Protea Conversations

Protea Conversations is the podcast for accountants and service-firm leaders. Subscribe to the channel! Meet Seth! Join us as Seth Fineberg, a seasoned journalist and analyst with nearly 30 years at the forefront of accounting technology and culture, shares his unique perspective on the evolving profession. Discover strategies for navigating digital transformation, fostering innovation, and buildi...

Meet Diana! Discover how Diana Gleason transitioned from a professional dancer to building a thriving six-figure accounting firm, and her insights into scaling a service-based business, leadership, and personal growth. Main Topics: - Diana’s unconventional path from dance to accounting - Building and scaling DG Accounting Agency - Leadership, systems, and operational strategies for growth - Balanc...

Meet Cash! Discover how Cash East transitioned from a childhood love of fly fishing to building innovative software tools that revolutionize real estate investing and bookkeeping. Gain insights into the importance of data, the value of trusting a team, and embracing risk to grow professionally and personally. In this episode: - Cash shares his unique family history and the story behind his distinc...

Meet Jeff! Explore Jeff Okrepkie's inspiring story of resilience, community rebuilding, and servant leadership, shaped by personal tragedy and dedicated public service. This conversation delves into his unique approach to leadership, built on humility and a profound sense of community obligation. In this episode: - Jeff shares how experiencing the Tubbs Fire in 2017 transformed his life and propel...

Meet Paul! In this episode, Paul Schwartz shares his insights on how Sonoma County's market has remained resilient post-COVID, highlighting the strength of owner-user markets despite economic pressures. He emphasizes the importance of control and flexibility in owning commercial space, along with the attractiveness of SBA financing options. He sares his journey with Leadership Santa Rosa's origin,...

Meet Mike! Discover insights from Mike Mathews on the importance of clear communication, fostering meaningful relationships, and leveraging values-driven businesses in this engaging conversation. Learn from his diverse career journey through industry, consulting, and leadership in the wine and oyster sectors, as well as practical advice on balancing work and self-care. Main topics covered: - The r...

Meet Nancy! In this episode, Nancy McClelland, also known as the Dancing Accountant, shares her inspiring journey from music education to becoming a passionate advocate for community, authenticity, and collaboration in the accounting world. Nancy discusses how embracing her unique personality has attracted her ideal clients and fostered a vibrant company culture. We explore her insights on buildin...

Meet Katie! In the latest episode of Protea Conversations, Zane welcomes Katie Thomas, a dynamic professional who made a remarkable transition from accounting to marketing. We delve into Katie's journey, her motivations, and the lessons learned along the way, providing valuable insights for anyone considering a similar leap. Katie's story is one of courage and determination. Transitioning from a s...

Meet Anshul! In this episode of Protea Conversations, discover how direct ownership offshoring can give your business control, reduce compliance risks, and unlock access to global talent. Anshul Agrawal shares his journey from immigrant to offshoring expert and offers insights into how firms of all sizes can leverage international talent pools effectively. In this episode: - The difference between...

Meet Randy! In this episode of Protea Conversations, Randy Crabtree shares his inspiring journey of overcoming personal challenges, building vibrant communities, and embracing vulnerability to lead with authenticity in the accounting industry. Discover practical advice on fostering mental wellness, creating impactful cultures, and finding fulfillment in both professional and personal life. Key Top...

Meet Justin! In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane Stevens interviews Justin Stephens, the second-generation owner of Stephens Tax Services. Justin shares his journey from initially avoiding the family business to taking over after his father's passing. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of running a tax service, the importance of maintaining personal values, and his commitment to cl...

Meet Mike! In this conversation, Mike Roe shares his journey from a 28-year career in policing to becoming the CEO of tensense.ai , a platform that helps organizations make sense of their data. He discusses the importance of leadership, change management, and the role of coaching in empowering teams. Mike emphasizes the need for transparency, communication, and a coaching mindset in leadership, as...

Meet Ryan! In this conversation, Ryan Brinkman discusses the importance of being bold in client relationships, particularly when advising on financial decisions. He emphasizes the need for transparency and honesty, even when it may not be what clients want to hear. The discussion also touches on the financial risks associated with certain decisions, highlighting the CPA's role in guiding clients t...

Meet Brit! In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane Stevens interviews Britt Summerill, a seasoned CFO with over 20 years of experience in accounting. Britt shares his journey from starting as an auditor to becoming a partner at Now CFO, discussing the importance of audit experience, the growth of Now CFO, and the impact of private equity on the firm. He emphasizes the significance of network...

Meet Mike! In this conversation, Zane Stevens interviews Michael Bark, CPA, CVA, the founding partner of Bull Moose Financial. They discuss the unique approach of Bull Moose Financial, focusing on a subscription model that enhances client relationships and work-life balance. Mike shares insights from his journey in accounting, the importance of nurturing younger partners, and the impact of private...

Meet Serena! Episode Summary In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane sits down with Serena Shoup, CPA, founder of Of Course Financial and The Ambitious Bookkeeper®. Serena shares her journey from a small-town girl in New Mexico to building a thriving accounting firm and launching a mentorship and education platform for bookkeepers worldwide. She opens up about entrepreneurship, balancing two...

Meet Chad! In this conversation, Zane interviews Chad Davis, co-founder of LiveCA, a pioneering virtual CPA firm in Canada. They discuss Chad's unique lifestyle of living in an RV while running a successful accounting firm, the evolution of accounting conferences, and the importance of embracing technology and AI in the accounting profession. Chad shares insights on building a remote work culture,...

Meet Joe! In this conversation, Joe Manganelli shares his journey from working at Goldman Sachs to founding and scaling Calculate, an outsourced accounting firm, and now leading Amalgam, a data aggregation and automation platform for the accounting industry. He discusses the importance of building relationships in business, the value of smaller conferences, and the role of automation in enhancing...

Meet Justine! In this episode of Protea Conversations, host Zane Stevens welcomes Justine Lackey, a pioneer in the virtual bookkeeping industry. Justine shares her journey from starting a business to successfully selling it, offering valuable insights and lessons learned along the way. The Accidental Entrepreneur Justine's entry into the world of bookkeeping was unplanned, beginning with her work...

Meet Erin! In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane interviews Erin Pohan, founder of Upkeeping, who shares her unique journey from customer service to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the accounting industry. They discuss the importance of intentional growth, the challenges of pursuing a CPA, and the significance of creating relevant educational content. Erin also talks about her experi...

Meet Isaac! In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane speaks with Isaac Perdomo, founder of Opzer, about the transformative power of automation in accounting firms. They discuss the importance of reclaiming time, building client relationships, and overcoming the fear of technology. Isaac shares his journey from engineering to accounting automation, offers insights from the Dominican Republic,...

Meet Mike! In this conversation, Zane interviews Mike Sylvester, a seasoned CPA and partner at SPS CPA Group. Mike shares his unconventional journey from being a reactor operator in the Navy to becoming a successful accountant and firm leader. He discusses the importance of community, effective marketing strategies, and the challenges of having difficult conversations with clients. Mike emphasizes...

Meet David! In this conversation, Zane interviews David Barbieto, a managing partner at De La Hoz Perez, and Barbieto, who shares his journey in the accounting profession. David discusses the importance of teamwork, personal growth, and the challenges he faced transitioning from a large firm to starting his own. He reflects on his early career, the cultural adaptations he made while studying in Mi...

Meet Geni! In this conversation, Geni Whitehouse shares her insights on the evolving role of accountants, emphasizing the importance of communication, understanding client needs, and adapting to cultural differences. She discusses her experiences in the wine industry and how they have shaped her approach to client interactions. Geni highlights the need for accountants to focus on effectiveness ove...

Meet Scott! In this episode, Zane interviews Scott Fuller, founder of Virtus Accounting Solutions. Scott shares his journey from a blue-collar upbringing to becoming a seasoned CPA, emphasizing the importance of aligning financial strategies with personal values. He discusses his experiences in public accounting, corporate finance, and ultimately starting his own firm to help purpose-driven busine...