Your Focused, Experienced Partner in Tax
Tax decisions carry real financial and operational risk. Choosing the right partner requires more than general expertise.
The Brennan Group exists to bring clarity, defensible guidance, and measurable results to complex state and local tax, real estate tax, and personal property tax matters.
Talk With Our TeamWho We Are
The Brennan Group is a specialized state and local tax, real estate tax, and personal property tax solutions firm. We help businesses reduce unnecessary tax exposure, recover overpayments, and establish strong positions they can rely on.
Our model is intentionally different from large, centralized firms.
We operate as a network of experienced professionals with deep local and regional expertise, allowing us to understand the nuances that vary by jurisdiction.
Every engagement is led by a senior expert who remains closely involved from start to finish. We do not hand work off to junior teams unfamiliar with your specific tax environment.
We partner with companies of all sizes across the country, with a focus on organizations facing meaningful tax complexity.
Our goal is simple: to bring clarity and confidence to complex tax matters.
Positively Energized
We bring focus, optimism, and momentum to our work, believing strong outcomes come from clarity and collaboration.
Authentic
We only put our name on work we can defend. Our recommendations are honest, documented, and built to hold up under scrutiny.
Collaborative
We are relationship-focused and communicate openly with clients, teammates, and partners to work toward shared goals.
Transcendant
We strive to deliver results beyond expectations through thoughtful problem-solving, curiosity, and continuous learning.
Our standards aren't accidental. They were shaped by firsthand experience with what happens when firms prioritize volume over defensibility. We operate as a hands-on partner, staying closely involved from start to finish, managing complexity so our clients do not have to. Our focus remains on disciplined execution, transparency, and outcomes that matter.
Trusted by Businesses That Value Accountability
Our clients rely on us to protect cash flow, manage risk, and deliver results they can stand behind.
Backed By Sharp, Passionate, and Driven Tax Specialists
With seasoned CPAs, former state auditors, real estate analysts, equipment appraisers, and tax attorneys, we combine insider knowledge with a commitment to delivering results, giving customers clarity, confidence, and control over their business taxes.
Michael Brennan, founder of The Brennan Group, has been helping businesses navigate the complex world of state and local tax since 1985. As one of eight children in his family, being a good steward of financial resources and helping others are in Michael’s DNA.
Michael believes that less government and accurate taxes fuel the growth of companies, people, and communities. This drives his dedication to providing expert tax solutions that protect businesses and ensure they pay no more than their fair share.
David Melnick, Chief Operating Officer, joined The Brennan Group in 2a025, bringing nearly two decades of leadership experience across multiple industries. He has led finance and operations teams, implemented private equity best practices, and driven disciplined, scalable growth. Earlier in his career, David co-founded Hot Box Cookies, launching his entrepreneurial journey. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and being outdoors.
Dave Sawyer is Vice President of Sales at The Brennan Group. Dave joined in 2021 and is responsible for driving revenue growth by helping clients reduce real estate and property taxes, uncover tax refunds, and maintain compliance with sales tax law. Dave enjoys helping businesses reduce costs and values being part of a growing company committed to helping others. In his spare time Dave is an avid college sports fan and enjoys spending time with friends and family.
Matt Ochterbeck, Senior Director, State and Local Tax Services, has been with The Brennan Group since 2019. Matt oversees the management and execution of sales and tax refunds and advisory services. He enjoys working closely with clients to identify tax savings that can be reinvested in their companies. Matt values collaboration and enjoys working with his colleagues to achieve results that wouldn’t be possible alone. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and exploring the outdoors.
Lori Pilkinton, Director, State and Local Tax Services, has been with The Brennan Group since 2014. Lori focuses on providing clients in all industries with highly individualized contingency based state and local tax compliance reviews. She also provides clients with training and tools to guide their administrative staff through the process. Lori enjoys being a resource for clients even after projects are completed. When she’s not working she enjoys traveling with her family.
Luke Brassel, Director, State & Local Tax Services, has been with the Brennan Group since 2008. Luke focuses on helping businesses navigate sales & use tax compliance, reduce liabilities, and recover overpaid taxes. He enjoys helping businesses in identifying refund opportunities and obtaining those refunds for them. Outside of work, Luke spends as much time as possible outdoors and enjoys quality time with his granddaughters.
Shawn White is the Manager of Property Tax Services at The Brennan Group. She joined the company in 2021 and handles a range of responsibilities, including overseeing real estate cases, coordinating appeals, collaborating with strategic partners on updates and billing, and serving as a member of the operations team. Shawn enjoys the variety of duties that fall within her role and solving complex tax challenges. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her children, attending concerts, and playing pickleball.
Regina Woll, Manager, State & Local Tax Compliance, has been with The Brennan Group since 2020. She is an expert in sales and use tax compliance with an impressive attention to detail and the ability to file sales and use taxes for our clients with precision and confidence. When she’s not working, Regina enjoys reading, walking, and traveling.
Sheri Morrison is the Manager of Sales Operations & ERP Development and has been at The Brennan Group since 2021. Sheri supports the sales team by researching leads, preparing contracts, and managing CRM data while also assisting the real estate team with case research. Sheri leads ERP development, focusing on creating custom solutions to streamline operations and training staff on CRM and ERP systems.In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with friends and family and anything that keeps her active, learning, or experiencing something new.
Marcia Tolcou, Compliance Manager, has been at The Brennan Group since 2019. Marcia is responsible for filing sales and use tax returns for various clients and she enjoys the challenges of filing taxes for complex businesses. Outside of work, she enjoys playing pickleball, hiking, and reading.
Debbie Reddy is the Manager, State and Local Tax Services at The Brennan Group. She has been with the company since 2015 and recently switched roles after almost 9 years with the team performing sales & use tax reviews. Debbie works with a variety of clients to ensure accurate tax collection and reporting. She takes pride in providing clients with peace of mind and empowering them with the confidence to move forward. Outside of work, Debbie enjoys spending time with her husband and four sons. She also enjoys spending time outdoors whether that's camping, hiking, or long walks with her dogs.
Donna O’Keefe is the Administrative Project Manager at The Brennan Group. Donna joined the company in 2011 and she manages refund claims submitted to the Department of Revenue, ensuring that clients get the money that is rightfully theirs. She also works with Project Managers/Analysts to reconcile any discrepancies or additional information required to process refund claims. She appreciates seeing how her work directly contributes to clients receiving the maximum refund possible, positively impacting their financial outcomes. In her spare time, Donna enjoys spending time with family and gardening.
Ashley Veljko, Executive Assistant/Office Manager, started at The Brennan Group in 2026. Ashley's role focuses on coordinating administrative workflows, managing priorities, and providing high-level support across the team to ensure daily operations and executive leadership run efficiently and seamlessly. She thrives in roles where she can anticipate needs, solve problems, and create structure that allows others to succeed — and looks forward to continuing to strengthen her organizational and operational skills in a fast-paced, growth-focused environment. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys exploring new restaurants, traveling the country for concerts and music festivals, and attending local community events around St. Louis.
Roy Tegenkamp is the Managing Director of State and Local Tax Services at The Brennan Group. In his role, Roy supports the sales/use and personal property tax compliance teams, mentors staff to foster their professional growth, and works with the management team on SALT financial strategy and business development. He is also focused on advancing the firm's AI initiative, an area he looks forward to developing alongside his team. Outside of work, Roy enjoys taking his Mustangs to car shows.
Jessica Hegger is Senior Tax Analyst at The Brennan Group. Jessica joined the team in 2023 and she focuses on preparing and filing sales and use tax returns for various clients. She also helps with sales and uses tax related questions and concerns. Jessica enjoys being able to take something as complicated as sales and use tax and make it painless for clients. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys running and riding her bike.
Elizabeth Roberts, Data Entry Analyst, started at The Brennan group in 2025. Elizabeth's role focuses on gathering and entering data for the State and Local Tax division to unlock valuable insights for clients. She enjoys detail and organization and is able to further develop her technical and analytical skills. When she’s not working she enjoys cooking, traveling, and fishing.
Breanna Rapp, Data Entry Analyst, has been with The Brennan Group since 2024. Breanna is dedicated to accurately extracting and inputting invoices into spreadsheets, ensuring all data remains organized and current. She works closely with Project Managers to maintain precise records and support efficient processes. Breanna enjoys collaborating with her colleagues to improve operational efficiency. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family, going on walks, and unwinding with a good book.
Talk With Our Team
If you are looking for a focused, experienced partner to help you navigate tax complexity, we invite you to connect with our team.
The first conversation is designed to be straightforward and low pressure. Our goal is to understand your situation and determine whether we are the right fit.
Request a Call*No obligation. No fees unless we deliver savings.