A native of California, Henry graduated with a bachelor's degree in marketing and finance from California State University Northridge, and began his career in a finance position at Paramount Studios, a Hollywood-based movie production company and subsidiary of Viacom Inc.

Henry, a U.S. certified public accountant, has spent the majority of his career in financial and managerial roles in both the United States and Japan. In 2002, Henry relocated to Japan and joined Strata Works KK, helping foreign companies establish a presence and develop their operations in Japan.

He has assisted clients in a variety of industries, including real estate, retail, insurance and banking. Henry currently serves as representative director of Ascendant Business Solutions. He also serves as the vice chair of the American Chamber of Commerce on Japan's Tax Committee.

And I have been a firsthand witness to this.

When I joined Ascendant on September 23rd, 2003 to assume a bookkeeping role of someone going on maternity leave, little did I think I would be here so many years later as its representative director. Throughout this period, it has been an absolute privilege to participate in Ascendant's business growth, international expansion- and despite turbulent economic times, remain very stable, hire great talent and continuously think about the future.

Throughout my period here to date, we have seen bookkeepers become tax specialists, receptionists develop to consultants and former executives finding a passion implementing projects where the biggest reward is hearing a client say "Thank you, you did an amazing job." Even for those former colleagues that do not remain a part of our family, it is a pleasure to see them grow in their present positions and still maintain relationships with us.

Clients have grown as well. We have worked with clients for years during the good times and bad, through the joint ventures and divestures, the great wins or the disappointing losses. Ascendant serves as a partner to these firms where integrity and transparency are core values we bring to each engagement. Simply put, without our clients, we would be nowhere.

And Ascendant is a caring company- not only for our clients and staff, but for our community as well. Ascendant is a key sponsor for the Tyler foundation, an NPO providing assistance to children with cancer, a cause where we not only contribute funds, but volunteer our time and energy to make a better place for those that are not as privileged as we are.

For clients that want to work with a different company, or for those individuals that believe they can make a difference and want the opportunity to do so, welcome to Ascendant.