Protea Conversations

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, and provides strategies for engagin...

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 the need for accountants to adapt ...

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 Miami, and how he found his passion i...

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 over efficiency, the significance of t...

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 businesses achieve financial clarity.

Sco...

Meet Georgia!

In this conversation, Zane speaks with Georgia Athanasiou, founder of Bay Area CFO Consultants, about her extensive experience in finance and consulting.

They discuss the evolution of fractional CFO work, the importance of understanding profitability and cash flow, and Georgia's career journey from public accounting to consulting. Georgia shares insights from her time at fast moving start-ups, lessons learned in cash ...

Meet Lori Beth!

In this conversation, Zane interviews Lori Beth Merrill, a professional fiduciary, who explains the vital role fiduciaries play in estate planning and management.

Lori Beth shares her personal journey into the field, the services fiduciaries provide, and the emotional dynamics involved in working with families during sensitive times. She emphasizes the importance of having a solid estate plan and the need for fiduci...

Meet Lisa!

In this conversation, Zane interviews Lisa Hannah, a vice president at Berghof Realty Corporation, specializing in estate transition and legacy planning for vineyard and winery owners.

They discuss the complexities of wealth transfer, the role of women in real estate, and the importance of education and mentorship in navigating these challenges. Lisa shares her diverse career journey, insights on the changing landscape o...

Meet Tailor!

In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane interviews Tailor Hartman, founder and CEO of Satellarity Accounting. They discuss Tailor's unique journey into accounting, the importance of advisory services, and the impact of technology on the industry.

Tailor shares his experiences transitioning from private to public accounting, the challenges he faced, and the decision to start his own practice. The conversation high...

Meet Jacob! In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane interviews Jacob Giroux, a newly minted CPA and senior tax associate at Axley and Rodey.

Jacob shares his inspiring journey from a criminal justice background to becoming a CPA, highlighting the challenges he faced while balancing work and study. He discusses the importance of perseverance, the bittersweet feeling of passing the CPA exams, and the skills he developed along t...

Meet Kellie!

In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane interviews Kellie Parks, a passionate advocate for cloud-based accounting. They discuss Kellie's journey in the accounting industry, the importance of community, and how technology is transforming the field. Kellie shares her insights on the role of bookkeepers, the significance of interpersonal skills in accounting, and her transition from marketing to bookkeeping.

The con...

In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane Stevens interviews Ruby Steinberger, an estate planning attorney with a unique and unconventional journey to law.

Ruby shares her early experiences, including the loss of her father and her exposure to trusts, which inspired her to pursue a career in estate planning. She discusses the importance of empathy in her practice, the challenges of attending law school later in life, and her di...

Meet Chris! In this conversation, Chris Williams, CEO of System 6, shares his journey from finance to leading a successful outsourced accounting firm. He discusses the importance of community, the unique ecosystem of buying small businesses, and the appeal of the accounting industry.

Chris emphasizes the significance of culture and leadership in business growth, as well as the challenges faced during this transformation. He also re...

Meet Molly!

Zane Stevens interviews Molly Varangkounh, the Chief Sanity Officer, who shares her journey from an entry-level accountant to the president of a family-owned tractor parts business. Molly discusses the importance of curiosity, effective communication, and building trust in leadership. She emphasizes the need for businesses to understand their numbers and the value of collaborative leadership. After 20 years in the famil...

In this conversation, Zane Stevens interviews John Fenton, a seasoned leader in the accounting and coaching sectors. John shares his journey from a 30-year career in accounting to becoming a leadership coach, emphasizing the importance of vision, resilience, and relationship-building in both sports and business.

He reflects on his experiences in Division 1 football, the lessons learned about teamwork and leadership, and how these p...

Meet Rory!

Zane speaks with Rory Henry, a certified financial planner and behavioral financial advisor, about the integration of behavioral finance and holistic wealth management. Rory discusses his journey from tax professional to wealth management, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach that considers all aspects of a client's financial life. The conversation delves into the evolution of financial advisory, the signifi...