter Score
Companies use this metric to gauge how happy their customers are with their services. It's calculated by taking the percentage of "promoters" minus the % of "detractors. "The average NPS score for the accounting industry is 39%, less than the DMV! We believe it's important to share that we have successfully fulfilled our promise to WOW clients and consistently monitor this metric to ensure we continue to deliver on the highest level.
550+
5-Star Reviews
Our Google and Yelp reviews speak for themselves. Our goal is to provide 5-star service to every client, every time.
5-Star Reviews
When someone shares their experience with us online, we find it extremely valuable to know where we've exceeded expectations and where we can improve. Many of our clients decide to engage with us as a result of reading about other Dark Horse clients’ experiences. Even when things do not go as planned, we do everything we can to make it right.
90%
Retention Rate
We're all about creating long-lasting, value-added relationships.
Retention Rate
This is the frequency of repeat business from our clients that work with us. This means that 9 out of 10 clients use us for subsequent years. That shows us that people enjoy working with our CPAs, are pleased with the work, and want to continue with Dark Horse over the long term.
Tax Strategy & Compliance for Fort Myers Locals
The Problem: For many Fort Myers residents, tax season brings more than just paperwork—it brings surprises. Whether it’s an unexpected balance due, a disappointing refund, or realizing you missed valuable tax savings, the sting is real. And while Florida residents don’t pay state income tax, navigating federal tax rules, property ownership, and retirement-related planning can still be complex.
At Dark Horse CPAs, we believe in No Surprises. We work proactively with Fort Myers individuals and families to minimize federal tax liability, ensure compliance, and build forward-looking strategies. From optimizing deductions to planning around real estate, retirement, and investments, every engagement includes personalized tax strategy and compliance guidance with your CPA—so you can keep more of what you earn and plan with confidence.
CHRIS RIES, ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
"As the saying goes, the only certainties in life are death and taxes. Taxes are often our largest expense, yet many business owners neglect to give them the attention they deserve. A successful tax strategy looks different for everyone, but it always shares a few key elements. A trusted CPA is essential to guide business owners through this process and help them make informed decisions."
Tax Strategy & Accounting Solutions for Fort Myers Businesses
The Problem: Many Fort Myers business owners operate without the timely, accurate financial data or tax strategy they need to grow. Florida’s business environment may seem simple with no state income tax, but business owners still face complex requirements like tangible personal property (TPP) tax filings, federal compliance, and industry-specific regulations. Without the right guidance, missed deadlines or uninformed decisions can cost real money.
At Dark Horse CPAs, we combine bookkeeping, tax compliance, and proactive tax planning to help Fort Myers businesses stay compliant and maximize savings. From managing TPP filings and federal tax obligations to creating year-round strategies that reduce liability, we give business owners the clarity and insight they need to make tax-smart, growth-focused decisions. With our Advisory-First approach, you’ll have a CPA partner who understands Florida’s unique tax landscape and is invested in your long-term success.
CHRIS RIES, ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
"In accounting, the saying "garbage in, garbage out" holds true—poor financial data leads to poor business decisions. Accounting is the backbone of every business, and a lack of understanding can seriously hinder a small business's financial health and growth potential."
Nancy R.
I have used James Larsen as my CPA for many years and am confident in his work ethic and tax knowledge.
Blogs and Pods
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Blog
Why It's So Hard to Find a Good Accountant and Who is Taking on New Clients?
VLOG
Transforming the CPA Landscape: Darkhorse CPA’s Innovative Model for Growth and Success
Podcast
SPEED ROUND: 1031 Exchanges
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