GrowCon 2025 is just over three months away, and our excitement for the premier event for owners of accounting, bookkeeping, tax preparation is already out of this world.
To be held at the Utah Valley Convention Center in Provo, Utah from May 5 to 7, this GrowCon is set to be the biggest and most beneficial version of the conference yet.
This will be the perfect way for you to decompress after tax season and set a course for success to guide your business to an even brighter future. It’s not too late to snag your ticket, whether you’d like to join us in person in Provo or catch the livestream of the event with a virtual ticket. Tickets and more information about the conference are available here.
We’re ecstatic to unveil the unbelievable lineup of 15 speakers who will be presenting in May. This collection of insiders contains some of the sharpest mind in the industry, from CEOs of successful consulting firms, to cash flow experts, to professional motivators.
You won’t want to miss the insights they’ll share with us at GrowCon. For a taste of the topics covered at the conference, check out the recap of presentations from GrowCon 2024. If you have any questions about the conference, give us a call at 435-344-2060.
Let’s dive in and get to know this prestigious speakers from A to Z.
Rhamy Alejeal CEO & Author, People Processes
Rhamy Alejeal and his wife, Elizabeth, are the owners of People Processes, a leading provider of comprehensive HR solutions. Their Complete HR Program empowers organizations with a fully outsourced HR department, seamlessly integrating every role from associates to business partners and team managers. By harnessing cutting-edge technology and deep strategic insights, they drive businesses to elevate their operations and transition from routine paperwork to a people-centric approach.
Rhamy and his team work with hundreds of companies across the United States, helping them learn how to stop pushing paper and start prioritizing people. In addition, Rhamy serves on the Federal Reserve’s Industry Council on Healthcare, providing insights into employer costs and how they affect businesses in today’s marketplace. He holds a bachelor’s degree in financial economics and an MBA with a focus on economics. His book, People Processes was an Amazon #1 best seller in the HR category and one of INC.com’s Top Ten Leadership Books in 2019.
Dawn Brolin, CPA, CFE: CEO of Powerful Accounting Inc.
For more than two decades, Dawn has been a well-known and respected educator and motivator for her clients, other accounting professionals and technology solution providers. She is known for innovative collaborations within the accounting profession including with her technology ecosystem partners which are included in her Team Brolin Starting Lineup.
Dawn is a member of the Intuit Tax Council, the ADP Advisory Board, and the Avalara QuickBooks Advisory Board. ”
She has also received many designations and recognitions throughout her career including the most recent‚ “The 2022 & 2023 Top Presenters Awards” by CPAacademy.org as well as Insightful Accountant‚ “2020 Top Niche Practice ProAdvisor: Forensics” and one of Accounting Today‚ “2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023 Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting.
Dawn is also the President of the Accounting Cornerstone Foundation Inc where she and other industry leaders provide scholarships to accounting professionals to attend in person learning. Her passion to support others drove her to work with other leaders to create this amazing non-profit organization.
As an in-demand thought leader, speaker, and the author of The Designated Motivator and The Designated Motivator for Accounting Professionals, Dawn believes that motivation and strategic planning is not a one-time event, it is a critical part of being able to achieve the success you want for yourself and your team.
Dawn has appeared on many top-rated news programs and is consistently recognized with awards of distinction in the accounting profession. She has delivered hundreds of webinars and keynote speeches and works with many technology solution providers to help them better understand how to create and market their solutions.
James Donovan, Founder, Nine-Two Media
James Donovan is the founder of Nine Two Media, a growth partner for accounting, CFO, tax, and bookkeeping firms that want to break free from the feast-or-famine cycle and consistently add more revenue to their bottom line. His company helps firms eliminate the stress of inconsistent lead flow by delivering qualified prospects, optimizing sales strategies, and providing hands-on support to turn conversations into closed deals. Simply put—Nine Two Media makes growth predictable, so firm owners can focus on what they do best.
At Nine Two Media, James and his team go beyond lead generation. They build scalable systems that not only attract the right clients but also streamline the entire sales process, freeing business owners from the time-consuming grind of chasing leads. Whether it’s securing appointments with decision-makers or equipping teams with the tools to close confidently, their strategies are designed to create lasting, measurable results.
At GrowCon 2025, James will share the exact tactics his clients are using to generate more revenue with less effort. Attendees will walk away with actionable insights on how to attract high-value clients, simplify their sales process, and finally achieve the growth they’ve been chasing—without burning out or getting stuck in the weeds.
Reza Hooda, Author, Mentor, Coach, Profitable Accountants Community
Reza is a practice owner, coach and mentor to accountants through his Profitable Accountants Community (the PAC). His firm trades as Walji & Co and Capture Accounting which he has managed to get to run without him so he can spend his time helping other practice owners to build a firm that gives them time and financial freedom.
Reza speaks widely at accounting conferences nationwide, runs his own podcast called The Profitable Accountant and has authored a book called “The Four Pillars: how to build an accounting firm to give you more time, money and freedom”
Debra Kilsheimer, CPA, Co-owner, Behind the Scenes Financial, Inc.
Debra and her husband, Harold Hickey operate Behind the Scenes Financial, Inc. [BSFS]. BSFS provides tax preparation, accounting and consulting services and is a proactive rather than reactive firm.
Debra is devoted to making a difference in people’s lives by helping them use accounting to make decisions for the future, not just record history and be in compliance with laws (which are also important!).
Debra’s key expertise is problem-solving with QuickBooks Online to solve client accounting challenges, streamlining processes and collaborating with clients showing them the current state of their business, so they can make changes to positively impact their future.
After 20 years, the accounting profession has caught up to her vision! She loves sharing her excitement about the accounting profession with her colleagues, teaching webinars and presenting at live events.
Debra graduated from the University of Central Florida and passed the CPA exam. She is also an accomplished violinist and avid knitter.
Dr. Patience Jackson Rose, CEO, RED Worldwide, Inc.
Dr. Patience Jackson Rose is a visionary entrepreneur, educator, author, speaker, and social impact leader with over three decades of experience transforming ideas into thriving ventures—particularly within historically marginalized communities. She is the founder and CEO of RED Worldwide, Inc., a pioneering nonprofit dedicated to empowering underserved entrepreneurs, and Precision Advisor Group, a premier boutique accounting and tax advisory firm.
Dr. Rose holds an MBA, an MS in Instructional Design, and a doctorate in Humanities, in addition to more than 17 certifications, making her a sought-after authority for entrepreneurs looking to build high-value, sustainable businesses.
Throughout her career, Dr. Rose has drawn on her extensive background in teaching—from preschool to the collegiate level—to develop effective communication, empathy, and systems-thinking skills. Early in her journey, she applied these strengths to faith-based nonprofit management and entrepreneurial support.
As a technical assistant, business consultant, and venture development specialist, Dr. Rose has guided hundreds of entrepreneurs through strategic planning and innovative methodologies, most notably her “Living Business Plan,” which is powered by her signature “backwards business planning” method. This approach, combined with the eight drivers of business value and foundational Value Builder principles, underpins Dr. Rose’s mission to equip business owners with the tools they need to maximize enterprise worthwhile fostering equity and social impact.
Under her leadership, RED Worldwide has helped launch more than 385 sustainable businesses, products, and services, while creating impactful programs like REAL Academy Prep and B School Central. Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Rose remains committed to championing equity, sustainability, and the transformative power of education and entrepreneurship. Having authored books in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, her compassionate leadership and strategic foresight continue to inspire emerging leaders globally, cementing her legacy as a driving force in equitable economic development.
Roger Knecht, President, Universal Accounting Center
President of Universal Accounting Center, a post-secondary school for accounting professionals. With three decades of marketing, sales, HR & operations experience, Roger has helped thousands of business owners work ON their businesses to increase revenue, improve profits and build value. His strong work ethic and collaborative style delivers reliable, high-quality results for business owners.
Roger’s podcast, Building the Premier Accounting Firm, keeps accounting professionals on the cutting edge of the industry offering quality bookkeeping, accounting, and tax services. He hosts discussions with some of the accounting world’s best minds and shares actionable insights for firms.
Roger is the author of “Your Strategic Accountant” and “Your Profit & Growth Expert”, each written to help business owners understand what they can expect from the accounting profession.
Universal Accounting provides accounting professionals with the training, certifications, coaching, and support they need to become Profit and Growth Experts for their clients.
If you want to have the premier accounting firm in your area contact Roger and his team at 435-344-2060 or visit them online at www.universalaccounting.com
Jon Lakefish, Founder, Lakefish Group
Jon Lakefish is a seasoned marketing and branding expert with over two decades of industry experience along with an MBA from the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington. Renowned for his deep insights into consumer behavior and a fervent passion for innovation, Jon has spearheaded marketing initiatives across various sectors, significantly enhancing brand presence and engagement.
A leading figure in the integration of AI in marketing, Jon is frequently invited to speak at industry events, offering engaging, insightful perspectives on AI’s role in transforming marketing landscapes. His consulting services are sought after for empowering businesses to leverage AI, boosting their efficiency and creativity in brand growth strategies.
Recognized for his ability to identify and adapt to marketing trends, Jon stands out as a dynamic leader, dedicated to achieving tangible success for his clients in the evolving world of marketing and branding and currently leads the Lakefish Group, pioneers in integrating AI and Data into Award Winning Branding Initiatives.
Brittany Malidore, Owner, Trainer, Consultant, Legerly Consulting
Brittany Malidore inspires change and helps her peers make a real impact! With a talent for leading others through transformative journeys, Brittany offers an experience that’s bold, vulnerable, and action-driven. Whether it’s one-on-one consulting, dynamic speaking engagements, or thought-provoking leadership, she’s here to shake things up and help others reach new heights.
At the core of Brittany’s work is inspiration—the driving force behind everything she does. She is passionate about educating to spark motivation and empower others to take action. It’s about making a lasting impact and opening doors to meaningful change.
But inspiration is just the beginning. The real magic happens with ‘The How’—the actionable strategies that turn goals into reality. Brittany combines inspiration with experience and strategy to create a clear path forward for her audiences.
Brittany is the owner of an accounting practice, Ledgerly Accounting and BrittanyMalidore.com, a training and consulting business.
Nicole McMillan, Senior Vice President of People, Canopy
Nicole is a strategic HR leader with demonstrated experience collaborating with all levels of leadership to drive successful People initiatives in dynamic and fast-paced environments. Known as an out-of-the-box thinker who offers creative and effective solutions to support an exceptional employee experience and drive high-performing teams.
Her industry experience includes technology, wellness, consumer goods, entertainment, and aerospace & defense. Experienced with global organizations, both private and public, spanning start-up to established large firms. She is skilled in engaging complex, evolving, distributed, and diverse employee populations to achieve business results.
Dr. Jackie Meyer, CPA, Founder, TaxPlanIQ
Dr. Jackie Meyer is not just your run-of-the-mill tax strategist. She’s an award-winning, keynote-speaking, serial entrepreneur who’s been shaking up the tax advisory industry with her revolutionary ROI Method of value pricing. After selling her CPA firm for a cool seven figures (with only 56 clients) she decided to kick things up a notch by founding TaxPlanIQ, an eight-figure SaaS platform that makes other tax software look like they’re stuck in the Stone Age.
But Dr. Meyer isn’t just about crunching numbers and cashing checks. She’s got a doctorate in leadership, and she’s on a mission to help entrepreneurs find not just success, but actual joy in their work with her Balance Sheet of Life Formula. Having kicked major depressive disorder and chronic fatigue to the curb (since childhood, no less), she’s all about helping others avoid the burnout trap and discover the secret to peace in the entrepreneurial grind.
She’s also a passionate advocate for financial and tax literacy – especially for those who’ve been left out of the conversation. With a growing online following of over 25,000, Dr. Meyer’s influence is spreading faster than a viral TikTok. And while she’s busy changing the world, she’s also wrangling life in Southlake, TX, with her remarkably patient husband, two kiddos, three doggies, and one cat that’s probably plotting global domination.
Mike Milan, Owner, Author, Cash Flow Mike
Mike Milan, AKA Cash Flow Mike, is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of diverse professional experience in strategic planning, finance, and sales. He has developed 14 startups into well-established businesses, earning him the nickname “Cash Flow Mike.”
An Army veteran and an MBA from Baylor University, Mike is the author of three books: “The 7 Minute Conversation”, “Don’t Be A DUMB Business Owner”, and his latest, “Don’t T.E.L.L. Me What To Do!”, which focuses on empowering clients by listening more and lecturing less.
He created a financial management training program called “The Clear Path To Cash” and has developed several FinTech software products including CashFlowTool, Finagraph, Path by Simplex, and The Clear Path To Cash.
Mike co-hosts the podcast “Mike & Blaine”, where they discuss entrepreneurial lessons. Currently, he is the business financial specialist behind the brand Cash Flow Mike, helping business owners grow and retain more cash in their businesses.
Michelle Mitchell, CEO, Founder, Advisor, Mitchell Consulting
Meet Michelle Mitchell, the heart and guiding light behind Mitchell Consulting. Michelle isn’t just a visionary in the business world; she’s a devoted advocate for financial literacy and a masterful financial coach. With her rich tapestry of knowledge, Michelle is on a mission to empower business owners, especially women, to navigate their financial journeys with confidence and achieve their dreams.
Mitchell Consulting sprang to life in 2010, born from Michelle’s decade-long journey through the intricate world of corporate finance. Her academic foundation is solid, with a Bachelor’s in Accounting from Western Michigan University and dual Master’s degrees in Organizational Management and Career and Technical Education from Spring Arbor University and Western Michigan, respectively.
Beyond her impressive professional achievements, Michelle has made her mark as a main stage speaker at the prestigious Viral Networking Conference and Scaling New Heights. She is also a valued cohost for The Real Money Coach live show.
Michelle’s passion for sharing knowledge extends to her role as a co-author of the influential book, “Purpose People and Profits – How Everyday Entrepreneurs Create Drastic Results.”
Michelle’s leadership is backed by her experience as a proud alumnus of the Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business program, making her exceptionally equipped to lead you on your financial journey. But at the heart of everything she does is her family. Balancing her roles as a business leader, wife to her husband Antonio for 32 years, and mother to her two children. Michelle has crafted a business that not only champions success but also cherishes family values.
Tony Proctor, Founder & Principal, Proctor & Associates
Tony Proctor is a seasoned Enrolled Agent with expertise in Tax, Accounting, and Payroll. As the founder of Proctor & Assocs., Tony has built a reputation for excellence and client-focused service. With nearly two decades in IT and financial management, he specializes in guiding businesses through tax codes and financial regulations. An alumni member of the Intuit Accountant’s Council, Tony also teaches business finance and delivers tax seminars, simplifying complex concepts into actionable insights.
Geni Whitehouse, CPA, CITP, CSPM Even a Nerd Can Be Heard
A basset hound worshipper and keynote presenter, Geni believes there is magic in the numbers and is on a mission to unlock the magic so business owners can apply it in creating the life of their dreams.
Geni is an author and former TedXNapaValley speaker who now divides her time between working as a winery consultant at Brotemarkle, Davis & Co in the Napa Valley and writing, speaking, and tweeting at EvenANerd.com.
She is a co-founder of Solve Services, a remote bookkeeping business for the wine industry and is a Level 5 Advisor and Coach at www.TheImpactfulAdvisor.com. There, she teaches fellow magicians how to apply the magic for the benefit of their clients.
Join Us in Provo!
We can’t wait to learn from all of these incredible professionals, and we’re sure that what they share will make a huge difference for the future of your business.
Remember that virtual, in person, and VIP tickets for GrowCon are still available. You won’t want to miss this incredible event, both for the sake of yourself and your business.
If you have any questions about the conference or about running your own accounting business, give us a call at 435-344-2060.