Member Spotlight: Ketel Thorstensen Expands in Casper Through Strategic Merger

Growth in Casper often looks like expansion, but just as often, it looks like alignment.

For Ketel Thorstensen, a respected regional accounting and advisory firm, that alignment came through a natural next step: merging with long-standing Casper firm Grooms & Harkins. What began as collaboration over the years evolved into something more intentional – a partnership built on shared values, complementary strengths, and a belief that together, they could serve clients at a higher level.

“We had worked collaboratively in the past, and those experiences were always very positive,” shared Nic Grooms, Partner in the Casper office. “As we continued those conversations, it became clear that we were aligned in how we approach client service and professional practice. The transition from collaboration to full partnership felt natural.”

At the heart of the merger is a shared philosophy: take care of your people so they can take care of your clients. Both firms bring a distinctly Western approach to their work – authentic, hardworking, and entrepreneurial – something that continues to resonate with businesses across Wyoming.

For clients in Casper and beyond, the merger represents both continuity and expanded opportunity. The Grooms & Harkins legacy in the community remains intact, now strengthened by Ketel Thorstensen’s broader infrastructure and regional reach. The result is a firm equipped to support more complex needs while maintaining the relationships and consistency clients have come to trust.

That expanded capability shows up in tangible ways; from added expertise in valuation, estate and trust services, and business accounting support to increased capacity to serve larger and more complex organizations. At the same time, the firm continues to support the backbone of Wyoming’s economy with deep experience across industries like construction, agriculture, oil and gas, as well as nonprofit and governmental sectors.

But for the team, this merger is about more than services; it’s about people and place.

“Our firm has been part of the Casper community in one form or another since the early 1980s,” said Grooms. “This is our hometown. Casper is a place with real opportunity, and its central location allows us to serve communities across Wyoming.”

That commitment to community extends inward as well. With a larger footprint, team members now have more opportunities to grow, specialize, and collaborate – strengthening not only the firm, but the local workforce.

“As we bring our teams together, we’re focused on identifying the best from both organizations and building something stronger,” shared Nina Braun, CEO and Partner. “There’s a real sense of momentum and professionalism in how the team is approaching that work.”

Looking ahead, the firm sees opportunity not only in growth, but in supporting the businesses that define Wyoming’s economy – particularly those navigating transitions, expansion, and long-term planning.

“Many local businesses have built strong success stories and are now looking for guidance on what comes next,” said Grooms. “Having a partner who understands that journey (and is walking it alongside them) makes a difference.”

For Casper, that kind of partnership matters.

As Ketel Thorstensen continues to grow its presence locally, the impact reaches beyond the firm itself – supporting jobs, strengthening businesses, and contributing to a more resilient and connected business community.

To learn more about the merger and the expanded services now available, we encourage you to connect with the Ketel Thorstensen team and keep them top of mind as a trusted partner for your business. They’re helping lead the way in Casper, and we’re excited to see what this next chapter brings for their team, their clients, and our community as a whole.