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Because (the Jump Start Class) is taught by CPAs, many people might assume that it's all about numbers (i.e., statistics). However, your course was so much more than that -- not only goals, but how to actually achieve them, using innovative and unusual (but effective) management concepts. In addition to teaching...

Brett Meltzer, Turnbull Wine Cellars

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Team

Diane Leenders is a graduate of Saint Mary's College in Moraga, California. She is an experienced tax professional who has previously held audit positions in both public accounting and industry. Diane is an open water swimmer who regularly competes, along with members of her family, in masters swimming events. She enjoys the feeling of gliding through the waves and the resulting sense of calm. Water is a recurring theme in her life, as she met her husband on a water skiing adventure. Diane is an early riser and her daily ritual begins with coffee and a view of the rising sun. Diane cherishes this time alone and feels that "each day provides an opportunity to make that day meaningful." Diane is a CPA, licensed by the California Board of Accountancy.

Diane LeendersIlluminator

Erica Riddle, CPA is a partner in Brotemarkle Davis & Co. specializing in tax and assurance services, operational reviews and business consulting. Erica also serves as the firm's wine industry analyst, spearheading the firm's efforts to provide and share key insights into the wine business with our customers. Erica joined BDCo in 2013 and has both a Masters in Accounting from California State University, Sacramento and a Masters of Science in Taxation from Golden Gate University. She is also certified in Strategic Performance Management. Prior to joining BDCo, she was the Labor Optimization Manager at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. Although her office was located right next to a roller coaster, Erica says her favorite attraction at the park was the tigers she first got to know as cubs. As a knitting hobbyist, Erica says the key to her success is patience and concentration, which also makes her a wizard at spreadsheets, programming, and all things accounting. She also holds the unprecedented distinction of being a candy maker and is a "third-generation Riddle Brittler". Erica is a CPA licensed by the California Board of Accountancy.

Erica RiddleExcelerator

Geni Whitehouse is a consulting team member with BDCo. She is the author of How to Make a Boring Subject Interesting: 52 ways even a nerd can be heard, which is available on Amazon.com. Geni has been named one of the 25 most powerful women in accounting by CPA Practice Advisor, one of the Top 100 Influencers by Accounting Today magazine, and one of the Top 25 Thoughtleaders in Accounting. Her primary area of focus is expanding BDCo's strategic management services. Geni is an instructor at the WISE Academy,where she teaches accounting concepts to winery staff and is a former board member of the Napa/Sonoma Chapter of Women for WineSense where she served as Education Director. She was a member of TEDxNapaValley.org and spoke at their event in September of 2011. You can read Geni's blog posts here. Geni is a CPA licensed by the Georgia State Board of Accountancy.

Geni WhitehouseCountess of Communication

Mattie Eagle is a graduate of Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa where she majored in History and Studio Art. After graduation, travel, and several applications of her entrepreneurial talents, she went back to school at Western New Mexico University to gain the accounting credits that qualified her to become a CPA. In 2022, she added a Masters of Taxation to her credentials. She was raised in Minnesota and now lives in Silver City, New Mexico with her husband and two children. She is a full-time member of the BDCo tax team. She particularly enjoys researching tax laws as they change in search of new opportunities to help our customers. Mattie loves supporting her customers as they take calculated risks, pursue the expansion of their passions, and become owners of their financial futures. An avid cyclist, Mattie is inspired by those who lead a “self-directed life” and enjoys applying her considerable talents to local sports, charitable organizations, and entrepreneurs who are seeking to build successful businesses. Mattie is a CPA licensed both by the New Mexico Board of Accountancy and the California Board of Accountancy.

Mattie EagleSilver Spinner

Erica Umphreyville has always been surrounded by numbers and accountants—from her parents to her siblings—but her true passion lies in making a meaningful impact on her community and for her clients. A graduate of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, Erica holds a Master of Science in Accounting. She honed her expertise at a Big 4 CPA firm, focusing on the governmental and non-profit sectors, and more recently served as a Controller, overseeing the financial operations of 24 Title I charter schools. Erica’s deep connection to her work is inspired by the powerful women in her life, especially her mother, who rose from an Accounts Payable Manager to a Director of Finance in the Biotech industry, embodying the hard work and dedication that Erica values. Though based in Texas, Erica is excited to work with wineries, leveraging her unique blend of analytical prowess and creative problem-solving to unravel complex accounting challenges and help clients achieve their goals. When she’s not delving into data or strategizing with clients, you might find Erica appreciating nature, whether it’s walking on a trail near her apartment or engaging in a competitive game of pickleball. She also enjoys exploring her culinary side, cooking Italian food, and growing her own herb and vegetable garden. Erica is a CPA, licensed by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy

Erica UmphreyvilleAltruistic Auditor

Aaron Soon, an alumnus of the Shidler School of Business at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, brings a unique blend of experience to our tax team. Originally embarking on an engineering journey at UCLA, Aaron eventually returned to his Hawaiian roots, where he pivoted to a focus in accounting and finance. His diverse academic background and prior work experience enriches our team with fresh perspectives. Aaron's successful journey to passing the CPA examination was partly fueled by collaborative study sessions with his wife, who was concurrently preparing for her medical boards. In his role as a dedicated tax professional, Aaron draws inspiration from his wife's resilience and determination. The couple cherishes their moments together, finding solace and strength in each other's company amidst their demanding careers. A versatile athlete, Aaron has dabbled in various team sports, ultimately finding his passion in cross country and track during his high school years. These days, away from the spreadsheets and tax forms, Aaron is often spotted at HiClimb, honing his bouldering skills and embracing the challenges of climbing, much like he tackles complexities in taxation. Aaron is a CPA, Certified by the Hawaii Board of Public Accounting

Aaron SoonTax Crux Crusher

A graduate of North Dakota State University, Summer majored in accounting and minored in fraud investigation, finding her way to the field of accounting almost by accident. Initially planning a career in law enforcement, everything changed when she took her first accounting class and discovered a new passion. Specializing in Individual and Business Tax, Summer is committed to finding tailored solutions for her clients through thoughtful communication. She firmly believes that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work and takes pride in building strong client relationships to address unique needs. Outside of work, Summer is an avid traveler and finds joy in exploring new places and cultures. A proud animé enthusiast, she admires the profound teachings and life lessons delivered by its characters. Her hobbies also include Pokémon, reading (especially Stephen King novels), and spending time with her growing family. Summer cherishes the years she spent living in the beautiful country of Bahrain, which enriched her love for different cultures and experiences. Summer is a CPA licensed by the Montana Board of Public Accountants.

Summer ZitoAnimated Taxster

From managing restaurants to mastering tax strategies, Adam Kern has charted a unique path to becoming an accounting professional. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Nevada-Reno and Enrolled Agent certification, Adam specializes in unraveling the complexities of tax law. After working more than 5 years in a local firm where Adam annually assisted individuals, trusts, and businesses with their taxes, he transitioned into the role of mentor to his team members. Adam takes pride in training the next generation of preparers, blending technical expertise with practical guidance. Outside the office, Adam applies his love for adventure in hiking and exploring the scenic trails of Tahoe. Nicknamed the "Tax Trekker," Adam thrives on solving intricate problems and leading clients confidently through their financial journeys.

Adam KernTax Trekker

Heather Sprauve is a native of Deer Park, California. She attended Pacific Union College (PUC) in Angwin, then transferred to their sister college, Atlantic Union College in South Lancaster, Massachusetts, before returning to Angwin to complete her degree. She started out as an art major but after taking her first business class, discovered an aptitude for accounting and made that her major. Heather moved to the Virgin Islands where she married and spent 18 years working for an accounting firm. She worked for BDCo part-time for a few years and then following the devastating impact of hurricanes Irma and Maria, returned to California. While she enjoys being back in California, Heather misses her daily view of the Caribbean Ocean from almost any spot on the 31 square mile island of St. Thomas. Her interests include hiking, traveling and exploring new places.

Heather SprauveGlobal Gallivanter

Lisa Akrawi is a graduate of Walla Walla University where she earned a BBA with a concentration in accounting and a certificate of business analytics. A former Napa Valley resident, she was drawn to accounting by an interest in numbers, organization, and balance. She sees accounting as a specialized language to learn and apply. Her BDCo title, 'Virtuoso', is word-play on the importance of integrity in the role of a public accountant and the artistic endeavors in her personal life. She became a certified makeup artist while obtaining her BBA and continues to make time for creative activities, even when work gets busy. This is her way of maintaining time management, critical thinking, and work-life balance. From her Orlando, Florida home, Lisa enjoys peaceful mornings, summer storms, and a sunny house full of pets and plants.

Lisa AkrawiVirtuoso

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