Virtual Rolodex hosted by TXCPA Houston

In this episode of the TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, host Kristie Ondracek sits down with Steve Goodman, founder of Goodman Financial, to discuss the firm’s long-standing support of TXCPA Houston, their unique approach to financial planning, and the importance of community and professional development within the CPA world. Steve shares insights into Goodman Financial’s mission, the value of build...

Kristie Ondracek welcomes Roger Devine to discuss innovative fundraising solutions for nonprofits, especially those connected to schools and grassroots organizations. Roger shares insights into his company, SchoolAuction.net, and how their software is tailored to support volunteer-led fundraising events with user-friendly, cost-effective tools. SchoolAuction.net is designed for small, volunteer-dr...

Meet Natallia Ornelas, CFP®, RICP®, Wealth Management Advisor with 15+ years of experience and CFP® & ICP designations. From Belarus to the U.S., her inspiring journey is built on grit, professionalism, and a passion for helping clients navigate complex financial decisions. ✨ Fun fact: She used to be a singer — and that’s how she met her husband!

In this episode, Kristie Ondracek interviews Alec Olinger, Senior Audit Associate at Harding, Shymanski & Company and creator of the "Elevate CPA" TikTok channel. Alec shares his honest journey to passing the CPA exam-including early setbacks, taking a break, and finally passing in October 2024. He talks about the mental challenges, the importance of finding your own study rhythm, and balancin...

In this episode, Kristie Ondracek interviews Sabrina Leonardi about her unique journey to becoming a CPA, her career path across industry and consulting, and the wide-ranging opportunities available in accounting and finance. Sabrina shares insights on the value of the CPA credential, the diversity of roles in the field, and advice for students considering accounting or finance. Key Topics Discuss...

Kristie welcomes Mark Bacon, a professional engineer and practice lead at Leyton, a global tax consulting firm specializing in niche tax incentives for commercial real estate. Mark is a featured speaker at the upcoming Spring Technology and Accounting Resources Summit (STARS), taking place May 13–14 at the Sugar Land Marriott. Key Topics Covered: Mark’s Background: Mark is an engineer with experie...

Guest: Michael Haynes, Business Growth Specialist from Sydney, Australia Event: Spring Technology and Accounting Resources (STARS) Summit Date: May 13-14, 2025 Location: Sugar Land, Houston Session Details: "Cracking the Code: Finding, Winning, and Keeping High-Value Advisory Clients" Two-part session Interactive, not "death by PowerPoint" Covers: 1. What today's advisory service buyers want 2. Ho...

Episode Overview: Kristie welcomes Nef Palacio, a CPA since 2021, to discuss his journey into accounting, the value of the CPA credential, and the realities of working in public accounting. Key Topics: Career Beginnings: Nef shares how a high school accounting class and encouragement from his sister sparked his interest in the field. Influential professors and peers in college introduced him to th...

In this episode, Kristie Ondracek welcomes Rhonda Travers, a featured speaker at the upcoming Spring Technology and Accounting Resources Summit (STARS), taking place May 13–14 in Sugar Land, TX, and virtually. Kristie and Rhonda discuss the importance of board engagement in nonprofit organizations, leadership development, and actionable strategies for accounting professionals looking to make an im...

Kristie Ondracek hosts Deanna Sullivan, a renowned speaker and ethics expert, as part of the TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex series. This episode previews Deanna’s upcoming session at the Spring Technology Accounting Resource Summit (STARS), focusing on ethics in the accounting profession and beyond. Event Details Ethics Session: May 12, 2025 (afternoon) STARS Conference: May 13–14, 2025, Sugar Land...

In this episode of TXCPA Houston's Virtual Rolodex, host Kristie Ondracek interviews Vladimir Amiouny, a CPA and audit and assurance senior at Deloitte in Houston. Vladimir shares his journey from being born in Canada to growing up in Houston, earning his bachelor’s in accounting and master’s in finance from Texas A&M University, and eventually pursuing a career in auditing. He explains that h...

In this episode, Kristie Ondracek continues her series on the real-world experiences of accounting professionals by interviewing Rehan Noorani, a Houston-based CPA. Rehan shares his unique journey through various roles in the accounting field, offering valuable insights for aspiring accountants and CPAs. Thank you for listening! For more stories from accounting professionals and previews of upcomi...

Episode Overview: In this episode, Kristie Ondracek kicks off the STAR-studded series leading up to the Spring Technology and Accounting Resources Summit (STARS) happening May 13–14. She sits down with Jesse Rubenfeld, an accountant-turned-technologist and CEO of FinOptimal, to give listeners a sneak peek at his upcoming session.

In this episode, host Kristie Ondracek welcomes Kaneez Masoom to discuss her journey in accounting, from discovering her passion in high school to becoming a director specializing in state and local tax. Kaneez shares insights on navigating the profession, embracing curiosity, and adapting to niche areas like sales tax and digital goods taxation. She also reflects on advice she would give her youn...

TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex Guest: Scott Barcroft, Partner at RSM Episode Highlights: Breaking Accounting Stereotypes: Showcasing the dynamic and innovative side of the accounting profession Guest Profile: Scott Barcroft, leading value creation solutions at RSM Career Journey: Started in accounting after abandoning pre-med path Worked at Deloitte, PwC, and now RSM Specialized in transaction advi...

In this episode of TX CPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, host Kristie Ondracek interviews Jazmine, a remote tax accountant who provides insights into the modern accounting profession. Jazmine shares her journey into accounting, highlighting the profession's dynamic nature and challenging common misconceptions about accountants. Key Highlights: Remote Work Advantages: Discusses benefits of working remote...

In this episode of the TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, host Kristie Ondracek sits down with John Garrett—CPA-turned-comedian, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and corporate culture expert. John shares insights on how professionals can embrace their full identity beyond their job title, the importance of workplace culture, and how organizations can improve engagement and retention through authen...

In this week's episode, Kriste speaks with Matt Luensmann who is an experienced talent acquisition specialist and takes a unique approach to recruiting. He focuses on understanding a company's culture, mission, and long-term needs to find the right fit, rather than just filling an open role. Matt emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and addressing any cultural issues before making a hir...

In this episode, Kristie speaks with Adam Dimmick about his own journey and Crowe LLP. Adam Dimmick is a partner at the CPA firm Crowe and a past president of TXCPA Houston. He discusses Crowe's national presence and expertise in audit, tax, and consulting for public and private entities. Crowe has a global reach through its affiliation with Crowe Global, an accounting network in over 130 countrie...

WE ARE BACK!! Kristie sat down with Martin Fretwell, co-founder of Event Driven Growth, to discuss how you can upscale your events so attendees and employees actually want t come! Whether you're new to the event space or been around for a while, you’ll want Martin in your virtual rolodex to take your next event to the experience of a lifetime. Add him to your own virtual Rolodex! Book recommendati...

New Virtual Rolodex podcast episode available. Kristie sat down with Anshul Agrawal, CEO at June15 Consulting. He created the Direct Ownership model of offshoring. Listen today to hear why Anshul needs to be in your own virtual rolodex. Anshul Agrawal CEO, June15 Consulting LinkedIn  // Cell: 416-835-1689 // Direct: (647) 848-3465 1 King Street W, Suite 4800 - 68, Toronto, ON, M5H 1A1, Canada

New Virtual Rolodex podcast episode available. Kristie sat down with Nancy Cailleteau Mills, Business Prosperity Advisor with Lowenberg Consulting. She helps business owners to free up more time, make more money, and have more options in the future. Listen today to hear why Nancy needs to be in your own virtual rolodex.   Nancy M.C. Mills Business Prosperity Coach Lowenberg Consulting Cell: 281- 3...

Tune in to our latest podcast episode as we dive into everything you need to know about the upcoming TXCPA Houston Fall Accounting Conference & Technology Symposium! Kristie sits down with the event's two co-chairs, Michael Kraten & Heather Bain, to discuss the hottest topics in accounting, cutting-edge technology, and what attendees can expect from this year's conference. Whether you're a...

New Virtual Rolodex podcast episode available. Kristie sat down with Kim Bruggeman, ACA Compliance Consultant at ACAChamp.com. She speaks about how the team at ACAChamps helps CPAs and businesses be compliance with the Affordable Care Act annual compliance. Listen today to hear why Kim and ACAChamps need to be in your own virtual rolodex. Kim Bruggeman ACA Compliance Consultant ACAChamp.com  405-8...