
PARTNERS
Our partners are each owners and directors in Fort Group Chartered Professional Accountants Inc., and work together to personally ensure that the service you receive is professional, prompt and tailored to your needs. Our partners possess unique skill sets as a result of the real life experiences they’ve had walking in your shoes, in senior or ownership positions within the private or public sector. Please refer to each individual’s partner profile below.
Aaron Pauls, CPA, CA
Aaron was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba and earned his Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree in April of 2005 from the University of Manitoba, majoring in Accounting and Finance.
In July of 2007, Aaron became a member of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants by receiving his Chartered Accountant (CA) designation, placing on the national honor roll.
Aaron joined Fort Group in January of 2008 and was made a partner in 2014. In addition to working for Fort Group, Aaron is a board member and advisor to a leading Manitoba kitchen and bath manufacturer and solutions provider.
As a partner, Aaron primarily services small business clients in advisory and taxation across various business sectors including but not limited to manufacturing, construction, real estate, consulting and professional services. Aaron also services not-for-profits and charities in assurance, taxation and advisory. He has furthered his technical tax knowledge by completing the CICA Income Tax Practice Course and completing the CICA In-Depth Tax Course.
In 2014, Aaron was a recipient of the Early Achievement Award from The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Manitoba (now CPA Manitoba), honoring his significant career achievements within the first 10 years of achieving his CA designation.



Kevin Ploegman, CPA, CA
Kevin was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and grew up in North Kildonan. He earned his Bachelor of Physical Education Degree from the University of Manitoba in 1999 and his Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) Degree from the University of Manitoba in 2002. In October 2004, Kevin became a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada by receiving his Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) designation.
Kevin became a partner at the Fort Group in 2015. He has 18 years of combined experience in both public accounting and industry, where he serviced private companies and not-for-profit organizations of all sizes. In 2011, Kevin completed the CICA In-Depth Tax Course to compliment his assurance and business advisory skills. Kevin has developed an exceptional toolkit to service all of the needs of small and medium sized owner-managed entities and not-for-profit organizations, and strives to provide the best service possible to all of his clients.



Brian Walker, CPA, CA
Brian was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He is a graduate of River East Collegiate (2000) and earned his Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) Degree from the University of Manitoba in 2005. In November, 2007, Brian became a member of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants by receiving his Chartered Accountant (CA) designation.
As a student, Brian articled with a local Winnipeg accounting firm where he serviced many private companies and not-for-profit organizations. Brian has been employed by Fort Group since January 2008, and became a partner in 2014.
Brian primarily services small business clients in advisory and taxation, as well First Nations in assurance. Some of the private client industries he works with include medical corporations, law corporations, trades and construction, transportation and real estate. He is also well studied in U.S. tax. Brian has furthered his technical tax knowledge by completing the CICA Income Tax Practice Course in November of 2010 and completing the CICA In-Depth Tax Course in the fall of 2015. He is also an active board member of the Manitoba Athletics Association.



Bradley Keefe, CPA, CA
Bradley joined Fort Group Chartered Professional Accountants in 2017 and became a Partner in January 2019. At Fort Group, he brings extensive experience in assurance engagements, specializing in this area. Additionally, Bradley provides consulting services in accounting, process improvement, and other related fields. He prides himself on clear and timely communication in all engagements he leads. Bradley also serves as the Director of HR, overseeing this function for the firm.
Bradley is actively involved in the profession, leading professional development courses for CPA
Manitoba, including authoring assurance-related course materials.
Prior to joining Fort Group, Bradley worked with the Office of the Auditor General of Manitoba (OAG) for 15 years. He also served as an experienced facilitator, session leader, exam reviewer, and author with the CPA Western School of Business (formerly CASB) and CPA Canada, where he contributed for over 10 years. Throughout his career, Bradley has volunteered his time to mentor aspiring CPA/CA candidates and continues to support candidate development at Fort Group.
In 2016, Bradley received the Early Achievement Award from CPA Manitoba, recognizing his career accomplishments. In 2017, he was honored with the Kouri Berezan Heinrichs Award for his work with the CPA Western School of Business.



Darryl Clarke, CPA, CA
Darryl is a native of Winnipeg, Manitoba. In May of 2004, he received his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Manitoba, and became a member of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants in 2009, earning a Chartered Accountant designation. Darryl joined Fort Group in 2003 and became a partner in 2020.
As a partner, Darryl primarily services Canadian small and medium-sized owner managed clients and U.S. tax clients. Some of the private client industries he works in include professionals, trades and construction, and real estate. For U.S. tax clients his main focus is on individuals with both U.S. and Canadian tax filing obligations. Darryl has extensive experience advising upon Canadian/U.S. cross-border tax matters and related filing requirements.



Brad Klassen, CPA, CA
Brad Klassen adds decades of experience, and sophisticated tax knowledge in both consulting and tax preparation to Fort Group. He earned his CA designation in 1988, completed CPA Canada's In-Depth Tax program in 1991 and has been continuously serving clients and providing tax advice to both private business and not-for-profits on both a local and global scale.
Joining the company as a partner in 2021, after 27 years at a major Canadian accounting firm, Brad has taught tax courses for CPA Manitoba, has served as a tutor for the national In-Depth Tax program and continues to lead development courses for CPA Manitoba in taxation.
Throughout his career Brad has primarily serviced small to medium-sized businesses across all industries, and specializes in structuring transactions in a tax-effective manner including: mergers and acquisitions, estate planning, and reorganizations.
Known for his dedication to volunteering in his community, Brad currently serves as secretary-treasurer of the Executive Committee, and chair of the Finance and Stewardship Committee for Concordia Hospital. He is also on the Board of Directors of the Concordia Wellness Projects Inc. In the past, has also volunteered with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, McIvor Avenue Mennonite Brethren, and House Blend Ministries.



Philip Bobby, CPA
Philip earned his Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree in April 2014 from the University of Manitoba, majoring in Accounting and Finance. In August 2018, Philip earned his Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation and joined the Fort Group team in 2020, quickly becoming an integral part of our firm. Serving on community boards, mentoring aspiring CPAs, and working with CPA Canada National Marking Centre as a marker. Philip further joined the partnership on January 1, 2025.
Philip specializes in assurance services over a variety of business sectors, including not-for-profit organizations, First Nation communities, and public sector entities. He also advises in other areas such as accounting, financial reporting and process improvement. Deeply committed to serving his clients with excellence, Philip prides himself on his day-to-day organization and timely communications in his engagements.


