Chris Gickler is a both a seasoned business and tax professional. Chris earned his Bachelor’s Science in Business Management and Marketing, with an additional Associate Science degree in accounting, from Franklin University, in Columbus, Ohio.

 

With over 30 years in business leadership, Chris has successfully managed large operations solutions teams, providing financial performance and accountability to executive leadership teams and implementing strategic growth initiatives across diverse environments. His career has been defined by strong analytical insight, disciplined financial planning, and the ability to lead teams through evolving business strategies while consistently meeting fiscal goals and objectives. He spent a decade as a small business owner in the collegiate licensing market as co-founder of Team Stencils, LLC. His experience as an entrepreneur reinforced the importance of accessible and reliable tax support for both individuals and small businesses.

 

After more than a decade of hands-on tax preparation experience and a career focused heavily on financial performance, Chris transitioned from working within large organizations to pursuing entrepreneurship. In 2025, he founded Arena Tax Solutions with a clear mission: to provide reliable, strategic, and year-round tax support to individuals and small business owners. Chris is registered tax professional with the IRS and completes the required Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) continuing education, including AFTR coursework and testing, ensuring he remains current with all federal tax law changes and compliance standards.

 

Chris is committed to building long-term client relationships through proactive planning, ongoing consultation, and personalized service that extends beyond tax season.

 

He currently resides in Ponte Vedra, Florida, with his wife, Linda. Outside of his professional work, Chris is an active tenured Level 3 USA Hockey official, officiating youth, high school and adult leagues in Jacksonville. Off the ice, he enjoys boating, fishing, exploring Florida by motorcycle and cheering on his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes and Columbus Blue Jackets.