The strength and diversity of our contributing authors is a bedrock value at The Progressive Accountant. Here you’ll find the very best of the very best of the thought-leaders of our profession. While different in many ways (age, geography, gender, practice type, specialty, etc.) our authors share one common trait: they each have the heart of a teacher. All are recognized experts in their specific areas and each speak, teach, write, and appear regularly. And while they each maintain practices and/or related consultancies, they are all willing to share their time and expertise in an effort to help their colleagues. I am so very fortunate for that willingness and for each of their friendships.
Bob Scott has provided information to the tax and accounting community since 1991, first as technology editor of Accounting Today, and from 1997 through 2009 as editor of its sister publication, Accounting Technology. He is known throughout the industry for his depth of knowledge and for his high journalistic standards. Scott has made frequent appearances as a speaker, moderator and panelist and events serving tax and accounting professionals. He has a strong background in computer journalism as an editor with two former trade publications, Computer+Software News and MIS Week and spent several years with weekly and daily newspapers in Morris County New Jersey prior to that. A graduate of Indiana University with a degree in journalism, Bob is a native of Madison, Ind
Mr. Cieslak currently chairs the Sage ACCPAC Business Partner Advisory Council. He is the past Chair of the AICPA IT Executive Committee and past president of the California CPA Education Foundation. He is past chairman of the CalCPA State Technology Committee, former member of the AICPA Information Technology Practices Sub-Committee and previously served on the Information Technology Alliance board of directors. He is a member of various other AICPA and CalCPA planning committees for courses, conferences and computer shows.
Edi Osborne, CEO of Mentor Plus, has been a leader in training and consulting to the accounting profession for nearly 20 years. Recently named as one of the TOP 25 Thought Leaders in Public Accounting, Ms. Osborne is dedicated to helping firms make the transition from a "service centric" traditional accounting focus to a "client centric" advisory services culture. For more info go to: http://www.mentorplus.com/.
Greg LaFollette, CPA.CITP, is the executive editor of The Progressive Accountant. He has been involved with public accounting for nearly 40 years and to ensure he stays completely current with the needs of the practicing accountant, he is also a senior manager of tax and technology consulting with Top 25 firm Eide Bailly LLP.
Donny C. Shimamoto, CPA.CITP, is the founder and managing director of IntrapriseTechKnowlogies LLC, a Hawaii-based consulting company dedicated to helping small businesses and middle market organizations leverage strategic technologies, proactively manage their business and technical risks, and enable balanced organizational growth and development. Donny also works with larger organizations as a trusted business advisor, facilitating organizational strategic planning and execution, IT governance and planning, enterprise architecture, information architecture and assurance, business process improvement, and business intelligence initiatives.
Donny C. Shimamoto, CPA.CITP, is the founder and managing director of IntrapriseTechKnowlogies LLC, a Hawaii-based consulting company dedicated to helping small businesses and middle market organizations leverage strategic technologies, proactively manage their business and technical risks, and enable balanced organizational growth and development. Donny also works with larger organizations as a trusted business advisor, facilitating organizational strategic planning and execution, IT governance and planning, enterprise architecture, information architecture and assurance, business process improvement, and business intelligence initiatives.
Donny is highly active with the AICPA’s IT Executive Committee, TECH+ Planning Committee, and has had several papers published by the AICPA related to Business Intelligence. He was named to CPA Technology Advisor’s “40 Under 40” list in 2007, and was recognized as one of Hawaii’s Top High Tech Leaders by the Pacific Technology Foundation and the Technology News Network. Donny was also the first Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) in the State of Hawaii, and he is also Chair of the Hawaii Society of CPAs’ Technology Advocacy Committee and a frequent speaker on IT risk management and business intelligence.
Raissa Evans is the Senior Manager and Jen Lemanski is the Senior Specialist in the Practice Growth Department of Pannell Kerr Forster of Texas, P.C. You can reach them at (713) 860-1400 or find them on Twitter @raissaevans and @jenlemanski.
John D. Anderson, CPA.CITP, CIA, MCP, MSA; is the Information Technology Services Group Manager at Weidmayer, Schneider, Raham & Bennet, a large, local CPA firm in Ann Arbor, MI. His experience includes Citrix, Windows 200 Server, Internet Information Services, Lotus Notes/Domino, Cisco Pix, SonicWall, and Trend MicroNeaTSuite products as well as dozens of accounting software packages used by CPA firms and their clients. He joined the firm after completing a Masters Degree in Accounting from Eastern Michigan University.
He speaks at national computer user meetings and is very well respected for his activity on ARNE [the Accountants Resource Network], an Internet bulletin board system sponsored by Thomson Reuters.
Kathy Yakal has been writing about personal and business technology since 1983, as an editor and writer at COMPUTE! Publications. She writes frequently for The Progressive Accountant on technology topics.She began freelancing and specializing in financial applications in 1988. Her columns, features, and reviews have appeared in publications including Barron’s, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine, and PC Magazine.
As the partner-in-charge of its technology division, One Tech, Brent provides expert technology services to Fordham Goodfellow clients in Hillsboro, OR. As a Certified Public Accountant and a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, Brent enjoys demonstrating to clients how investments in technology can improve overall business results. Brent started his career in accounting as a professor at Portland Community College and as a president of his own accounting and consulting firm.
After being frustrated with the service and results he was experiencing with technology providers, he decided to become a certified technology professional himself. Since merging his company, Goodfellow Consulting, with Fordham & Fordham in 2000, Brent has focused his practice on technology consulting. He works with clients to understand the pains and challenges of their businesses and identifies technology services that enable businesses to realize their potential.
However, Brent still uses his training and experience as a CPA. Brent brings the professionalism and dedication of a CPA to his service delivery as a technology provider. His background provides clients with a better service experience, as well as more realistic cost and time estimates. Brent\'s technology services include comprehensive technology reviews; telephony and unified messaging system selection and implementation; hardware and software selection and maintenance; technology training; technology security and disaster planning; and outsourced network administration. Brent\'s knowledge of the technology industry has been recognized by numerous regional, state, and national associations, which have featured him as a speaker on topics such as, Network Administration Techniques, Remote Access to Network Resources, Telecommuting and CTI, Using Outlook, What\'s New From Microsoft and Using Microsoft CRM. Brent is also a recognized leader in the accounting industry. As an active member of the Oregon Society of CPAs, Brent has served in leadership positions in the organization since 1982. Most recently, he has served as treasurer, director on the board of directors, and president of the Society. Brent has also held national leadership roles in the American Institute of CPAs and has served on the National Advisory Board for Creative Solutions, Inc. (Now Thomson Reuters Tax & Accounting. Brent\'s knowledge of and expertise with technology solutions is showcased in his monthly podcast (High Tech in Accounting Firms) on the Spotlight series, his regularly stories on The Progressive Accountant and in articles he writes for the Oregon Certified Public Accountant.
Designations
Certified Public Accountant Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer - Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, Small Business Specialist Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator - Windows Server 2003 Microsoft Certified Trainer Microsoft Business Solutions Certified Professional Vertical Telephony Certified Technician Certified Information Technology Professional
Memberships American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Oregon Society of CPAs
Education B.S., Brigham Young University M.S.T., Washington School of Law
Gene Marks, a columnist, author, and business owner, writes monthly online management and technology columns for Forbes and Business Week and a bi-weekly column that appears nationally in American City Business Journals. His books include Gene\'s books include the #1 Amazon Small Business Best Seller The Streetwise Small Business Book of Lists (Adams Media), The Small Business Desk Reference (Alpha Books, 2004), Outfoxing The Small Business Owner - Crafty Techniques for Creating a Profitable Relationship (Adams Media, 2005) and The Complete Idiot\'s Guide To Successful Outsourcing (Alpha Books, 2005).
He owns and operates the Marks Group PC, a ten-person firm that provides technology and consulting services to small and medium-sized businesses. Before starting the Marks Group, Marks spent nine years in the entrepreneurial services arm of the international consulting firm KPMG in
Philadelphia where he was a senior manager.
Geni Whitehouse, CPA.CITP, CSPM is the Founder of Even a Nerd Can Be Heard, an organization focused on communication skills for smart people. With past roles ranging from partner in a CPA firm to leader of the technology practice in a firm, she has a wide range of experiences to share. She is the author of How to Make a Boring Subject Interesting : 52 ways even a nerd can be heard.
Edi Osborne, CEO of Mentor Plus, has been a leader in training and consulting to the accounting profession since 1997. Mentor Plus is dedicated to helping firms make the transition from a "service centric" traditional accounting focus to a "client centric" advisory services culture. for more info go to: www.mentorplus.com
Hugh Duffy is co-founder and chief marketing officer for Build Your Firm, a leading practice development firm dedicated to the accounting industry. Based in Madison, Conn., Build Your Firm works with small accounting firms providing accounting marketing, practice management and Web site development services.
Prior to co-founding Build Your Firm in 2003, Hugh was a Vice President of Internet Marketing for Business & Legal Reports (BLR), a business-to-business publisher for small and medium sized businesses. Prior to BLR, Hugh was a Director with a publicly traded global internet media company, 24/7 Real Media responsible for Business Development and Strategic Partnerships. The foundation of Hugh’s marketing background is fourteen years of consumer packaged goods marketing with Schick, Nabisco, Clorox and Coca-Cola.
Hugh has 25 years of marketing experience, an MBA degree in marketing from the University of Rochester and a B.S. in finance from the University of Maryland. While at Maryland, Hugh was on a golf scholarship and his coach was Fred Funk, PGA Tour player. Today, Hugh’s golf game suffers and he is content watching his two kids play college lacrosse.
Scott H. Cytron, ABC, is a frequent contributor to industry publications covering professional services’ industries, including accounting, healthcare, financial planning, collections and debt, and high-tech. He works with many CPA firms and organizations to increase their recruitment and retention efforts through public relations, communications and marketing strategies. Contact him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and read his blog at www.absolutecytron.com.
John Higgins, CPA.CITP, is a strategic advisor with Rochester, Mich.-based CPA Crossings, LLC. John and his firm specialize in helping accounting, tax and financial professionals leverage technology to be more productive and profitable. CPA Crossings (www.cpacrossings.com) has extensive experience in helping firms make the transition to a “digital” (paperless) practice model. He contributes regularly to The Progressive Accountant on related topics.
John has extensive knowledge and experience working with CPAs throughout the country. He has been actively involved in working with local, regional and national CPA firms over the past 25 years and facilitated hundreds of planning sessions and retreats to develop strategic plans, technology plans, workflow design, innovative client services and more.
John is a nationally-recognized speaker and author on technology issues impacting the CPA profession, with an emphasis on transforming to a digital practice model. He previously worked as a natiional consulting partner with a top 10 CPA firm, and is the former chief executive of an accounting systems consulting firm.
John is a member of the American Institute of CPAs Business & Industry Hall of Fame and past chairman of the Michigan Association of CPAs. He is also a member of the AICPA Council and CPE Advisory Committee and received the MACPA Innovative User of Technology award.
Geni Whitehouse, CPA.CITP, CSPM is the Founder of Even a Nerd Can Be Heard, an organization focused on communication skills for smart people. With past roles ranging from partner in a CPA firm to leader of the technology practice in a firm, she has a wide range of experiences to share. She is a former software company executive and industry analyst and a two-time graduate of the Jeff Justice Comedy Workshoppe. She is passionate about finding interesting ways to talk about what some might consider boring subjects and has discovered that there is no shortage of material. She is the author of How to Make a Boring Subject Interesting : 52 ways even a nerd can be heard.
Julie S. Lepper, EA, MBA is the Principal of Julie S. Lepper, Accounting & Tax Service, LLC, a small local accounting firm in Pinckney, MI. She earned her Master's of Business from Eastern Michigan University and her Bachelor's of Accountancy from Walsh College in Michigan. Julie has over 16 years in consulting with client not only accounting and tax issues , but also on software and sales engagements. She specializes in focusing on start-up businesses and small to medium client needs.
The philosophy of Schulz Consulting has been built around one of being a consulting firm first and a sales company last. This is evidenced by Wayne’s unwavering claim that he is the world’s worst salesman but perhaps one of the top at providing client service to his loyal base of clients (many of who have been with him since 1986).
David P. McClure is a technologist and business consultant whose career has included eight years with the NASA Space Shuttle Program and assignments in marketing, environmental services, software publishing and broadband. He founded the US Internet Industry Association, the nation's primary trade association for Internet and broadband companies. In 2004 he was awarded a Cornerstone Award for leadership in the broadband industry. In the same year, he was named to the Board of Directors of the Universal Service Administrative Corporation, the non-profit corporation that oversees the nation's $8 billion universal service telecommunications fund. His areas of expertise include software management, strategic and market planning, global technology policy and technology audits. He is the author of more than 100 white papers on business management, technology, customer service and strategic planning.
Eric Pulaski, CEO and Founder of SmartVault Corporation
With over 20 years of experience in network security systems and a focus on cloud computing, Eric founded SmartVault Corporation in November of 2007, and currently serves as the company\'s Chief Executive Officer. Eric has made it his personal mission to deliver a simple, low-cost, paperless SaaS solution to small businesses and accounting firms. Reach Eric at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Steve Osborne, who has an Electronic Engineering from Cal Poly, worked with the construction clients of an accounting firm in Monterey and later become executive administrator of that three-office firm and spent 10 years in that position. During this period, he received an MBA in human resource management and developed a deep understanding of the inner workings of an accounting firm, its technology, client service issues, culture, and human capital management concerns.
In 1999, Osborne and his wife Edi Osborne launched Mentor Plus and the first Consulting Accountants’ RoundTable in 1997. From the start, the two collaborated on the development of curriculum for their workshops.
Besides his practical experience working with, Osborne has a special understanding of the dynamics of team building, conflict resolution, and people development. His education and certifications in the field of Behavioral Assessments provides a balanced perspective for the people side of any business. In addition to consulting directly with individuals and companies, he works with participants of the Consulting Accountants’ RoundTable and their teams. Presently, he is extensively involved in consulting on the Trimetrix Hiring and Coaching System.
Dan Kraus is the president of Leading Results and a certified Duct Tape Marketing coach. He\'s a fanatic about creating marketing strategies and tactics that work. He\'s worked in sales and marketing for over 20 years and has a true appreciation for the impact that effective marketing brings to his clients. Dan has a degree in Marketing from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and his CV includes companies like SAP, Alliaire, Great Plains Software and ADP to name a few. He can be reached on twitter @LeadingResults
A pioneer in the ASP market, Gary Feldman formed I-Business Network in 1999 as an outsourced application hosting service focusing on mid-market ERP systems. He achieved the first ASP agreement with Sage Software (State of the Art), Advanced Software Development Company and SAP Americas (for SAP Business One). Feldman also helped I-BN to innovate ERP deployment through the use of pre-configured databases with rapid deployment and subscription/fixed fee pricing.
I-BN was one of the first ASPs in this space to provide virtualized services and cloud computing to the mid-marketl. It is currently developing tools and techniques for automation of both technical and ERP provisioning for SAP Business One and Sage MAS EES to reduce total cost of ownership through application hosting.
Feldman was formerly an executive with Accenture and was a CIO for a mid-market company. He began his career as a CPA specializing in audit and accounting information systems with BDO Seidman and founded a consulting practice with a regional CPA firm.
Dustin Lubertazzi is a senior consultant for Sageworks, a provider of private industry data, financial analysis, and risk management software for accounting firms and financial institutions. Lubertazzi has worked with hundreds of CPA firms and banks to implement Sageworks' solutions for standardizing and documenting regulatory requirements, and adding value to client relationships. Prior to Sageworks, Lubertazzi gained professional experience in consultative roles for Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Morgan Stanley. His degree is from the University of Virginia.
Andy Nguyen is a Client Development Manager (CDM) at Xcentric, which specializes in Cloud Computing and IT consulting for CPA firms. As CDM, Andy works strategically with firms to help position their technology for the future. Andy can be reached at 678.297.0066 ext 523 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more about Xcentric, go to www.xcentric.com or follow them at www.xcentric.com/blog and www.twitter.com/xcentric.
Hillel Sackstein is President and CEO of Virtual Graffiti, an IT solutions provider that specializes in business, government and education. Recognized as one of the fastest-growing IT solution providers in the nation by Inc. Magazine, CRN and the VAR500, Virtual Graffiti has more than 55,000 customers worldwide and has sustained an annual growth rate of 30 percent over the past ten years. The company's product teams help customers make smart IT buying decisions while lowering IT budget costs and improving efficiency. For more information, please visit www.virtualgraffiti.com.
She brings her expertise to the forefront in the development and execution of:
• Marketing planning - pragmatic and practical strategies that are affordable and able to be implemented with the resources available.
• Strategic thinking - cross industry experience that allows for introduction of effective programs and strategies to new markets
• Fundraising - organizational establishment, grant oriented funding as well as grass-roots funding and support.
• Sales 2.0 - The integration of the sales and marketing processes in logical and meaningful ways
• Marketing tactics - dynamic interpersonal skills that drive accountable results.
Laura\'s affiliation with long time colleague, Dan Kraus and the Duct Tape Marketing system gives her a platform to effectively leverage her passions and expertise. Most business begin and end using marketing tactics void of a planned strategy. Laura\'s client engagements clearly demonstrate her ability put strategy before tactics in order to drive effective results. In example, she has:
• Collaboratively built marketing and business kickoff plan for a technology start up that allowed for consistent year-over-year growth for 5+ years
• Created focus in helping a client refine their overall business strategy to focus on their profitable core competencies
• Coached a client\'s executives to focus on their core business competencies, enabling them to clearly see improved process and results through delegation to current and new staff
Joanie Mann is a recognized authority in the areas of ISV cloud enablement and ASP service delivery. Her extensive work with accounting professionals worldwide has positioned her as an expert consultant and adviser to practitioners looking to leverage cloud accounting solutions, web-based applications and Internet technologies in their firms and with their clients.
John Hedtke is the award-winning author of 26 books. He has more than 30 years in the software business and technical writing, and seven years in technical publications management. John has developed and written documentation and books for many leading software products, and has received 26 writing awards to date. (A complete list of books, articles and projects can be found online at his web site, www.hedtke.com.) John owns a company that offers writing, business, and disaster preparedness consulting services for private, public, and governmental clients. He became a Fellow of the Society for Technical Communication in 2003. When not otherwise occupied, John writes magazine articles and sleeps late as much as possible.
Randy Werner J.D., LL.M./Tax, CPA is a loss prevention specialist with CAMICO (www.camico.com). She responds to CAMICO loss prevention hotline inquiries and speaks to CPA groups on various topics. Werner has Big Four public accounting experience in federal and state tax as well as regional accounting firm experience. She has practiced as a sole practitioner in estate planning since 1984.
Werner has been a member of the California State Bar since 1983 and is a member of the Taxation section as well as the Taxation Section's Procedure and Litigation Committee. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, majoring in finance with an emphasis in marketing, from the Santa Clara University School of Business. She also earned a Juris Doctor from the Santa Clara University School of Law in 1983, a Master of Laws in Taxation from Golden Gate University, and a Master of Science in Accounting from San Jose State University.
Robert Prusa is a Client Services Manager at Xcentric, where he oversees client service and project management. Prior to joining Xcentric, He served in management roles at Follett Higher Education Group and Great American Days, where he incorporated technology to simplify customer management and broaden marketing reach and scope. Prusa graduated from the University of Georgia and currently lives in Georgia with his wife and two daughters.
Randy Johnston is a nationally recognized educator, consultant, and writer with more than 30 years experience in Strategic Technology Planning, Accounting Software Selection, Paperless, Systems and Network Integration, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning, Business Development and Management, Process Engineering and outsourced managed services.
Dustin Hostetler, founder of Flowtivity, is also and the practice leader and lead consultant for Lean4CPAs. As a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with extensive experience working inside a large regional CPA firm, he has taken proven Lean techniques from the manufacturing floor and tailored them to bring ground-breaking value to public accounting firms. His innovation and passion has brought true efficiency to accounting — helping accounting firms unleash the potential of their professionals. Hostetler is also a member of the CPA Consultants’ Alliance. The CPA Consultants’ Alliance is a working group of thought leaders united in their efforts to further leadership within the CPA profession.
Michelle has a unique background in that she has worn all the hats in an
organization; sales, marketing, service, support and operations at all
levels. However, her favorite hat always been marketing and sales.
A business consultant for more than 15 years, she has helped scores of
small companies grow their business. Also a trainer, Michelle has taught
thousands of people to use technology effectively. One of her specialties
is implementing processes that create repeatable, definable, systems so
businesses‹small, medium, or large‹can expand by working smarter rather
than harder.
Michelle understands the challenges that companies face trying to ensure
that sales and marketing become a cohesive unit. By using the Duct Tape
Marketing System, marketing processes can be implemented to support the
sales team to make sure that prospects move through the Like, Trust, and
Try stages before they engage in Buying. Moving prospects consistently
through the process makes selling much easier which leads to increased
revenue and profitability.
Michelle¹s specialties are in coaching, training and speaking. Michelle
has been a speaker at customer and partner conferences including SugarCon
2012. She speaks to associations and does partner webinars on a regular
basis. She has been a Marketing Evangelist with Leading Results since
August of 2012.
Chuck Hayes is president of ABA Advisors, LLC, a nationwide consulting and brokerage firm
specializing in working with accountants. Since 1999, Hayes has helped hundreds of CPAs, EAs and
other accounting and tax professionals with the sale, acquisition, merger or financing of their
firms. ABA Advisors is located in Indianapolis, Ind. He currently represents practice owners, buyers and those
seeking financing all over the United States. He can be reached at (317) 546-7720 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The firm website is www.acctsales.com.
Brian Hamilton is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sageworks, where he manages overall strategy and product development. He is an original co-developer of “FIND” (Financial Information into Narrative Data), the company's core artificial intelligence technology which converts financial numbers into plain-language reports. “FIND” is the basis of ProfitCents® and Sageworks Analyst®, applications that are used today by thousands of financial institutions and accounting firms throughout North America and the United Kingdom.
Brian is an accomplished entrepreneur who has guided Sageworks since its inception. He holds an MBA degree from Duke University and a bachelor's degree from Sacred Heart University, where he graduated summa cum laude. Brian is a noted expert in finance who has been published and quoted in most major national media outlets. He is currently a guest columnist for Forbes.com. In addition, Brian serves on the Board of Directors of the Brown Bag Ministry and leads Sageworks’ “Teaching Business in Prison” program where inmates are taught how to become entrepreneurs.
Barry is CEO of BizActions, which he co-founded in September 2000. Previously, he was co-founder and CEO of GovCon from 1993-1999 where he developed an online electronic commerce community that brought together thousands of IT contractors and hundreds of government entities. He was also the CEO of Friedman and Fuller, an accounting and business consulting firm that was sold to American Express in 1996.
He stayed with American Express as a Regional Director until 1999. Barry holds an MBA in business administration from Loyola College and taught Financial management in their Executive MBA program. He has been a CPA since 1961.