Winding River Consulting is excited to announce the launch of our newest Bootcamp, where new and emerging partners unlock their full leadership potential with a dynamic and immersive training experience. 

Dive deep into a transformative journey that not only equips you with skills and tools to succeed, but gives you the strategic mindset needed to elevate your leadership skills. Invest in your future at Basic Training Bootcamp.

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Is Basic Training Bootcamp for You?

Designed for Accounting Firm Partners
If you made Partner within the last 10 years, this program is built just for you. We partnered with the leaders of successful firms to design this course specifically for new and emerging partners, ensuring you return to the field with the confidence to lead in your role.

Leaders Ready to Build Connections
Get connected with like-minded industry peers and develop a network of leaders that will last far beyond this program. Together, we are tackling the challenges facing today's firms, and forging a path forward towards long-term growth. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What inspired Basic Training Bootcamp?

Our CEO, Gary Shamis, is an industry pioneer who transformed what began as his father’s small firm into the 37th largest accounting and consulting firm in the nation (acquired by BDO in 2014).

In his three-decade tenure as firm managing partner, Gary saw a significant lack of leadership development training designed specifically for accounting firm managing partners. Often, he realized, CPAs find themselves elected or appointed to senior leadership positions without receiving any formal leadership or practice management training. Gary took the skills he believes every firm leader should have, including those he gained through trial and error leading one for more than forty years, and created MPB.

Now, we are taking the principal programs of MPB and combining them with new partner-focused courses to help today's partners lead and drive firm growth.

What is the curriculum?

Basic Training Bootcamp covers three key pillars:

Growing Your Practice – How do you build your book of business and sustain it? Dive into today's top tips and tricks, refine your executive presence, and hone your ability to work a room and cross-sell at your firm.

Taking Care of Clients – It's crucial to provide exceptional client experience at every corner of your relationships. In these sessions, we'll cover delegation, case studies, time management, and more. 

Growing People – talent acquisition, management, and retention are going through a period of profound change in the accounting industry. These sessions tackle contemporary issues such as difficult conversations, behavioral decision-making, self-care, and building a network that lasts.

What is the format of the different types of sessions?

Sessions at Bootcamp are a blend of lectures, discussions, case studies, and group exercises. Because attendance is limited to 15 participants, every session is interactive and allows participants to openly explore the challenges they face in their firms.

Additionally, days two and three of your program will include an optional physical bootcamp in the morning. We incorporate physical well-being with our program under the belief that in order to take care of others, it is crucial that you learn to take care of yourself. 

What makes Basic Training Bootcamp different from other partner training programs?

Partners have always learned through trial and error. There has never been a strong source of knowledge and training for newer partners to hone their skills and become exceptional leaders...

Until now.

Basic Training Bootcamp is that program. It’s our focus to equip leaders with both the mindset and skills they need to move themselves, their firms, and the entire profession forward. 

The accounting industry faces a unique set of challenges – those that a generic leadership development course simply can’t prepare accounting firm partners for. The accounting industry is unique and needs strong leaders to move their firms forward toward success. We hope you will embrace the challenge to become one of those leaders.

How much does it cost?

The investment is $3,500. This covers your courses, food, and apparel. 

The price does not cover your travel expenses or lodging. 

What Is the Investment? $5,000 Per Seat

Our Brand Promise: We are so confident you will attain a measurable ROI, we offer a money-back guarantee.

Meet Your Facilitators Experienced Industry Leaders and Subject-matter Experts

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Gary Shamis
CEO, Winding River Consulting

David Toth

David Toth
CGO, Winding River Consulting

Trisha Daho-1

Trisha Daho
Culture and DEI Consultant, Winding River Consulting

Illana Katz

Ilana Katz
Marketing Consultant, Winding River Consulting

Matt Terlop

Matt Terlop
MPB Trainer, Winding River Consulting

Join an Upcoming Cohort

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May 20 - 22, 2025

  • May 20: 1:00 - 5:00 PM CT
  • May 21: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CT
  • May 22: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM CT

 

Where

Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel

 

 

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October 21 - 23, 2025

  • October 21: 1:00 - 5:00 PM CT
  • October 22: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CT
  • October 23: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM CT

 

Where

Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel

 

 

What You'll Learn Our curriculum is based on input from today's firm leaders and partners who ensure our courses feature timely trends from within the profession.

PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT

  • How to Work a Room
  • Personal Branding
  • Presentation Skills
  • Decision Making

 

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

  • Building Your Team
  • What's Expected of a Leader (And What's Not)

SERVING CLIENTS

  • Delegation and Accountability
  • Tips & Tricks
  • Time Management
  • Where Should a New Partner Spend Their Time?

 

GROWING PEOPLE

  • Difficult Conversations
  • Communication Skills
  • Self-care and Energy Management
  • Behavioral Decision Making
  • Building a Network

Course Descriptions and CPE

The Guide to Cross-Selling

Maximizing client value through cross-selling is a crucial strategy for accounting firm partners looking to enhance service offerings and deepen client relationships. This course provides practical techniques and proven strategies to identify cross-selling opportunities, communicate value effectively, and integrate additional services seamlessly into client engagements. This course combines real-world examples with interactive discussions to equip partners with the skills necessary to expand their service portfolios and drive firm growth.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Identifying Cross-Selling Opportunities: Participants will learn to recognize potential cross-selling opportunities within their client base, including analyzing client needs, leveraging existing relationships, and understanding the firm's service offerings.
  2. Communicating Value to Clients: Attendees will discover effective methods for articulating the benefits of additional services to clients, including crafting compelling value propositions, using consultative selling techniques, and addressing client concerns and objections.
  3. Implementing Cross-Selling Strategies: Participants will gain insights into best practices for integrating cross-selling into their regular client interactions, including coordinating with internal teams, tracking cross-selling efforts, and measuring the impact on client satisfaction and firm revenue.

Credit Hours: 1.2
Field of Study: Communications and Marketing 
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend: Accounting Leaders
Program Level: Intermediate
Advanced Preparation: Program Level: None
Delivery Method: Group Live

Building Your Team

Building a strong, cohesive team is essential for achieving organizational success and fostering a positive work environment. "How to Build Your Team" is designed to provide leaders with the tools and strategies needed to create and nurture high-performing teams. This course covers key aspects of team development, from identifying and attracting top talent to fostering collaboration and managing team dynamics. Through a combination of theoretical insights and practical exercises, participants will learn how to build and lead teams that are motivated, engaged, and aligned with organizational goals.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Identifying and Recruiting Top Talent: Participants will learn effective techniques for identifying the skills and qualities needed in their team, attracting high-caliber candidates, and conducting interviews that ensure the best fit for their team's needs.
  2. Fostering Team Collaboration and Communication: Attendees will discover strategies for promoting collaboration and open communication within their team, including setting clear expectations, facilitating team-building activities, and leveraging technology for effective communication.
  3. Managing Team Dynamics and Performance: Participants will gain insights into managing diverse team dynamics, including addressing conflicts, providing constructive feedback, and implementing performance management practices that motivate and drive team success.

Credit Hours: 1.2
Field of Study: Personal Development
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend: Accounting Leaders
Program Level: Intermediate
Advanced Preparation: Program Level: None
Delivery Method: Group Live

Delegation and Accountability

Effective delegation and accountability are critical skills for leaders who aim to maximize team performance and drive organizational success. "Delegation and Accountability" is designed to help leaders understand the principles of efficient delegation and the importance of accountability in achieving team goals. Through a combination of theoretical insights and practical exercises, this program empowers participants to delegate tasks strategically, foster a culture of accountability, and ensure that responsibilities are met with high standards.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Understanding Effective Delegation: Participants will learn the fundamentals of delegation, including identifying tasks suitable for delegation, selecting the right team members, and setting clear expectations to ensure successful outcomes.
  2. Building a Culture of Accountability: Attendees will explore strategies to create an environment where accountability is valued, including setting measurable goals, providing constructive feedback, and recognizing and rewarding accountability within the team.
  3. Overcoming Delegation Challenges: Participants will gain insights into common obstacles to effective delegation and accountability, and develop practical solutions to address these challenges, ensuring smooth and efficient team operations.

Credit Hours: 1.2
Field of Study: Business Management & Organization
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend: Accounting Leaders
Program Level: Intermediate
Advanced Preparation: Program Level: None
Delivery Method: Group Live

Presenting: Your Most Important Business Communication Skill

We’ve all sat through presentations that were dry and unengaging. Our most important ideas are regularly conveyed in front of a group yet often presenters rely too heavily on PowerPoints and buzzwords. Our persuasive success requires we have the charisma and skill to narrate these ideas in a meaningful yet relatable way. In this session, we’ll review the tools and techniques necessary to hone a skill that remains essential to our success as thought leaders.

Our learning objectives in this breakout are to:

  1. Be able to understand the correlation between confident presentation skills and strong leadership
  2. Build confidence in using presentations as business and communication tools
  3. Identify some of the psychology behind what makes a presentation effective
  4. Recognize the benefits and detriments of oral and visual delivery
  5. Establish a “jumping-off point” for participation in individual presentations for the second session of Managing Partner Bootcamp

Credit Hours: 1.2
Field of Study: Communications and Marketing
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend: Accounting Leaders
Program Level: Intermediate
Advanced Preparation: Program Level: None
Delivery Method: Group Live

How to Work a Room

In today's competitive business environment, the ability to network effectively is essential for building and maintaining professional relationships. "How to Work a Room" is designed to equip participants with the skills and strategies needed to confidently engage with others, create meaningful connections, and leave a lasting impression. Through practical tips, interactive exercises, and real-world scenarios, attendees will learn how to navigate social events, conferences, and networking opportunities with ease.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Mastering the Art of Introduction: Participants will learn techniques for making strong first impressions, including effective body language, conversation starters, and the best ways to introduce themselves and others.
  2. Building and Maintaining Relationships: Attendees will discover strategies for cultivating and sustaining professional relationships, including active listening, follow-up practices, and leveraging social media for networking.
  3. Navigating Different Networking Scenarios: Participants will gain insights into handling various networking environments, from large conferences to intimate gatherings, and will develop the confidence to approach and engage with a diverse range of individuals.

Credit Hours: 1.8
Field of Study: Communications and Marketing
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend: Accounting Leaders
Program Level: Intermediate
Advanced Preparation: Program Level: None
Delivery Method: Group Live

Self-care and Energy Management

Steering a firm to world-class stature requires a holistic approach – not just to the firm but to our everyday lives. Because running a firm is so mentally and physically challenging, and because there are so many demands on our time, we can only invest in our firms what we invest in ourselves. In this session, we’ll learn why it behooves you to take a wellness-minded approach to your living and fold that into your firm culture.

Our learning objectives in this breakout are to:

  1. Gain a broader understanding of the term wellness and how it relates to your organization and employees
  2. Introduce new ideas on how to create a corporate wellness climate
  3. Gain an understanding of specific methods used to achieve wellness for yourself and your employees
  4. Grasp personal and corporate benefits of wellness implementation

Credit Hours: 1.8
Field of Study: Personal Development
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend: Accounting Leaders
Program Level: Intermediate
Advanced Preparation: Program Level: None
Delivery Method: Group Live

Difficult Conversations

Nobody likes to have difficult conversations, but as a firm leader, you’ll have your fair share of them. They’re inevitable. The ability to manage conflict is one of the most necessary qualities in a leader. This session will provide you with the tools necessary to resolve a myriad of situations and to navigate successful outcomes in difficult conversations.

Our learning objectives in this breakout are to:

  1. Be able to describe communication strategies based on a given situation’s intended outcome
  2. Distinguish the types of conversations you need to be involved in
  3. Have a list of new strategies/tools to successfully negotiate difficult conversations

Credit Hours: 1.8
Field of Study: Personal Development
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend: Accounting Leaders
Program Level: Intermediate
Advanced Preparation: Program Level: None
Delivery Method: Group Live

Executive Presence

Companies have brands. Products have brands. Even services have brands. But did you know that you have a brand? With it, you can effectively achieve success in building strong relationships, cultivating loyal talent, and growing the firm. Still, you can’t realize your full potential and impact as a leader without possessing executive presence. In this session, we get personal with a deep dive into your brand and presence. Bring your laptops for this hands-on workshop.

Our learning objectives include:

  1. Understand what a brand is and how it works
  2. Creating, developing, and managing your brand
  3. Developing internal and external factors for executive presence
  4. How your brand and executive presence work together
  5. Creating your leadership legacy

Credit Hours: 1.8
Field of Study: Personal Development
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend: Accounting Leaders
Program Level: Intermediate
Advanced Preparation: Program Level: None
Delivery Method: Group Live

What's Expected of a Leader? (And What's Not)

Being an effective leader now means something very different than it did just 2 years ago. There are so many variables that a managing partner must manage in order to be the firm of choice both as a service provider and as an employer. We will explore what your biggest priorities should be as you navigate growth, the talent wars, brand relevance, the economy, and much more.

Learning objectives include:

  1. What your people really need from you
  2. How adaptability in leadership allows you and your people to thrive
  3. Why spreading power, but also accountability is a managing partner imperative
  4. How clients can clue you in on the way forward

Credit Hours: 1.2
Field of Study: Personal Development 
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend: Accounting Leaders
Program Level: Intermediate
Advanced Preparation: Program Level: None
Delivery Method: Group Live

Behavioral Decision-Making Skills

In this interactive presentation, we delve into the art and science of effective decision-making. Participants will explore various decision-making models, learn strategies for evaluating alternatives, and practice techniques for making informed choices. Through real-life scenarios and practical exercises, attendees will enhance their ability to analyze situations, weigh options, and make confident decisions. By the end of this session, participants will have gained valuable insights and tools to apply in their personal and professional lives.

Learning objectives include:

  1. Understand different decision-making models and when to apply them.
  2. Learn techniques for gathering relevant information and evaluating alternatives.
  3. Develop skills for overcoming common decision-making biases and pitfalls.

Credit Hours: 1.2
Field of Study: Personal Development 
Prerequisites: None
Who Should Attend: Accounting Leaders
Program Level: Intermediate
Advanced Preparation: Program Level: None
Delivery Method: Group Live

Testimonials from Our Firm Programs Our Programs have a 99% Satisfaction Rating from Alumni

"The bootcamp gave me the tools, perspective and peer support group that I needed to take on my new role as CEO. I signed up for the bootcamp because of the content, and left with a new group of colleagues and friends with whom I continue to collaborate with today."

- Eric Majchrzak | CEO, BeachFleischman

"MPB is a terrific option for those who need to step up and understand how to run any type of professional firm. The camaraderie, setting, and quality of the presenters and topics make this one of the most impactful personal experiences anyone, who is rising to the level of managing partner or equivalent, can have."

- Robert Gialamas | Vice President of Operations, CBIZ

The Managing Partner Bootcamp is invaluable to our partner group. It allows our current and future leaders to refine their skills, outlook, and perspective on successfully running a professional services firm. The speakers, content, and connection have been top-notch.

- Tommy Lee | CPA Partner-in-Charge, Aprio

You have done a great job in developing this bootcamp and the content. I did not know what to expect. I attended many programs and thought this would be another one that I might come out gaining "something." However, I came away with much more. I really enjoyed it.

- Richard Crabtree | Whalen & Company, CPAs

Well thought out. You could tell every detail was discussed beforehand. Professional staff are excellent and very helpful and caring.

- Joseph Saka | CEO, Berkowitz Pollack Brant

The entire program was outstanding. Really appreciate the effort that went into developing a curriculum and recruiting expert instructors. At most conferences, there are usually a few high points with a lot of "filler," but this program was solid throughout.

- Chris Meshginpoosh | Managing Director, Kreisher Miller

I highly recommend the program. You will not leave the Bootcamp without learning more about yourself and how to lead others. From top to bottom, the program is first-rate. I plan on sending one of my firm's future leaders to next year's program.

- Robert Blackham | JD. Chairman, Roetzel

As a practice leader for many years who is now transitioning to CEO, I have always valued the opportunity to get out of the office and meet leaders in other firms who are willing to share experiences. The Managing Partner Bootcamp did not disappoint! The content for both sessions was very well conceived and delivered by Gary Shamis and the team. Though I went believing I was ready for this new chapter, I still found the experience insightful. The small size of the cohort lent itself to great discussions, both during the sessions and after hours over dinner. I highly recommend the program.

- Paul Oliveira | Partner, Litwin, Renza

As a former CPA firm managing partner now serving managing partners across the country, this program is an experience worthy of investment. While covering the broad range of topics a managing partner faces, participants can develop lasting relationships with an intimate group of peers who will serve as a network for years to come. Gary has assembled a top-notch team that has designed the program to contain the right balance of expert instruction, peer interaction, and group networking.

- Anna Brosche | Partner, BDO

As a new CEO, this was exactly what I needed to help guide my decision-making process.

- Gian Pazzia | CEO, KBKG

"This was the best practice management course I have ever taken. Gary Shamis and his stellar team brought their collective "A" game, never a dull moment."

- Charles F. (Chuck) Mullen | Chairman, Apple Growth Partners

As a new managing partner, I found MPB to be extremely valuable. To spend a few days immersed in the knowledge and experience of Gary, his colleagues, and the other partners in the room, is unlike any other leadership opportunity I have found in the CPA profession. We covered tough topics that come up every day in this role and others that hopefully never come up but you need to have the tools and resources to manage these issues when they do arise.

- Jessica Freiburg | Managing Partner, Sassetti

The MPB was a refreshing change from the normal classes. The content was designed by someone who had been there and done that which showed. It was much more proactive and addressed the challenges we were likely to face in the future rather than rehashing the issues of the past. In addition, the relationships that were built both with the staff and other managing partners will continue to add value.

- Tyson Pruett | Shareholder, Doty, Pruett, Wilson PC

The Managing Partner Bootcamp is the best training available for the managing partner and future leaders of a CPA firm. The bootcamp transformed my thinking and my CPA firm. Gary Shamis is one of the greatest managing partners, mentors, and authors in the history of the profession and he shares his knowledge and insights in the program.

- Brad Wagner | Wagner, Duys & Wood, LLLP

The real-world perspective that Gary, David and the rest of the Winding River team bring to the discussions is invaluable. Throughout the program, we focused on how to build not only a successful firm but also successful leaders within our firm, a topic that’s front of mind in the current labor market. Additionally, the community and relationships gained throughout the process are top-notch. I still stay in touch and collaborate with my MPB peers.

- Ben Wilson | Partner and Vice President, Adams Brown CPA

As a practice leader for many years who is now transitioning to CEO, I have always valued the opportunity to get out of the office and meet leaders in other firms who are willing to share experiences. The Managing Partner Bootcamp did not disappoint! The content for both sessions was very well conceived and delivered by Gary Shamis and the team. Though I went believing I was ready for this new chapter, I still found the experience insightful. The small size of the cohort lent itself to great discussions, both during the sessions and after hours over dinner. I highly recommend the program.

- Paul Oliveira | Partner, Kahn, Litwin, Renza

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CPE Credit Earn over 10 hours of CPE Credit

We offer over 10 hours of CPE Credit for this program.

 

Winding River Consulting is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.