Our Team

Darrell W. Cain, CPA, Partner

Our only goal is helping our clients succeed in reaching their goals. Our only loyalty is to our clients.

Darrell CainMr. Cain received his Bachelor of Business Administration and his Master's in Professional Accounting from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He is a member of the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants and is an Investment Advisor Representative.

Mr. Cain began lecturing in 1985 to various dental societies, study clubs, state dental associations and investment symposiums. Since that time he has been invited to speak at numerous meetings throughout the United States including the Florida Dental Association, West Texas Dental Society, Gold Leaf Seminars, Kansas Dental Association, Florida Dental Congress Meeting, Florida Academy of Dental Practice Administration, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Pankey Institute Triple Plus, Dallas, Mid-Winter Dental Convention, Green Dental Study Club, Jersey Coast Dental Forum, The Madow Group Fall Seminar, American Academy of Dental Practice Administration, Scientific Counsel of California Dental Association, Intra Coastal Dental Society, Somerset Study Club, Central Louisiana Dental Society, Mid-West Dental Conference, Miami Winter Meeting, American Dental Association Annual Session, various CPA Societies, and AICPA National Convention on Personal Financial Planning. In conjunction with other financial counseling lectures given nationwide to certified public accountants, Mr. Cain co-authored a book titled, "How to Build A Million Dollar Financial Counseling Practice."

For 15 years, Mr. Cain worked personally with the firm's charter clients to formulate custom financial plans. As many of them neared retirement, transitioned their practices and had children reaching the age of majority, it became apparent that assisting our clients in the achievement of their personal goals was only the tip of the iceberg. In order to maintain the wealth that he worked with his clients to accumulate, Darrell recognized the need to build a community dedicated to this task and now dedicates most of his time to that effort. As a result, Darrell continues to be the driving force behind our firm's vision to preserve and perpetuate our clients' assets.

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Michael T. Watters, CPA, Partner

We don't judge our client's goals. The real challenge, excitement and reward for us is seeing them reach their goals.

Michael WattersMr. Watters received his Bachelor of Business Administration and his Master's of Science in Accounting from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. He is a member of the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants and is an Investment Advisor Representative.

Prior to joining CWA, Mr. Watters spent 11 years with the international accounting firm of KPMG Peat, Marwick, Main & Co. At KPMG Peat Marwick, he served as consultant to the Firm's legal counsel regarding threatened litigation; served as business advisor and consultant in assuring individual client compliance with requirements of the FASB, the SEC and other regulatory agencies; and consulted with clients regarding acquisitions, leverage buy-outs, divestiture and restructuring programs, including debt issuance and extinguishment, stock issuances, facility closing and personnel reductions. He also served as an active member of the management council, which was responsible for developing office policy and reviewing operational matters. Mr. Watters was directly responsible for managing and coordinating services to multinational clients in over 30 foreign countries.

Mr. Watters began lecturing in 1990 to various financial and healthcare associations. Since that time he has been a guest lecturer at the New Hampshire/Vermont Society of Anesthesiologists, Blatchford Seminars, JP Consultants, American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, American Association of Orthodontists, and various study clubs throughout the United States. Currently, Mr. Watters oversees the daily operation of the firm, managing 14 planning teams and an additional staff of over 100 employees working in several departments. Mike is committed to upholding the firm’s reputation by consistently providing a high level of service.

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Joseph P. (Joe) Applewhite, CPA, Financial Advisor

Creating a concrete financial plan is one of the most important responsibilities that you will have in your life. It not only places you on a well-defined path toward financial freedom but it also removes much of the day-to-day monetary stresses. CWA will help with the question "Am I saving enough for my retirement?"

Joseph P ApplewhiteJoe received his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Notre Dame and his Master’s in Professional Accounting from the University of Texas in Austin. He is a Certified Public Accountant registered with the State of Texas and an Investment Advisor Representative.

Prior to joining CWA, Joe spent three years at WhiteHorse Capital Partners, LP, a Dallas-based asset management company focusing on the high-yield investment arena, particularly senior leveraged loans. While at WhiteHorse, Joe managed the performance and compliance of these alternative assets in the excess of $1 billion. Prior to WhiteHorse, Joe spent three years at the international accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche, LLP where he specialized in personal and corporate tax consulting.

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Heidi H. Barnett, CPA, Financial Advisor

Preparing for your financial future can be a daunting task with many moving parts. At Cain Watters, we take pride in taking the guess work out of planning for your future financial needs. We walk hand in hand with you to help you understand and achieve your goals.

Heidi H. BarnettHeidi received her Bachelor of Business Administration and her Master in Professional Accounting from The University of Texas at Austin in May 1999. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and an Investment Advisor Representative.

Heidi has been a member of the Cain Watters team since September of 2002. Since joining Cain Watters, Heidi has worked full-time as a tax consultant as well as a financial planning consultant. Prior to joining CWA, Heidi worked for three years for the international public accounting firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP. While at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Heidi worked as a senior tax consultant, specializing in tax compliance and consulting with individuals, partnership, corporations and trusts.

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Brian R. Bortz, CPA, CFP, CIMA, Financial Advisor

Our goal at Cain, Watters & Associates is to develop a relationship with our clients as their ‘Trusted Advisor.’  The path we have chosen is to help our clients down a path they have yet to choose.  We assist our clients in creating a roadmap to achieve success and we help them to overcome adversity along the way.  We monitor their ongoing progress towards their goals and ultimately, we celebrate their success in attaining their goals.

Brian BortzBrian has a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Finance, and a Masters Degree in Accounting from Texas A&M University. He is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Financial Planner, and a Certified Investment Management Analyst. He is also an Investment Advisor Representative. Brian has been a member of the American Institute for Certified Public Accountants, the Financial Planning Association, and the Investment Management Consultants Association.

Brian started his career in public accounting at Arthur Andersen in Dallas, Texas, where he audited banks, hedge funds, and other financial institutions. He then worked for eight years at the international accounting firm of Ernst & Young, in Dallas, Texas. During his time at Ernst & Young, Brian assisted high net-worth individuals with retirement planning, income tax planning, estate planning, and investment consulting. As a senior manager in the Personal Financial Counseling group, Brian specialized in investment advisory services where he assisted his clients in creating appropriate asset allocations.  He also specialized in performing due diligence on mutual funds and money managers, and evaluated their performance on a regular basis with his clients.

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Steven L. Cain, CPA, Financial Advisor

Financial success is the persistent commitment of doing what it takes to get the job done.

Steven CainSteve received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Kansas. He is a member of the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants and is an Investment Advisor Representative.

Steve brings more than 13 years professional experience to CWA. He worked for five years at the international public accounting firm of KPMG Peat Marwick, Main & Co. While at KPMG, Steve was responsible for overseeing staff members and controlling the audit procedures, which were performed in the field.

After obtaining his experience at KPMG Peat Marwick, he worked as Chief Financial Officer for a national insurance company. His duties included the overall responsibility of accounting, finance, and reporting, including the purchase and sale of investments, actuarial matters, and quality assurance of the internal control procedures that were established throughout the company. He was a member of the insurance company's investment committee and its systems steering committee. Some of his duties and accomplishments included implementing significant changes in cash management, tax matters and accounting methods, and working closely with the company's international partners. He was directly responsible for both earning and/or saving the company over $10 million and played a significant role in the company's growth from $55 million to $137 million in total assets and statutory net worth from $4.5 million to over $30 million.

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S. Bradley (Brad) Clapp, CPA, Partner

The undertaking of putting yourself in your clients' place, understanding their wants and needs, and creating the plan to accomplish their goals, is my responsibility. Being with them as they get the job done is my reward.

Bradley ClappBrad received a Bachelor of Science degree in both Accounting and Finance from the University of Arkansas. After that, he attended the University of Denver, where he received his Master's in Taxation. Brad is a Certified Public Accountant registered with the state of Texas, as well as an Investment Advisor Representative. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Dallas Chapter of CPAs.

Upon graduation, he returned to Dallas and joined the international accounting firm of KPMG Peat Marwick, LLP. While at KPMG he worked in the federal tax department, in the manufacturing, retailing and distribution line of business. His responsibilities included both the preparation and review of large corporate tax returns, as well as the preparation and review of partnership, trust, and individual returns. He also gave technical tax advice to clients on a wide scope of topics, from individual planning to international corporate tax strategies.

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Judson Crawford, CPA, Financial Advisor

“At Cain, Watters & Associates, we know the value of reliable financial advice and how it translates into financial success for our clients. Our passion is not only helping our clients plan for the potential life events their futures may hold, but more importantly, to keep them on track as they advance toward their goals and dreams.”

Judson CrawfordJudson received his Bachelor of Science and Master’s of Accountancy degrees from Texas Tech University. He is a Certified Public Accountant and an Investment Advisor Representative.

Prior to working with his clients at Cain, Watters & Associates, Judson worked with the international accounting firm of Ernst & Young, LLP. While there, Judson spent the majority of his time in the Federal Specialty Services group providing tax consulting services to corporate clients, including Fortune 500 companies. He also spent time providing tax compliance services in the Personal Financial Services group assisting individual clients with their tax planning needs.

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Edwin R. Cummer, CPA, Financial Advisor

What has made CWA so successful is our approach. We make sure we understand our clients' concerns and what they want to accomplish. It is very rewarding developing creative strategies that assist our clients in reaching financial security.

Edwin CummerEd holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and a Masters in Taxation from the University of Texas at Austin. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Financial Planner. He is also an Investment Advisor Representative.

Ed has twenty-five years of solid financial planning experience. Prior to joining Cain, Watters, he provided financial planning advice at other public accounting firms, including the international accounting firm of Ernst & Young, where he was a partner. He has a very strong technical background, which permits him to provide sophisticated advice. His level of experience allows him to determine a practical approach to addressing all facets of a client’s financial plan. Ed is also a Certified Valuation Analyst and is intricately involved in the Cain, Watters’ practice transition processes.

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Edward M. (Ed) Daude, CPA, Financial Advisor

Financial planning is a journey, not a one-time event. As your career and life evolve, your path and your choices inevitably change. Success requires a life-long commitment and a partner who can get you there.

Edward DaudeEd is a Business Honors Program graduate of The University of Texas at Austin and has been a practicing CPA for over 25 years. He is an Investment Advisor Representative.

As a Senior Tax Manager with a large multinational accounting firm, Ed provided tax consultation and advice to a variety of small businesses and high net-worth individuals.  He has also architect numerous tax compliance software systems for corporations and publicly traded limited partnerships. Prior to joining Cain, Watters, Ed worked with emerging entrepreneurial companies at Ernst & Young, LLP.

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Melissa L. DeMaagd, CPA, Financial Advisor

Relationship and sound financial advice.  These are two important needs of every client.  We have always focused on building solid relationships that allow us to tailor our advice to each client's specific needs and achieve his or her professional and retirement goals. Our relationship and care for each client is what sets our firm apart.

Meilssa DeMaagdMelissa received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master's of Science with specialization in Taxation from the University of North Texas in Denton. She is a CPA and an Investment Advisor Representative.

Prior to joining CWA, she worked for KPMG Peat Marwick, LLP and EDS.  Her background includes the planning, preparation and review of tax returns for multinational corporations, partnerships and individuals. Since joining CWA, she has assisted clients in developing and implementing financial goals, structuring complex pension plans, transitioning practices and optimizing debt reorganization.

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Teresa D. Gast, CPA, Partner

One of the keys to the financial planning process is not only understanding your long term goals, but knowing how to get there.  We feel that education is critical to this process so you understand the advice.

Teresa GastTeresa is a CPA with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master's in Accounting from Kansas State University. She is an Investment Advisor Representative.

Her background includes three years of experience with the international accounting firm of KPMG Peat Marwick, LLP.  At KPMG, she worked with multinational corporations, partnerships, and the individuals running those firms. Her direct responsibilities included the preparation and review of tax returns as well as recommending tax savings advice. After leaving KPMG, Teresa spent a short amount of time with Tenet Healthcare System.  Since joining CWA, Teresa has assisted clients with all of their financial planning goals by monitoring their taxes, practice concerns, pension options, debt restructuring, and various other specific situations.

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Tim B. Greaves, CPA, Partner

Planning is a discipline, whether professional or financial. In order to achieve goals in life, there must be proper planning. One of the key elements of our financial planning process is communication.  I believe our constant communication with our clients is a major contributing factor in helping our clients become financially successful.

Tim GreavesTim received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting in 1991. He is a member of the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and is an Investment Advisor Representative.

Prior to joining CWA, Tim worked for four years at the international public accounting firm of Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP. While at Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP, Tim performed the audit manager role on a publicly traded multinational manufacturing company. Tim coordinated and reviewed the audit work performed by other Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP offices, both domestically and internationally. Additionally, Tim performed the audit manager function on various middle market companies. Prior to joining Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP, Tim worked for three years in the audit and tax department of Judd, Thomas, Smith & Company, a local CPA firm. Additional prior accounting experience includes approximately three years with Texas Instruments.

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Bill Harrigan, CPA, Financial Advisor

Bill HarriganBill received his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and his Master’s in Professional Accounting with a concentration in Taxation from the University of Texas at Austin. His is a Certified Public Accountant and is also an Investment Advisor Representative.

Prior to joining CWA, Bill spent four years at the international firm of Price Waterhouse, LLP (PW). At PW, Bill worked on the personal financial services team within the tax department. Bill left PW to join the Dallas accounting firm of Cornerstone Advisory Corporation. His responsibilities included tax preparation and planning, cash flow analysis, retirement planning and investment management for high net worth individuals and professional golfers. Bill became an owner of Cornerstone in 2000 and left the firm after 11 years in 2005.

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Toni Hatcher Lee, CPA, Partner

I am honored to be a part of the CWA community and to be a part of each of my clients’ lives.  Darrell Cain’s words of “win-win” have been carried throughout our organization and all the lives that we touch.  I look forward to sharing more financial successes with my clients and their children.

Toni Hatcher LeeToni received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Management and Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Missouri in 1990 and 1996, respectively. She is an Investment Advisor Representative.

Prior to joining CWA, Toni gained experience through three years of service with the international accounting firm of KPMG Peat Marwick, LLP, and through eight years of service in the small family-owned retail business sector. Since joining CWA, Toni has worked directly with Darrell Cain and the founding clients of the firm. Toni continues to grow with these clients as they transition their dental practices, prepare distribution planning for retirement assets, and build estate plans with the goal of preserving and perpetuating the wealth they’ve created throughout their lifetimes.

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Sandra J. Lake, CPA, Financial Advisor

Our most important goals in life are best achieved through a well-formulated plan. By helping our clients implement our unique methodology, I have seen firsthand the tremendous impact that financial planning has made in their lives. This is very rewarding, both professionally and personally, to be a part of that success.

Sandra ScottSandra received her Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geology and Master's of Professional Accounting from the University of Texas in Austin, Texas. She is a member of the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Dallas Chapter of the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and is an Investment Advisor Representative.

Prior to joining CWA, Sandra gained valuable experience in the field of taxation by working at the international accounting firm of Pricewaterhouse and working as a tax examiner for the Internal Revenue Service.

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Jason Luse, CPA, Financial Advisor

In order to reach financial freedom you must have a formalized plan that you follow and monitor. At CWA we will create a custom plan for you. Through our monitoring service, we will help you execute the plan with strategies that we have found to be the most efficient.

Jason LuseJason received a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance and a Master’s degree in Accounting from the University of North Texas. He is a Certified Public Accountant. He is also an Investment Advisor Representative. Jason is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Prior to joining CWA, Jason worked at Weaver and Tidwell, a large, regional public accounting firm. While at Weaver and Tidwell, Jason specialized in tax compliance and consulting with individuals, corporations, partnerships, trusts, estates and non-profit organizations. He was a member of the firm’s Wealth Transfer Tax Group. Prior to Weaver and Tidwell, Jason worked at Ken Hughes and Associates, a local accounting firm, where he worked in all areas of accounting and tax.

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Brandon R. Parkhurst, CPA, CFP, Financial Advisor

Financial planning is a perpetual process. There is a definitive beginning, but never an end. Our role is to design a roadmap that blends our clients’ dreams and changing life events with a disciplined strategy to get them to financial independence and beyond. My success is watching my clients take an active role in this process and reaching the goals they have set for themselves.

Brandon ParkhurstBrandon has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and a Masters Degree in Accounting from Texas A&M University. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Financial Planner. He is also an Investment Advisor Representative. Brandon is a member of the American Institute for Certified Public Accountants and the Financial Planning Association.

Brandon started his career in public accounting at Ernst & Young in Dallas, Texas, where he provided tax consulting services to private equity funds, real estate investment trusts, corporations and partnerships.

Brandon’s experience with Cain Watters includes retirement planning, income tax planning, estate planning, and investment consulting. He has also provided wealth management services to many of the firms retired clients. These services include investment management, charitable planning, estate & gift planning, and cash flow planning.

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Tom R. Sanders, CPA, Partner

Obtaining financial freedom requires a commitment to develop goals, create a formalized plan and monitor progress toward your objectives. My job is to work with you to make this happen.

Tom SandersTom received his Bachelor's degree in Accounting and his Master's degree in Taxation from Baylor University. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Texas Society of CPAs and a member of the Dallas Society of CPAs. Tom is also an Investment Advisor Representative.

Prior to joining Cain, Watters and Associates, Tom worked for the international accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche, LLP, where he specialized in personal and corporate tax planning, including several international assignments.

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Daniel C. Wicker, CPA, Partner

Cain, Watters & Associates, P.L.L.C. understands that personal financial planning is an individually unique and ongoing process. Our methodology, of working with our clients from the beginning of their financial career through their retirement and estate planning, sets our firm apart from the typical financial planning firm. Our reward from this methodology is watching each client succeed and reach the individual goals they set for themselves.

Daniel WickerDan received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting from Kansas State University. He is a Certified Public Accountant registered with the state of Texas and Missouri and an Investment Advisor Representative.

Prior to joining CWA, Dan spent four years at the international accounting firm of KPMG Peat Marwick, LLP. At KPMG, Dan worked in the personal financial planning line of business within the tax department. His direct responsibilities included preparing and reviewing high net worth individual and international partnership tax returns. Additionally, Dan developed cash flow, retirement, and tax planning for high net worth individuals. Since joining CWA, Dan has worked in detail with clients in the development and implementation of their financial plans.

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Cain, Watters and Associates

Media Center

Darrell Cain Our Media Center contains audio and video clips with Darrell Cain speaking about important financial topics.

Contact Us

Cain, Watters & Associates
5580 Peterson Lane, Suite 250
Dallas, Texas 75240-5158
Phone: (972) 233-3323
Fax: (972) 663-3799

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