Cindy Lofy supported AG’s operational success for over 42 years. From accounting to HR and office fun, she reinforced the firm’s sense of community. We want to take this moment to say—Thank you & Cheers to the Journey Ahead!
From Bookkeeping Class to a 42-Year Career Journey
As her graduation drew near at Pius High School, Cindy needed to decide on her “what’s next” step. Her teenage mindset thought bookkeeping class seemed easy, so she headed to Milwaukee Area Technical College to study accounting. After graduation, she gained experience at Milwaukee Country Club. Even at that early moment in her career, she took on additional tasks and was the go-to source for important questions.
As she considered a job switch, she never imagined that answering a small newspaper ad and a Saturday interview for bookkeeper at Shepherd Legan Aldrian would define her entire career. A reference made it an easy decision for Jack Shepherd to hire Cindy–setting her on a path that would shape the financial and cultural backbone of AG for more than four decades.
One Woman, Many Hats: Accounting, HR, and Everything In Between
Over the decades, Cindy’s role and the firm itself evolved. From partner and name changes to office moves, recessions, and a global pandemic, Cindy remained a steady presence at the core of the firm culture.
Cindy by the numbers:
- 65% of her life was spent working at AG
- 42 years at roughly 50 weeks per year; roughly 2,100 weeks of her lifetime working at AG
- Approximately 84,000 hours dedicated to working at AG, not including all the overtime she needed to do
- Since the firm’s founding in 1961, there have been about 485 team members, and she’s known roughly 300 of them personally
“When you think of an accountant, you might picture someone surrounded by spreadsheets, calculators, and endless columns of numbers. But when I think of Cindy, I don’t just see numbers — I see the stories behind them,” says AG Team Lead and Senior Associate Ann D’Acquisto. “I see the late nights spent ensuring every decimal was in its place, the calm voice in the middle of a financial storm, and the steady hand that guided us through audits, budgets, and big decisions.”
One of the most remarkable parts of Cindy’s story is how broad her responsibilities became. For most of her tenure, she was effectively a one‑person accounting and HR department. From payroll and timesheets to benefits and compliance, Cindy quietly carried a huge operational load.
“It’s hard to accept that Cindy retired. She’s been such a constant fixture at AG; it’s hard to picture our firm without her. Not only has she been a resource and a source of stability, but she has always been and will always be a cherished friend. Cindy has been the voice of reason in meetings more times than I can count and has always been an advocate for the rights and well-being of everyone in this office,” shares AG Team Lead and Senior Associate David Trinkner. “I’m not sure that everyone understands how much she really did around here; much of it went unrecognized. Cindy, enjoy your well-deserved retirement. You will be missed. Worst of all, your retirement makes me feel old!”
Cindy’s many hats:
- Guardian of accuracy
- Trusted advisor
- Hunter/fisherman – looking for receipts and expense reports, sometimes going on expeditions to get the information she needed
- Handyman – fixing the copier and staplers and all kinds of other things that would break
- The “get er done” person – helping to type up specs and help wherever and whenever needed
- Counselor on insurance and other personal matters
- Organizer of office meetings, parties, picnics and personnel enrichment activities and outings
- Helping hand in kitchen clean-up
- Lenten luncheon chef – tuna melts and mac and cheese, please
- Supervisor of yearly office clean-up– we can get a bit messy
- Listener – always there to be a friend and offer words of encouragement
Thank you!
Cindy balanced more than just the books at AG; she balanced hard work and lasting relationships. She brought heart and humanity to her many roles and responsibilities. She tracked anniversaries, celebrated personal and professional milestones, and watched as people built beautiful lives and long careers at AG.
“After 42 years with AG, there is simply no replacing Cindy. She has been a true Jill of all trades, always willing to step in, find an answer, and do whatever was needed to help the firm and our people succeed. Her knowledge, commitment, friendships, and countless contributions have become part of the fabric of AG. We are incredibly grateful for all she has given to the AG team and family, and we wish her nothing but happiness as she begins this well-earned next chapter.”—AG Chief Operating Officer Michael Miller
Cindy, thank you for your dedication, kindness, and friendship over the years. May your retirement life always be in balance, your happiness compound daily, and your stress depreciate to zero.
Congratulations on your retirement; may it be long and un-audited!
“When I started as an intern over 20 years ago, Cindy provided the warm AG welcome that is at the heart of our culture. What stands out to me the most is how Cindy always ensured team members were heard and valued. I hope we can honor her legacy by maintaining that commitment to our people and upholding the sense of community she played a key role in nurturing within the firm.”—AG Chief Design Officer Eric Harrmann
“I can’t believe we have to do without Cindy! She has been such a huge resource for AG, handling it all. Cindy was the person you could ask any question, and she would know the answer. She will be greatly missed for her expertise, dry sense of humor, and steadfast dedication to making AG the best it can be. We are all so grateful for everything that she has done over her 42 years here. I wish her every happiness in her post-AG life!—AG Senior Associate Megan Scott
Already Enjoying New Adventures
Family, fishing, and travel are a few of Cindy’s favorite things. And she didn’t waste any time embracing her next chapter. Cindy and her husband Keith already hit the road. Their first retirement adventure included: 45 days, 6 countries, 4 states, 2 ferries, 6,000 miles on a motorcycle, 30 hotels, and too many castles.
“From the start, Cindy has been supportive of me—as her colleague and friend. She always wanted what was best for the AG employees and was willing to sit down with you to make sure you were using the available resources in the best way possible. And it was never all about work with Cindy; she enjoyed chatting about everyone’s weekend adventures or travel plans. She especially loved when we had a jigsaw puzzle on the lunch table, and we could bond with each other over finding that one hard-to-find piece.”—AG Marketing Coordinator Marcia Volstorf
“From project details to employee benefits and everything in between, Cindy was the keeper of the details that make all of our jobs (and lives) easier. I admire her seemingly endless well of patience for answering questions and the tenacity with which she works through challenges.”—AG Director of Business Development Katie Miller