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Testimonials from Our Alumni
Eric Majchrzak | CEO, BeachFleischman
"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."
Robert Gialamas | Vice President of Operations, CBIZ
"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."
Tommy Lee | CPA Partner-in-Charge, Aprio
"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."
Richard Crabtree | Whalen & Company, CPAs
"Winding River Consulting has done a great job 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."
Joseph Saka | CEO, Berkowitz Pollack Brant
"Well thought out. You could tell every detail was discussed beforehand. Professional staff are excellent and very helpful and caring."
Chris Meshginpoosh | Managing Director, Kreischer Miller
"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."
David Kolb | Founder & CEO, Global Tax Network
"In today's fast-paced world, who has time for yet another training session? I certainly didn't think I did. But Winding River Consulting’s Managing Partner Bootcamp (MPB) turned out to be a game-changer. Initially, I was skeptical, having already been part of other CEO groups. However, after some research and a conversation with Gary Shamis, I decided to take the plunge. The MPB was a revelation. The topics were not only relevant but also delivered by instructors with invaluable real-world experience. My cohort was a vibrant mix of firms, each bringing unique perspectives that enriched the entire experience. After completing the MPB, I also attended the Winning Ways conference. It was, without a doubt, one of the most impactful Practice Management conferences I've experienced. If you're aiming to elevate your leadership skills and enhance your practice management, I highly recommend investing your time in both the MPB and the Winning Ways conference. It's an experience you won't regret."
Christina Ricke | Principal, Pinion
"MPB offers a program tailored specifically for managing partners and key firm leaders eager to enhance their operational acumen. The MPB team encapsulates decades of proven success, providing participants with tried and tested wisdom all in one consolidated place. You will connect with peers from across the US who are also on the journey of guiding their firms towards success. The combination of expert guidance and peer networking that MPB offers makes it a valuable resource for anyone at the helm of firm leadership."
Ben Wilson | Partner and Vice President, Adams Brown CPA
"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."
Robert Blackham | JD. Chairman, Roetzel
"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."
Paul Oliveira | Chief Executive Officer, KLR
"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."
Anna Brosche | Partner, BDO
"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."
Charles F. (Chuck) Mullen | Chairman, Apple Growth Partners
"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."
Jessica Freiburg | Managing Partner, Sassetti
"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."
Tyson Pruett | Shareholder, Doty, Pruett, Wilson PC
"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."
Brad Wagner | Wagner, Duys & Wood, LLLP
"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."
Jeff Call | Managing Partner, Bennett Thrasher
"I found the MPB program to be very informative and valuable to me in leading into my taking over as Managing Partner. Gary and his team built a very well-rounded program that addressed and dealt with just about every issue you could imagine would impact you as a Managing Partner. The relationships built with my fellow participants and the interaction with other MPB alumni at the recent reunion was another highlight for me."
Paul Oliveira | Partner, Kahn, Litwin, Renza
"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."
Brenda Hood | Chief Compliance Officer, Dakota Wealth Management
"By keeping the attendee list small, we had the opportunity to ask questions and share our thoughts and issues we faced. It also allowed us to learn how other firms function. Having the full focus of the expertise of the presenters we were offered tips and knowledge gained from years of their success and in some ceased failures, condensed into a reasonable two-sessionss of two days."
Stop Managing. Start Leading.
MPB is a Masterclass in Leadership, where professionals managing accounting firms are developed into leaders of exceptional ability.
Through an immersive learning experience, attendees develop a personalized skill set that empowers them to lead with intention — and proactively implement resolutions as problems arise. The leadership proficiencies that most successful managing partners and firm leaders gain through trial and error over many years are acquired at MPB over 6 days.