A Louisville CPA You Can Actually Talk To

Certifications

Certified Public Accountant

All-American Bad Ass

Book a Meeting

Teddy Mizerak, CPA

502-317-2585

teddy@darkhorse.cpa

TITLE

Principal

HOMETOWN

Louisville, KY

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

15

EDUCATION

If you do the work you get rewarded, there are not shortcuts in life.

— The GOAT, Michael Jordan

Funny ranks at the bottom of the list if asked what adjectives you might associate with an accountant. Let's be honest; it's not even on the list. Teddy Mizerak, however, likes to laugh and is great at making others laugh. He's not gonna be your jester, but he'll at least make you smile.

But seriously, he's got experience ranging from the Big 4 to a large regional accounting firm to the head of a corporate tax department across industries, including everything from manufacturing to real estate to health care to farming to transportation and hospitality. Many different clients has he served, but they all get his timely responsiveness, a partner they can trust and one of those aforementioned laughs.

Teddy made his way to the University of Louisville by way of his hometown, Fort Lauderdale. Whereas some men of that age might attempt to win over a woman with displays of bravado, he displayed his evolved sensibilities by throwing down some impressive tax code knowledge in one of his tax courses, catching the attention of his soon-to-be-bride, Britney. A decade or so later, there is now a Teddy Jr. (well, actually, he's the fourth installment of the Theodore Mizerak lineage), a dog and a happily married couple.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Teddy enjoys playing with his son, long walks and hikes with the family, sweating it out on the Peloton, golfing, dining out, and watching college football and basketball.

Specialties

Multi-State Tax

Closely Held Business

Entity Structure

Strategic Tax Planning

R&D Tax Credits

Industries

Manufacturing & Distribution

Real Estate

Financial Services

Construction

Certifications

Certified Public Accountant

QuickBooks Pro Advisor

Lacrosse Coach

Book a Meeting

Clark Watts, CPA

502-317-2585

clark@darkhorse.cpa

TITLE

Senior Manager

HOMETOWN

Louisville, KY

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

7

EDUCATION

Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.

— Martin Luther King Jr.

A quick chat with Clark Watts will reveal that he was born and raised in Louisville (pronounced, "Loo-a-vul") because, well, he'll probably tell you, and you'd likely be able to guess by the cadence and accent of his speech as he explains his love for the area and the Louisville Cardinals. You may have guessed that he went to the University of Loo-a-vul, but you'd be wrong. In fact, he went to Transylvania University, a familiar name to those in the area and an entirely unfamiliar one to those outside Kentucky's borders (i.e., the author of this bio).

It was there that he met his wife-to-be in a course on Economics. Finding that he had a high level of demand for her and that she was in rather short supply, the Law of Supply and Demand, well, demanded that he take whatever steps necessary to procure a relationship. The fact that he played lacrosse for Transylvania likely played to his advantage in his successful courtship. And their love transcended Economics into Accounting, in which they both got their degree. Their love eventually transcended Accounting as she left the profession after two years to work with nursing students at the Galen College of Nursing.

Clark moved quickly through the ranks at a mid-sized, regional CPA firm, earning his CPA license along the way. Despite this trajectory, he had a rather significant unscratched itch of being able to build his own book of business and work closely with those clients to ensure their compliance and help them with strategic planning to ensure their success. Doing this with greater control and autonomy while also benefitting from the support of an eager-to-help team of Dark Horse CPAs made the move a no-brainer.

When he's not doing accounting, Clark loves to be active, whether running, biking, hiking, swimming or his all-time favorite...wakeboarding with friends and family, which includes his three-legged beast of a dog known fondly around the Watts residence as Thor.

Specialties

Corporate Tax

Business Personal Planning

Accounting & Bookkeeping

Cryptocurrency NFTs

Real Estate Investments

Industries

Manufacturing & Distribution

Sole Proprietors

Professional Services

Content Creators/Influencers

Your Louisville CPA for Tax & Accounting Advisory

Louisville’s economy thrives on healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and a vibrant small business community. To compete and grow, you need more than compliance—you need a CPA who can deliver proactive tax strategy, hands-on accounting support, and high-level financial guidance. Your dedicated Louisville CPA, Teddy Mizerak, is here to help.

As a Principal at Dark Horse CPAs, Teddy specializes in tax planning, accounting advisory, and Fractional CFO services for Louisville businesses and families. From streamlining day-to-day accounting and ensuring IRS compliance to providing strategic tax insights, cash flow management, and long-term financial planning, Teddy delivers the expertise of a trusted advisor and CFO-level partner—all without the cost of a full-time executive. With Teddy, you gain a proactive relationship that strengthens your bottom line and drives lasting success.

Talk to a Louisville CPA

TEDDY MIZERAK, PRINCIPAL

Dark Horse created something unique in the Louisville market...a 1-to-1 connection creating the most value for EVERYONE we work with. When I found Dark Horse CPAs, I was taken aback by their approach to customer service, the vast range of experience on the team, and the opportunity to grow.

Tax Strategy & Accounting Solutions for Louisville Businesses

The Problem: Too many Louisville business owners make financial decisions without timely, accurate data—or the strategic tax guidance to reduce liability. Kentucky’s state income tax, combined with federal compliance and industry-specific requirements, makes tax planning especially important for businesses in logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing. Without proactive advisory, opportunities to save money and reduce risk are often missed.

At Dark Horse CPAs, we combine bookkeeping, tax compliance, and proactive tax strategy for Louisville businesses. From managing state filings and IRS requirements to building tax-smart growth strategies, cash flow planning, and CFO-level advisory, we deliver the insight you need to make informed decisions all year long. With our Advisory-First approach, you gain a CPA partner committed to your success in Louisville’s competitive market.

Solutions for Businesses

TEDDY MIZERAK, PRINCIPAL

“When you are involved in a client's business on a day-to-day basis, you can bring incredible value both on the tax and accounting operations. I believe this is the best (and potentially only) way to service business clients.”

Tax Strategy & Compliance for Louisville Locals

The Problem: Filing your personal tax return shouldn’t be when you discover costly surprises. Yet many Louisville residents face unexpected balances due, disappointing refunds, or realize they’ve left valuable tax savings on the table. While Kentucky’s state income tax adds another layer of complexity, federal compliance and planning for investments, retirement, and real estate can be equally challenging.

At Dark Horse CPAs, we believe in No Surprises. That’s why we work year-round with Louisville individuals and families to minimize liability, protect assets, and create forward-looking strategies. From state and federal tax compliance to estate and trust planning or multi-state filings, every engagement includes personalized tax planning with your CPA—so you stay ahead instead of reacting at filing time.

Tax & Wealth Advisory for Individuals

TEDDY MIZERAK, PRINCIPAL

“I approach every client relationship the way I’d want a trusted advisor to treat me—reliable, forward-thinking, and able to make complex situations simple and clear.”

Nancy R.

I have used James Larsen as my CPA for many years and am confident in his work ethic and tax knowledge.

Kyle T.

With our prior accountant we didn't feel we were receiving adequate tax guidance and felt we were always paying more than our fair share of taxes. We have been very pleased with the service we have received with Adam Ripperdan. He has taken the time to review in detail our current situation and upcoming plans. With that information he has helped us create tax strategies for our businesses, investments, and personal taxes that not only help us save on taxes but also helps us plan for the future. I highly recommend Dark Horse CPAs.

Patrick W.

I was referred to Max by a friend who is also a small business owner. I was definitely in need of direction when it came to my finances. After speaking with Max I was able to understand how I can be efficient in the accounting side of my business and he and his team is there to guide me every step of the way. I'm now confident I have the right team watching my books I highly recommend Max and Dark Horse CPAs.

Marisa M.

I had the pleasure of working with Stella and she was absolutely incredible. I had received what I suspected was bad advice from a previous tax preparer, and I was looking for another professional opinion on a specific tax situation. I found Dark Horse and Stella and I couldn't be happier. Stella confirmed what I had suspected about the previous tax situation being handled incorrectly by my former preparer at a different firm, and helped me fix the problem. Stella was prompt, exceedingly professional, and actually took the time to explain everything. Prices for services are fair. I am thrilled to have found a knowledgeable, trustworthy tax advisor and I look forward to continue working with Stella in the future.

Susan H.

Megan, Kim and staff were very prompt filing our business and personal taxes. The secure email site to upload our documents was very user friendly. The staff was also extremely prompt answering our questions through email and on the phone. In addition, Megan met with us personally a couple of times several months in advance to map out a plan for our business and personal taxes. Thank you all!

Quinn R.

We signed on with Adam's accounting group after bouncing around trying to find the right 'fit' with other companies. I knew immediately that we found what we needed when Adam took the time to sit down and talk to me about my business, my plans, my goals and where I wanted my company to be in the next 2, 5, 10 years. Adam and his team are responsive - and by that, I mean proactive - which is probably the single best reason to use Dark Horse. After 8 years and 3 different accounting firms we found what we need with Dark Horse.

Blogs and Pods

Whether you prefer the written word or the spoken word, we've got meaningful commentary that will help you focus on what's important when it comes to your financial situation and taxes.

Sign up below to be subscribed to need-to-know information and news that affects your business and your personal financial situation.