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.

Scott highlights the significance of empathy in client relationships and the role of accounting in making a positive impact in the world. He discusses the importance of purpose-driven business models, emphasizing the alignment of values with clients. He shares insights on niching by values rather than industry, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the significance of collaboration over competition.

Scott also provides personal anecdotes and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of giving your best and maintaining business fundamentals.

Takeaways

- Scott's mission is to align financial strategies with values.

- He emphasizes the importance of empathy in client relationships.

- Scott's journey includes experiences in public accounting and corporate finance.

- He believes in the value of listening to clients' needs.

- Scott's firm focuses on providing financial clarity to clients.

- The name 'Virtus' reflects integrity and courage in business.

- Scott encourages younger accountants to experience both public and corporate accounting. We typically work with for-profit businesses that do good.

- Niching by values allows for a deeper connection with clients.

- It's important to focus on business fundamentals, even in purpose-driven companies.

- Your best effort is always good enough, regardless of outcomes.

- Collaboration in the accounting community is essential for growth.

- It's harder than it looks to run a business successfully.

- Values alignment with clients leads to better outcomes.

- Personal experiences shape our approach to business.

Sound Bites

"I think empathy is a really great word."

"Our job is to be the Yoda to help guide them."

"It's about doing good in the world."

"It's about the value behind it and the integrity."

"Your best is always good enough."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Scott Fuller and His Mission

04:44 Scott's Journey into Accounting

11:39 Transitioning to Corporate Accounting

19:57 Starting Virtus Accounting Solutions

30:20 Defining Purpose-Driven Businesses

33:48 Purpose-Driven Business Models

36:18 Client Examples and Values Alignment

39:59 Niching by Values vs. Industry

42:52 Business Fundamentals and Growth Strategies

47:29 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

51:10 Personal Insights and Rapid Fire Questions

Connect with Scott: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottfullercpa/

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 flow management, and the significance of forecasting in today's volatile market.

They also touch on the importance of networking, finding a niche, and the challenges faced by aspiring consultants.

Takeaways

- Georgia Athanasiou has over 20 years of experience in finance.

- Fractional CFO work has evolved significantly over the years.

- Understanding unit economics is crucial for business profitability.

- Cash flow management is essential for business sustainability.

- Networking is vital for consultants to thrive in their careers.

- Finding a niche can lead to greater success in consulting.

- Visibility and marketing are important for attracting clients.

Sound Bites

"You need a team around you."

"Networking is key for consultants."

"Having savings helps reduce stress."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Georgia Athanasiou

03:04 The Evolution of Fractional CFO Work

06:15 Understanding Profitability and Cash Flow

08:26 Georgia's Career Journey in Finance

16:45 Lessons in Cash Flow Management

20:45 The Importance of Forecasting

24:04 The Appeal of Consulting

28:55 Finding Your Niche

32:54 Making an Impact with Clients

36:59 The Power of Networking

38:30 A Day in the Life of a Consulting CFO

43:14 Balancing Work and Personal Life

46:37 Travel Experiences and Challenges

48:22 Advice for Aspiring Consultants

51:28 Financial Wisdom for Success

53:46 Personal Insights and Rapid Fire Questions

Connect with Georgia: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiaathanasiou/

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 fiduciaries in various situations, including special needs trusts.

The discussion also touches on the qualifications needed to become a fiduciary and the advice for success in this rewarding yet challenging profession.

Takeaways

- A fiduciary acts as a professional child for estate management.

- Expecting children to handle estate duties can be burdensome.

- Fiduciaries help optimize estates to save costs.

- It's crucial to have an estate plan in place before illness.

- Fiduciaries provide emotional support during difficult times.

- Communication with family members is key to reducing conflict.

- The demand for fiduciaries is growing due to complex family dynamics.

- Regular updates to estate plans are essential at life milestones.

- A career in fiduciary services requires a blend of empathy and financial acumen.

Sound Bites

"It's a recipe for disaster."

"It's a hidden world."

"This is too complicated."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Professional Fiduciaries

02:52 The Role of a Professional Fiduciary

06:08 Personal Journey into Fiduciary Services

14:49 Services Offered Before Passing

19:30 Navigating Family Dynamics

22:18 The Importance of Estate Planning Updates

27:49 When to Seek a Fiduciary

28:18 Understanding the Role of Fiduciaries

30:11 Finding a Fiduciary: Resources and Recommendations

32:29 The Hidden World of Fiduciaries

36:37 Who Should Consider Becoming a Fiduciary?

38:58 A Day in the Life of a Fiduciary

42:40 Keys to Success in the Fiduciary Profession

47:05 Personal Insights: Balancing Work and Life

Connect with Lori Beth: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-beth-merrill-305a612a1/

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 of real estate, and the necessity of having difficult conversations about family assets.

The discussion emphasizes the need for more women in decision-making roles and the impact of generational wealth transfer on the future of real estate ownership.

Takeaways

- Estate transition is a complex and personal journey.

- Women are increasingly becoming key players in real estate ownership. - The greatest transfer of wealth is currently happening.

- Education and empowerment are crucial for women inheriting properties.

- Many families are unprepared for the transfer of wealth.

- Mentorship plays a vital role in career development.

- Difficult conversations about assets should happen early.

- Commercial real estate is still male-dominated.

- The landscape of real estate is changing rapidly.

Sound Bites

"We are in a revolution of change."

"You can't mediate your own life."

"We need to have the hard conversations."

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Estate Transitions in the Wine Industry

04:58 Lisa's Journey: From Wall Street to Real Estate

11:12 The Gender Disparity in Real Estate Investment

16:59 Understanding the Commercial Real Estate Landscape

23:39 Preparing for the Great Transfer of Wealth

31:18 The Changing Landscape of Urban Living

33:17 Navigating Family Wealth and Property

35:55 A Day in the Life of a Mediator

39:10 Finding Purpose in Mediation

41:11 Goals and Aspirations in Mediation

44:27 The Importance of Mentorship

46:54 Advice for Future Leaders

49:46 Personal Insights and Rapid Fire Questions

Connect with Lisa: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisahannah/

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 highlights the evolving role of accountants as strategic partners for businesses and the financial challenges they encounter today.

In this conversation, Tailor Hartman and Zane Stevens discuss the unexpected paths their careers have taken, the importance of building strong client relationships based on trust, and the challenges of scaling a business. They emphasize the role of technology in modern accounting practices and share valuable advice for aspiring accountants, highlighting the significance of interpersonal skills and adaptability in the profession.

Takeaways

- Tailor Hartman transitioned from a non-traditional background to accounting.

- He initially pursued a career as a firefighter before discovering his passion for finance.

- The importance of stability and financial success motivated Tailor to enter accounting.

- Tailor's experience in public accounting helped him develop client-facing skills.

- He built a successful accounting firm primarily through Upwork before expanding his network.

- He believes that accountants can be strategic partners rather than just service providers.

- The journey of starting his own practice was driven by a desire for flexibility and fulfillment.

- He finds teaching accounting technology rewarding, as he relates to students' challenges.

- Tailor emphasizes the importance of documenting experiences for future learning.

- Building strong relationships with clients is crucial for success.

- Trust is the foundation of client relationships in accounting.

- Technical expertise is expected; interpersonal skills are what set accountants apart.

- Flexibility in work arrangements fosters a positive company culture.

- Scaling a business requires a shift in mindset and delegation of tasks.

- Setting clear business goals is essential for growth.

- Personal agency is key to driving success in one's career.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tailor Hartman and Celerity Accounting

10:15 Transitioning from Private to Public Accounting

18:08 Building a Successful Accounting Firm

24:17 The Decision to Start His Own Practice

32:03 Navigating Client Relationships

40:02 Scaling a Business 46:11 Embracing Technology in Accounting

51:59 Advice for Aspiring Accountants

Connect with Tailor:

LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tailorhartmancpa/

Work with Celerity - https://celerity.io/contact/

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 the way.

Jacob also delves into his experiences in the tax profession, the intricacies of building client relationships, and the value of being relatable in a rural setting. In this conversation, Jacob Giroux shares his insights on building trust with clients through personal connections, the importance of work-life balance, and the value of a supportive work environment.

He reflects on his career journey in accounting, discussing the need for a reimagined perception of the profession and debunking common misconceptions. Jacob emphasizes the significance of setting personal boundaries, pursuing career goals, and the lessons learned along the way, ultimately inspiring future accountants to embrace their potential.

Takeaways

- Jacob's journey to becoming a CPA is marked by resilience and discipline.

- Balancing a full-time job while studying for the CPA exams was a significant challenge.

- Imposter syndrome is a common feeling even after achieving major milestones.

- Building strong client relationships is crucial in the accounting profession.

- Jacob emphasizes the importance of being approachable and available to clients.

- He enjoys the puzzle-like nature of tax work, finding satisfaction in completing returns.

- The accounting profession needs to attract new talent and adapt to changing dynamics.

- Jacob's previous management experience enhances his marketability in accounting.

- He believes in setting a positive example for his family through hard work.

- Building trust with clients is essential for success.

- Availability can enhance client relationships.

- Setting boundaries is crucial for work-life balance.

- A supportive work environment fosters growth and development.

- Career goals can evolve; it's okay to take your time.

- Advice from mentors can shape your career path.

- The accounting profession needs a fresh perspective.

- Job security in accounting is a significant advantage.

Sound Bites

"It's a lot of imposter syndrome, I would say."

"You're piecing together a thousand, 10,000 pieces."

"Just trying to be some level of relatable to them."

"Availability is the best ability."

"Set your own boundaries that you're happy with."

"Do it well, no matter what you do."

"Be the best garbage man you can be."

"Accounting needs a makeover."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jacob Giroux's Journey

02:01 Celebrating the CPA Milestone

04:04 Career Transition: From Criminal Justice to Accounting

10:28 Balancing Work and Study

15:04 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

17:37 Insights into Tax Work

20:58 Building Client Relationships

29:29 Building Trust Through Personal Connections

32:40 Balancing Work and Personal Life

34:46 The Value of a Supportive Work Environment

35:33 Navigating Career Goals and Aspirations

37:17 Lessons from the Journey: Advice and Reflections

40:30 Reimagining the Accounting Profession

48:40 Advice for Future Accountants

52:25 Debunking Myths About Accountants

53:33 Personal Insights Beyond Accounting

Connect with Jacob: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-g-5819b780/

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 conversation highlights the evolving landscape of accounting and the need for professionals to embrace technology and collaboration. In this engaging conversation, Kellie Parks shares her journey from marketing to bookkeeping, highlighting the importance of technology and personal growth in the accounting industry.

She discusses her transition to full-time bookkeeping, the impact of her marketing background, and the significance of setting priorities and boundaries in her professional life. Kellie also offers valuable advice for aspiring bookkeepers, emphasizing the need for a solid understanding of accounting fundamentals and the role of technology in enhancing client relationships.

Takeaways

- The accounting industry is increasingly becoming a technology-driven field.

- Bookkeeping is a crucial aspect of the accounting process.

- Community and relationships are vital in the accounting industry.

- Interpersonal skills are essential for success in accounting.

- Technology has made accounting more accessible and efficient.

- The shift to cloud technology in accounting has greatly improved efficiency and client satisfaction.

- Embracing technology is crucial for modern accountants and bookkeepers.

- Setting clear goals and priorities is essential for professional growth.

- Kellie emphasizes the importance of understanding core accounting principles.

- Personal anecdotes can illustrate the challenges and benefits of adapting to new technologies.

- Networking and community support are vital for success in the accounting industry.

Sound Bites

"I like to think of myself more as a thought sharer."

"I realized actually that I loved doing that."

"It opened up all of this freedom."

"I want to do it differently."

"You need to work on expectations and boundaries."

"You bring some fresh air to the accounting space."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cloud Accounting and Kellie Parks

03:00 The Role of a Rabble Rouser in Accounting

05:53 Building Community in the Accounting Industry

08:57 The Importance of Bookkeeping

11:45 Technology's Impact on Accounting

14:56 Journey into Bookkeeping

18:02 The Transition from Marketing to Accounting

28:22 The Evolution of Kellie's Career

30:00 Transitioning to Full-Time Bookkeeping

31:49 Leveraging Technology in Accounting

34:37 The Impact of Marketing Experience on Accounting

38:07 Adapting to Change: A Personal Anecdote

41:30 The Importance of Technology in Modern Accounting

43:06 Setting Goals and Priorities

51:25 Advice for Aspiring Bookkeepers

Connect with Kellie:

LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-parks/

More - https://linktr.ee/calmwaterskellie

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 diverse career experiences that shaped her approach to law. Ruby emphasizes that estate planning is an act of love and highlights the need for a compassionate approach to discussing death and legacy. In this conversation, we explore the profound themes of planning for death as an act of love, the entrepreneurial spirit, and the daily life of an attorney. Ruby shares her journey of personal growth, the importance of mindset shifts, and her future aspirations, while also providing valuable advice for new graduates entering the workforce.

Takeaways

- Ruby's journey to law was influenced by personal loss.

- Experiences in life and business shaped her legal career.

- Law school was a fulfilling experience for Ruby.

- Ruby emphasizes empathy in estate planning.

- Estate planning is about love for family.

- Her diverse background informs her legal practice.

- People often underestimate their strength in tough situations.

- Daily routines can significantly impact productivity and mindset.

- Mindset is crucial for overcoming limiting beliefs.

- Abundance mindset leads to greater confidence and opportunities.

- Experiences outside of comfort zones foster personal growth.

Sound Bites

"Estate planning is truly an act of love."

"It's about you, your love for your family."

"Planning for death is an act of love."

"Money is a renewable resource."

"I have an abundance mindset."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ruby Steinberger

01:38 Ruby's Unconventional Journey to Law

05:00 Life Experiences Shaping Legal Career

13:28 Navigating Law School Later in Life

18:24 Exploring Different Legal Paths

23:43 The Importance of Estate Planning

27:35 Empathy in Estate Planning

30:16 Planning for Death as an Act of Love

31:44 The Entrepreneurial Spirit and Personal Growth

32:46 Day-to-Day Life of a Solo Attorney

36:58 Mindset Shifts and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

42:18 Future Goals and Aspirations

45:31 Advice for New Graduates

Connect with Ruby:

LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruby-steinbrecher-307b525/

Website - https://lawofficeofruby.com/