Protea Conversations

Protea Conversations

por Zane Stevens
Negocios

Episode 46 - Mike Bark - Empowering the Next Generation: Leadership and Innovation in Accounting

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 equity and AI on the industry. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective communication, the value of mentorship, and the challenges of misinformation in the accounting space. Takeaways - Mike Bark emphasizes the importance of developing young partners in accounting firms. - The subscription model allows for better client relationships and predictable revenue. - Effective communication is key to client retention and satisfaction. - Private equity can provide liquidity for retiring partners and enhance service offerings. - AI is seen as a tool to assist accountants, not a threat to their jobs. - Networking and personal relationships are crucial for acquiring clients in niche markets. - Work-life balance is achievable in accounting with the right firm structure. - Misinformation in the accounting space can mislead new professionals and clients. - Mentorship and providing opportunities for growth are essential for retaining talent. - The name 'Bull Moose Financial' reflects a respect for business owners taking risks. Sound bites "We try to be proactive." "AI is going to help our job." "We're not that important." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bull Moose Financial and Mike Bark 02:39 The Journey into Accounting and Early Career Experiences 05:30 The Value of Big Firms and Work-Life Balance 08:32 Creating a Sustainable Work Environment in Accounting 11:19 The Subscription Model and Client Relationships 13:57 The Importance of Communication and Client Retention 17:09 Navigating the Niche Market and Flat Fee Structure 19:49 The Role of Younger Partners in Accounting Firms 22:42 Private Equity and Its Impact on the Accounting Industry 25:36 The Future of AI in Accounting 28:21 Tackling Misinformation in the Accounting Space 31:12 The Meaning Behind Bull Moose Financial 34:16 A Day in the Life of Mike Barak 37:02 Advice for New Accountants and Leadership Insights Connect with Mike Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebark/ X - https://x.com/mikebarkcpa
E46
15 oct 2025
47:59

Episode 45 - Serena Shoup - Family, business, coach, and music. A story of fitting it all in!

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 businesses, parenting, creativity, and why embracing imperfection has been her greatest lesson. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: - How Serena transitioned from corporate accounting to launching her own virtual firm. - The story behind The Ambitious Bookkeeper® — from a simple blog to a thriving community, coaching program, and podcast. - Why choosing a niche and aligning technology (like Xero) with client needs has been key to her firm’s success. - Serena’s approach to balancing her firm, mentorship, family, and creative passions like music. - Honest reflections on using (and pulling back from) AI in content creation and the importance of keeping things authentic. - The mantra that changed her entrepreneurial journey: “Done is better than perfect.” Connect with Serena Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/serenashoup/ The Ambitious Bookkeeper® - https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/
E45
1 oct 2025
54:25

Episode 44 - Chad Davis - RVs, Ai, and living a dream life through accounting

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, the challenges of selling accounting services, and the significance of community in professional growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for accountants to adapt to technological advancements while maintaining a focus on client relationships and work-life balance. Takeaways - Chad Davis is a co-founder of LiveCA, a virtual CPA firm in Canada. - Living in an RV has allowed Chad to balance work and family life. - Conferences are evolving to be more intimate and focused on specific topics. - Embracing technology and automation is crucial for modern accounting firms. - Building a remote work culture can enhance employee satisfaction. - Accountants should be cautious about who has access to their AI tools. - Community and networking are essential for professional growth. - Accountants can learn a lot from sharing experiences with peers. - It's important to take time to double-check work before finalizing it. - Finding a niche and focusing on what you enjoy can lead to a successful business. Sound bites "We will not have an office." "You can learn anything right now." "Find your community, show up." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Chad Davis and LiveCA 05:41 The Evolution of Conferences in Accounting 11:26 Chad's RV Lifestyle and Its Impact on Work 16:59 The Journey into Accounting and Entrepreneurship 24:53 Navigating the Sales Landscape 28:42 Building a Supportive Work Environment 34:06 Growth Strategies and Business Models 37:54 Embracing AI in Accounting 49:09 Community and Collaboration in Accounting 52:44 Final Thoughts and Rapid Fire Questions Connect with Chad: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaddavis1/ Find your community with Automation Town - https://automationtown.io/
E44
17 sept 2025
51:52

Episode 43 - Joe Manganelli - From Wall Street to Entrepreneurship

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 efficiency within accounting practices. Joe emphasizes the need for persistence and trust in business, and he provides insights into the challenges and successes he faced while growing his ventures. Takeaways - Joe emphasizes the importance of building relationships in business. - Conferences can be valuable for networking and relationship building. - Trust is the cornerstone of successful sales in accounting. - Automation can significantly reduce manual work in accounting. - Persistence and time are crucial for business growth. - Joe's experience at Goldman Sachs shaped his approach to business. - Launching Calculate was a pivotal moment in Joe's career. - The growth of Calculate was driven by quality work and client referrals. - Amalgam aims to streamline data processes for accountants. - Joe believes in the value of continuous learning and adaptation. Sound Bites "Give it time and persistence." "Automation is the way forward." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Joe Manganielli and Amalgam 02:49 The Value of Conferences in Building Relationships 05:41 Journey from Engineering to Accounting 08:30 Experiences at Goldman Sachs 11:13 Launching Calculate: The Early Days 14:04 Growth and Success of Calculate 17:01 Recruitment Strategies for Rapid Growth 19:47 Niche Hiring and Employee Integration 22:42 Deciding to Sell Calculate 25:21 Reflections on the Sale and Future Plans 27:20 Navigating the M&A Process 30:40 Lessons from Selling a Business 31:33 Introducing Amalgam: A New Venture 36:58 The Role of Automation in Accounting 41:40 Future Goals and Entrepreneurial Spirit 42:45 Advice for New Accountants 46:29 Personal Insights and Rapid Fire Questions Connect with Joe: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemanganelli/ Amalgam - http://www.amalgam.me
E43
3 sept 2025
50:48

Episode 42 - Justine Lackey - Selling a Business: Lessons and Experiences

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 in New York City's creative industry. She discusses the transition from in-person bookkeeping to virtual services, driven by personal circumstances and the evolving business landscape. Building and Growing Good Cents Management Justine reflects on the growth of her business, from a small operation to a thriving firm. The importance of asking questions and continuous learning in her journey. How she maintained strong client relationships and built a reputation for reliability and excellence. The Decision to Sell Justine shares her thought process behind deciding to sell her business, including personal and professional considerations. The challenges and strategies involved in preparing a business for sale. Insights into the selling process, including working with brokers and finding the right buyer. Lessons Learned and Future Endeavors Key takeaways from Justine's experience, including the importance of client retention and communication. Her transition to mentoring and educating other entrepreneurs through the Bookkeepers Business Incubator. The role of community and support networks in professional success. Quotes: "Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength." "Your relationships are your equity." Justine's story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to learn. Her journey offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs at any stage of their business journey. Tune in to hear Justine's full story and gain insights into the process of selling a business, the importance of community, and the value of continuous learning. Connect with Justine: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinelackey/
E42
20 ago 2025
50:24

Episode 41 - Erin Pohan - Building a Modern Accounting Business

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 experiences in public accounting, the launch of her own bookkeeping firm, and the community-building efforts through the Wave Seattle conference. The conversation emphasizes the value of connections, mindset, and the entrepreneurial spirit in the accounting world. Takeaways - Erin transitioned from customer service to accounting after discovering her passion for it. - She emphasizes the importance of making accounting relevant and understandable. - Erin's journey includes significant international experience while working in Japan. - She faced challenges in passing the CPA exam but found success in her own firm. - Creating educational content is a way to contribute to the future of accounting. - Erin started Upkeeping after attending a bookkeeping workshop and quickly gained clients. - Her firm serves a diverse client base, focusing on joy in the work. - Continuous improvement in client communication is a key goal for Erin's business. - Building a supportive team has been crucial for managing workload and stress. - Networking through social media has helped Erin find her community in the accounting industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Modern Accounting 02:26 The Journey to Accounting 06:12 Career Development in Public Accounting 08:50 Life and Work in Japan 10:59 Remote Learning Experience 12:02 Navigating CPA Aspirations 16:03 Creating Educational Content 19:56 Becoming an Entrepreneur 21:12 Growth of Upkeeping 23:16 Client Base and Niche Exploration 24:58 Future Goals and Continuous Improvement 27:05 Navigating Burnout and Team Support 32:19 Creating Connections Through Conferences 37:43 The Importance of Vulnerability in Business 42:37 Long-Term Goals and Future Aspirations 44:40 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Connect with Erin: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinpohan/
E41
6 ago 2025
49:31

Episode 40 - Isaac Perdomo - Unlocking Time: The Power of Automation in Accounting

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 engaging with firms at various stages of automation. The conversation also explores the role of AI, practical steps for implementing automation, and the importance of establishing a strong brand. Isaac emphasizes the need for proactive approaches and the importance of team building in achieving business goals. Takeaways - Automation is essential for reclaiming time in accounting firms. - Aligning incentives with clients enhances relationships. - Fear of technology often stems from the unknown. - Simple automation tools like bank rules can yield significant benefits. - Proactive strategies lead to better outcomes in business. - Building a brand is more important than just running a business. - Time management is crucial; automation can help free up time. - Cultural insights can shape business perspectives and strategies. - Engagement with clients should be tailored to their specific needs. - Team building is critical for scaling and achieving business goals. Sound Bites "Bank rules are a simple win for automation." "Build a brand, not just a business." Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Automation in Accounting Firms 02:43 Navigating Client Resistance to Change 05:03 Isaac's Journey from Engineering to Accounting Automation 07:11Cultural Insights from the Dominican Republic 09:46 Deciding to Go Solo in Business 12:11 Engagement Strategies with Accounting Firms 14:59 Overcoming Fear of Technology in Accounting 17:31 Selecting the Right Tools for Accounting Firms 20:04 Identifying Time Wasters in Accounting Firms 21:16 Automating Data Entry for Efficiency and Accuracy 23:02 Exploring Automation Tools in Accounting 25:38 Bridging the Gap: Modernizing Accounting Practices 29:16 Automation 101: Simple Steps to Get Started 30:08 Streamlining Onboarding and Resource Management 30:41 Tailoring Automation Strategies for Different Firms 32:58 Goals and Growth: Building a Sustainable Business 38:00 Building a Brand Beyond Business 40:29 Personal Insights: Who is Isaac Perdomo? Connect with Isaac: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaac-perdomo/?locale=en_US
E40
23 jul 2025
44:53

Episode 39 - Mike Sylvester - From Submarines to CPA to X influencer

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 to industry changes, particularly with the rise of AI, and offers valuable advice for aspiring accountants. Takeaways - Mike Sylvester has over 20 years of experience in public accounting. - He transitioned from a military career to accounting later in life. - Building a successful firm requires strong leadership and systems. - Difficult conversations with clients are essential for their success. - Networking and community involvement are crucial for accountants. - Raising prices annually is a key strategy for firm growth. - AI will significantly impact the accounting industry in the coming years. - Effective marketing is about being responsive and providing value. - Accountants should be adaptable to generational shifts in the workforce. Sound Bites "I met my wife in the Navy." "You need to develop contacts." "You have to show up." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mike Sylvester and His Journey 04:58 From Military to Accounting: A Unique Path 11:16 Transitioning Careers: The Move to Accounting 14:54 Building a Family Business: Working with a Spouse 20:01 Navigating Tough Conversations with Clients 24:59 Advice for Aspiring Accountants and Firm Owners 29:06 The Value of Honest Conversations in Communities 32:57 Creating a Collaborative Environment 36:36 Marketing Strategies for Accounting Firms 41:28 The Future of Accounting: AI and Industry Changes 44:46 Advice for Newcomers in the Accounting Field Connect with Mike: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-sylvester-cpa-98b2035/ Where the magic happens - https://x.com/FortWayneCPA
E39
9 jul 2025
54:02

Episode 38 - David Barbieto - From Numbers to Leadership, a Legacy Building Journey

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 in public accounting. The conversation also touches on the significance of embracing technology, the entrepreneurial mindset, and the impact of personal experiences on professional success. Takeaways - The secret to success is surrounding yourself with a great team. - Growth is essential for everyone in an organization. - Public accounting offers unparalleled exposure to various business models. -Transitioning to a new firm can be daunting but rewarding. - Building a firm requires a different mindset than just having a job. - Embracing technology is crucial for the future of accounting. - Personal experiences shape professional journeys significantly. - Risk management is a key aspect of entrepreneurship. - Success is not just about personal achievement but also about serving others. - Celebrating small wins helps in recognizing progress. Sound Bites "The secret is your team." "I wanted to do my own thing." "You have to walk the talk." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to David Barbeito 01:08 The Importance of Team and Growth 05:43 David's Journey into Accounting 13:43 Passion Meets Profession 18:01 Transitioning to Independence 24:54 Reflections on Success and Future Goals 26:07 The Pursuit of Goals and Growth Mindset 28:37 Heritage and Sacrifices: A Family Legacy 30:55 Navigating Change: The Leap into Entrepreneurship 35:45 Building a Firm: The Entrepreneurial Journey 41:01 Technology and Client Experience in Accounting 45:24 The Value of Public Accounting: A Career Perspective 46:10 Personal Insights: Life Beyond the Office 47:56 Rapid Fire Questions: Quick Insights Connect with David: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbeitocpa/
E38
25 jun 2025
51:58

Episode 37 - Geni Whitehouse - The Evolving Role of Accountants from the mouth of a trailblazer

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 training in communication skills, and the impact of technology on the profession. She also offers advice for new accountants and reflects on the future of the accounting industry. Takeaways - Communication is key in accounting to serve clients better. - Understanding cultural differences can enhance client interactions. - Lessons from the wine industry can inform better client service. - Accountants need to focus on effectiveness, not just efficiency. - Training in communication is essential for accountants. - Bookkeepers play a crucial role in client success. - Technology should be used to automate mundane tasks, freeing up time for valuable interactions. - The future of accounting relies on adapting to client expectations and technology. - Accountants should strive to make their clients feel smarter. Sound Bites "We need to automate the crappy stuff." "We have to train them and educate them." "Don't be afraid to ask dumb questions." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Geni Whitehouse and Her Mission 02:47 The Importance of Communication in Accounting 05:39 Cultural Differences and Client Interactions 08:40 Lessons from the Wine Industry 11:29 The Shift in Accounting Practices 14:18 The Role of Bookkeepers in Client Success 17:16 The Need for Effective Communication Skills 20:02 Training and Development in Accounting 23:04 Finding the Right People for Client Engagement 25:48 Empowering Accountants to Communicate Effectively 27:46 Rethinking People Management in Accounting 30:43 The Challenge of Attracting New Talent 32:45 Embracing Technology in Accounting 43:50 Advice for Aspiring Accountants and Personal Insights Connect with Geni: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evenanerd/
E37
11 jun 2025
50:16
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