At LaPorte, our employees are more than just part of the team—they’re the heart of everything we do. Each individual brings unique skills, experiences, and passions that drive our success and enrich our workplace culture. In our “Faces of LaPorte” series, we’re shining a spotlight on the talented individuals who make LaPorte an exceptional place to work and grow. Through their stories, we aim to celebrate the diverse backgrounds, achievements, and contributions of our team members, giving you a closer look at the people who power our company every day.
For Ethan, being a Senior Manager in our Tax Services department at LaPorte’s Baton Rouge office is more than just crunching numbers—it’s about solving puzzles, continuous learning, and teamwork. Having been with the firm since graduating from LSU in 2015, Ethan has built a career that blends technical expertise with collaboration and personal growth. We are excited to introduce Ethan Allen, CPA, as one of our Faces of LaPorte.
Ethan’s love for tax stems from the challenge it brings. “On a day that I’m really excited to come into work, I would probably be working on something completely novel to me,” he shares. “I love learning new things, and that’s one of the things that I really enjoy about tax—there’s always something new going on.”
Beyond the technical side of his work, Ethan appreciates the variety his job offers. He spends a lot of time forming relationships and developing the staff beneath him. “Some days, I’m 90 percent in meetings with clients, other days I’m walking around the cubicles, chatting with staff, making sure they understand what they’re working on. And then some days, I’m just at my desk plugging away, doing tax returns.”
Ethan acknowledges that success in his role requires more than technical knowledge. He credits LaPorte’s employee training for the development of his communication skills. “We really spend a lot of time developing soft skills, which aren’t taught as much in school as the hard skills like accounting,” he says. “And you definitely need a lot of those soft skills. For example, I’ve learned how to network better.
Outside of work, Ethan’s passion for music plays a big role in his life. Having played guitar and drums for over 15 years, he brings the same dedication to his music as he does to his profession. He also serves on the board of the Baton Rouge Blues Festival Foundation, further connecting his love of music to his community.
At the end of the day, Ethan believes that what truly sets LaPorte apart is its people. “I think LaPorte’s superpower is the people,” he says. “I really love all the people that I’m able to work with and collaborate with on a daily basis. I think that we’re able to solve our clients’ pains in a way that I wouldn’t be able to on my own.”
With a passion for problem-solving, a drive to keep learning, and a deep appreciation for the people around him, Ethan continues to make an impact at LaPorte—both in and out of the office.