The ONLY Conference on Practice Management for the Accounting Profession
2025 Theme
Staying Independent:
Rethinking the Status Quo
Independence isn’t guaranteed—it’s a choice. In a profession undergoing rapid and unprecedented transformation, independence is no longer just a structure—it's a strategy. This year’s event will focus on building a great firm regardless of the ownership structure.
What Previous Attendees Have To Say Testimonials
I have been fortunate to attend Winning Ways the past two years and have found the content to be informative and timely. I like the fact that they focus on a common theme such the talent shortage and explore the issues in depth. I would highly recommend this conference to all firm leaders.
- Jeff Mowery, Managing Partner at Mowery & Schoenfeld
"Winning Ways was a unique conference for high-caliber accounting firm owners and execs to come together and discuss some of the industry's biggest problems. If you want to be in the room with people who are making it happen, I highly recommend attending"
- Brandon Hall, Managing Partner at Hall CPA PLLC
"Winning Ways was a great conference to attend and well worth the time and money. Many of the thought leaders of the profession were there and it provided a great opportunity to network with many of them. The content of the conference was very timely as well as it was focused on resource management and outsourcing solutions etc., which are some of the biggest issues in the profession at this time."
- Jeff Call, Managing Partner at Bennett Thrasher
Attending the Winning Ways conference has been an invaluable experience for my team and me. The event stands out for its dedicated focus on practice management, diving deep into crucial topics that are top of mind each year. It's a must-attend for any accounting professional committed to evolving within the industry.
- Michael Simpson, CPA, CVA, Managing Partner at Brinker Simpson & Company, LLC
Winning Way’s unique strategy makes us focus on all sides of a current critical area in our practice is refreshing. It forces you think deeply about how these concepts impact your firm. It also provides access to other leaders to hear what they are doing in this space. The event packs a lot of concentrated information into a short window of time which I really appreciate.
- David Youngstrom, President & CEO at Yeo & Yeo
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.
- David Kolb, Founder & CEO at Global Tax Network
Each year I look forward to connecting with peers and learning from the timely and relevant speakers that are consistently part of Winning Ways. This is a must-attend event for leaders in our profession!
- Josh Beck. Managing Partner at MarksNelson
2024 was my first year attending Winning Ways. The content and speakers were great, and I have taken several of the ideas into the firm. Another highlight of the event was the quality of the firms attending. There was a ton of value in the discussions at the table and into the evening. I am glad I had the opportunity to attend.
- Steve McDonald. Managing partner at Abdo
I had the opportunity to attend Winding River’s Winning Ways conference this year for the first time. I must say, it was a powerful two days of strong content on relevant topics to our industry, especially leadership and talent development. The panel discussions with industry leaders and consultants were the most beneficial as they targeted the real issues that my leadership team faces on a daily basis. The best part was the amount of time spent networking with peers in the industry. It’s a must-attend in the future for accounting leaders who want to remain students of the industry. Well done..
- Thomas Angelo, Principal and CEO at HBK
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.
- David Kolb, Founder & CEO at Global Tax Network
Get in Touch Need more details or ready to register? Limited to 150 Attendees!
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Staying Independent: Rethinking the Status Quo What can you expect from attending?
Future-Proof Your Firm
From talent retention to AI integration, today’s decisions shape tomorrow’s success. Learn how firms of all sizes and models are positioning themselves for long-term resilience.
Build Relationships
Understand the value of a strong professional network by enhancing your own. Don't miss the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and engage in meaningful conversations with peers.
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Valuable Insights
Stay ahead of the curve by gaining a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the accounting profession today. Transform your approach to leadership development with high-impact sessions, led by experts who will share the latest trends, strategies, and solutions.
Speakers & Panelists (More Speakers Coming Soon)

Koltin Consulting Group, Inc. is a Chicago-based consulting firm that specializes in working with professional and financial services firms in the areas of practice growth, practice management, human capital, and mergers and acquisitions.
Highly sought for his ability to engage and inspire audiences, Allan enjoys delivering keynote addresses at conferences throughout the professional services industry. His passion is facilitating strategic planning retreats for firm leadership and partners. His specialties include strategy, governance, profitability, compensation, growth, human capital, succession, and mergers and acquisitions.
For the last twenty-four years, Allan has been named by Accounting Today as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in the accounting profession. In 2023, he was listed as the “Second Most Influential” in the profession. For the past twenty-three years, Allan was voted as one of the Most Recommended Consultants in the “Annual Survey of Firms” conducted by INSIDE Public Accounting. For the past decade, Allan has been named by CPA Practice Advisor as one of the Top 25 Thought Leaders in the profession and, in 2016, they also inducted Allan into the Accounting Hall of Fame. Allan was one of the first to be inducted into the Accounting Marketing Hall of Fame by the Association for Accounting Marketing (AAM). He has also been a recipient of the National Association of Certified Valuation Analyst’s Instructor of the Year Award and winner of the Journal of Accountancy Literacy Award. Previously, he was recognized by the Illinois CPA Society with the Distinguished Service Award for outstanding service and commitment to the profession.
A nationally recognized speaker and industry analyst, he has appeared on CNN, WGN and FOX TV and has been quoted frequently in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Financial Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, USA Today and New York Post, as well as Bloomberg News, BBC World Service, Business Week, Forbes and Reuters. He has also spoken nationally and internationally at hundreds of conferences, including those held by the AICPA, international CPA associations and state CPA societies.
Previously, Allan was the CEO of PDI Global, which was the largest provider of marketing products and services for CPA firms. Allan sold PDI Global to H&R Block in 1998, buying it back in 2008, and then selling it to Thomson Reuters in 2011. Prior to that, Allan was a partner in the Chicago-based CPA firm of FERS, where he served as leader of the Investment Banking and Law Firm Services Groups. At age 27, Allan had the distinction of being named the youngest partner in the history of the firm and was also a member of the Fim’s Executive Committee. FERS was acquired by H&R Block in 1998.
He is a founding member of The Advisory Board, a think tank for the accounting profession. For 20 years, The Advisory Board hosted the Winning Is Everything Conference. Allan has served on various advisory boards, including SS&G, Outsource Partners International (OPI), the Association for Accounting Marketing (AAM), The National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts (NACVA), and H&R Block (HRB Business Services).
Koltin is the author-editor of three books for professional services firms: CPA Firm Merger Strategies That Work, CPAs That Sell and the AICPA’s Marketing a Consulting Niche. He serves or has served on the editorial advisory boards of CPA Practice Advisor, the Journal of Accountancy, Accounting Today, Inside Public Accounting and Law Firm Management.
Allan attended both the University of Wisconsin – Madison and – Milwaukee and received degrees in accounting and marketing. He lives in Chicago with his wife, Sharon, his three children, Jack, Brian and Julia, and his two dogs, Bucky and Cody. His hobbies include travel, chess and all sports.

Gary Shamis is a highly experienced and accomplished business advisor, entrepreneur, and Certified Public Accountant with over 40 years of experience in the accounting and consulting industries. As the Managing Director of Winding River Consulting, Gary provides strategic guidance and support to accounting firms, helping them navigate the complex challenges of the modern business landscape.
Throughout his career, Gary has worked with hundreds of accounting firms across the United States, ranging from small local practices to large international organizations. He has a deep understanding of the challenges facing the industry, and has helped countless firms overcome those challenges and achieve long-term success.
Gary is a recognized thought leader in the industry and a frequent speaker at industry events. He has authored numerous articles and publications on topics related to accounting firm management, leadership, and growth. He is passionate about helping accounting firms achieve their full potential and has dedicated his career to this mission.
Prior to founding Winding River Consulting, Gary was a co-founder of SS&G, a top 50 accounting and consulting firm, where he served as Managing Partner for over 30 years. Under his leadership, the firm grew from a small local practice to a regional powerhouse with multiple offices and a diverse portfolio of clients.
Gary is a licensed Certified Public Accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Akron.
With his extensive knowledge, experience, and passion for the industry, Gary has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor and mentor to accounting firm leaders across the country. He works closely with his clients to develop customized strategies that drive growth and profitability, and he is committed to helping accounting firms thrive in the face of the challenges and opportunities of the modern business world.

David Toth built his marketing expertise around a strong digital comprehension. Understanding the importance of data, he reasoned, should guide each step of the process, using informed decision making to adapt when and where necessary. Armed with the evidence, David challenges the status quo to drive results.
He is a strategic-thinker and believes the path to successful outcomes includes integrating technology with tried-and-true practices. As David sees it, when it comes to digital transformation there will always be new dots to connect. The challenge is having the discipline to make the connections that close the gap between marketing dollars and sales revenue.
David has served as an outsourced CMO, agency executive, and change agent for organizations in sectors from fast-growing start-ups to well established Fortune 500 companies. He has a knack for building meaningful relationships. David has found that while each business and industry is unique, the foundation to success is always the same — know your audience.

As a former law enforcement officer and border patrol agent, Matt Terlop knows the importance of discipline and the value of a healthy, active lifestyle. As a coach to many in the C-Suite, Matt helps executives attain physical fitness, mental agility, and emotional balance, combating daily stress to achieve peak performance in their personal and professional lives.
Through his “executive athlete” structured programs, clients gain increased energy, clarity of mind, sharpened focus, and an improved sense of well being.
As a local, state, national, and international martial arts champion, Matt is well versed in understanding an individual’s motivation and philosophy behind competition. He works with clients one-on-one to optimize their wellness, creating custom tools to manage stress and maintain a superior performance standard. His methods of training are modeled off those used in the armed forces and in law enforcement agencies worldwide ensuring results.
- BA, Communications, John Carroll University
- Former Member, U.S. Martial Arts Team
- United States Federal Law Enforcement Academy (FLETC)
- Certified, International Sports Science Association (ISSA)
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As National Managing Principal of Tax, Matt is responsible for the strategy and operations of
BDO’s tax practice in the United States, leading more than 3,500 tax professionals and serving
as a member of BDO’s Executive Leadership Team. Matt is also a member of BDO
International’s Global Tax Advisory Committee, working with BDO tax leaders from around the
globe to direct the strategy of BDO International’s tax function.
As a BDO tax principal since 2005, Matt has helped large multinational organizations in
diverse industries and high-net-worth individuals from around the world address their
complex tax needs. Matt also has vast experience leading the strategic direction and
operations of tax practices.
In addition to his roles within BDO’s tax practice, Matt served as the Chairperson of the Board
of Directors of BDO USA, serving for the maximum term allowed. His NACD (National
Association of Corporate Directors) Fellowship and Board experience have provided him with
a unique ability to advise on long-term value-creation strategies for companies. Matt serves
BDO clients in a business advisory capacity as well, often serving on advisory boards for some
of BDO’s most significant clients.
Outside of his role at BDO, Matt is part of various community organizations including roles on
the Boards of Directors of John Ball Zoo, The Right Place, Junior Achievement of the Michigan
Great Lakes, Literacy Center of West Michigan, and Indian Trails Camp

Focusing on the future has always been important to Chris’ leadership style — whether that
means helping individuals at the firm grow in their roles or identifying market opportunities
to better serve clients. He places great value on learning from others and remaining humble and
flexible in his approach to guiding the strategic direction of a diverse group of professionals.
Chris began his career with Cohen & Company in 1999 and initially focused on providing audit and
tax services to privately held business. In 2004, he helped establish the firm’s investment industry
practice and played an important role in its growth, including the expansion into the Milwaukee, Chicago, New York City and Baltimore markets. Chris also served as a lead audit partner for many of the
firm’s largest mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, private equity fund and alternative investment
fund clients up until his appointment as CEO in 2022.
As CEO, Chris is always looking at the bigger picture, evaluating new ways to position the firm for
long-term success. He is responsible for strategic direction, growth and development of the firm
against three key areas: being the employer of choice, driving operational efficiency in client engagements, and serving as a premium provider in priority markets and industries.
Chris lives in Avon Lake, Ohio, with his wife and three children, and is an avid golfer and Cleveland
sports fan. Chris has visited more than half of the Major League Baseball stadiums with his two sons
with a goal of seeing them all before his youngest son turns 18.

As a real estate investor himself, he understands the benefits and challenges of investing in real estate. He knows what it takes to create and protect wealth as an entrepreneur. This is why he is passionate about sharing his knowledge and expertise with others who share his vision and goals. Brandon has spearhead several initiatives to educate and empower real estate investors, such as the Tax Foundation Strategy Course, the Tax Smart REI Podcast, and the Tax and Legal Summit

accounting and auditing experience serving clients in a variety of industries and is a 25-veteran of LBMC.
Prior to taking on the CEO and Managing Shareholder role, Jim served as a shareholder in the firm’s
assurance practice and was the leader of the technology industry segment.
development. He also works with firm leadership in spearheading efforts to expand the firm's industry
specializations and enhancing its market presence through strategic partnerships. His leadership
emphasizes investing in global talent recruitment and developing a tech-forward environment that
integrates AI-powered tools and data analytics to optimize operational efficiency and client service. Jim's
responsibilities include continually developing a nurturing workplace that prioritizes employee
development and satisfaction, and ensuring that LBMC continues to set itself apart as a trusted advisor
in the accounting and business consulting industry, delivering transformative value and fostering long-
term client relationships.
LBMC’s affiliate company boards and other governance committees.
Active in the community, Jim is a member of community leadership organizations, serves on community-
focused not-for-profit boards, and is a champion of the LBMC Cares Foundation.
Jim also serves on advisory boards for organizations that promote entrepreneurship in the region and
support a healthy continuum of capital.
Education
University of Memphis, Degree with an area of concentration in accounting; summa cum laude graduate

With 40 years of experience in the accounting industry, Suzanne specializes in accounting, tax and business consulting services. In addition to her client work, Suzanne is the managing partner for the firm, which provides her with a business owner’s understanding of day-to-day responsibilities that she leverages for her clients. Suzanne advises in areas such business acquisitions, mergers or dispositions, profit enhancement, cash flow analysis, cash management, business forecasts and projections, financing and investor options, and accounting systems design and controls. She is also a member of our Real Estate Services Team, which focuses on developers, assets managers, lessors and real estate operations.
Suzanne’s passion lies in nurturing economic development and using her creative side to help businesses grow. Her consulting work has included fostering employment opportunities, retaining professionals in the community and finding supportive resources for companies. In one instance, she helped a client find and obtain over $100,000 in economic incentives.
Suzanne’s work with the community is also borne out of this passion. She serves on the Board of the DeLand Area Chamber of Commerce, is a former Chair of the Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce and is currently on that organization’s economic development committee. She is also active with the Daytona Beach Community Foundation and previously served on the Daytona Beach Checkered Flag Committee. Throughout her career she has also authored articles on accounting and income tax issues and has conducted numerous courses on these topics.
Her accomplishments have led to several recognitions over the years. Florida Trend has twice named her one of the top 500 influential business leaders in the state (in 2021 and 2023), and the Daytona Beach News Journal named her its Private Sector Woman of the Year in 2020.

As Managing Shareholder, Anita oversees the firm’s strategic direction and day-to-day operations. Her leadership is focused on integrating all facets of the firm to be focused as one firm, instilling the firm’s mission vision, and values across all offices. Her dedication to driving Brady Ware into its next chapter underscores her commitment to both the firm’s success and the long-term vision that defines Brady Ware’s unique position in the industry and to its clients.
Additionally, Anita brings over 15 years of comprehensive tax experience to the firm helping clients with international, federal, state, and local tax issues. Her expertise extends to quality control across all aspects of the firm’s tax services, ensuring the highest standards in client service and strategic tax planning. With a focus on domestic and international companies, Anita collaborates with businesses spanning various industries, including real estate, technology, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
Attributes & Approach
- Client-Centric Tax Consulting: Anita’s approach centers around providing quarterback-style service to clients. She ensures timely responses, serving as a trusted advisor who navigates complex tax scenarios and other tax-related issues.
- Research: Researching intricate tax matters to help clients find the best possible outcome, she remains dedicated to delivering answers.
- Communication Excellence: Anita’s ability to distill complex tax concepts into understandable language helps facilitate a clear understanding for the path forward.
Anita’s professional background includes a significant tenure at CohnReznick, where she honed her technical tax research skills over a decade, eventually becoming a senior manager. Her commitment to excellence and strategic mindset led her to Brady Ware, where she has been instrumental in driving the international tax practice, renewable energy, and, as managing director, helping the firm position for growth and success.

Pritpal Kalsi, the Chief Executive Officer of SC&H, succeeded the firm’s co-founder Ron Causey as CEO on January 1, 2021. In this role, he is focused on building upon SC&H’s people mission by nurturing our existing colleagues and clients while looking for growth opportunities through expansion into new services and geographies.
Whether it’s a quick chat or dropping into a happy hour, his efforts to be present are appreciated by everyone, and his simple acts of kindness have become well-known throughout each of SC&H’s offices. Not to mention, you can always count on Pritpal to be up for a team lunch which is his preferred method to keep a pulse on the state of the firm through engaging with various team members.
Prior to his promotion to CEO, Pritpal helped lead organizations in the pursuit of financial transformation and the deployment of innovative solutions that optimize the monthly close, improve forecasting accuracy, and transform an organization’s reporting and analysis capabilities. Kalsi had a particular focus in the following industries:
- Government Contracting
- Manufacturing
- Financial Services
- Hospitality
- Healthcare, et al.
As he continues the tradition of service to clients, colleagues, and community, Pritpal brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and passion to the role of CEO. For nearly 15 years, Kalsi’s strategic insight has helped SC&H plan for the next generation of services to provide the marketplace—in all areas of finance, accounting, and technology. He took the early initiative to spearhead the firm’s corporate-wide leadership and training programs by sourcing our professional development program, SC&H University.
In addition to partaking in the firm’s community outreach and service projects, Pritpal also serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for Make-A-Wish® Mid Atlantic.
In 2020, he was recognized on the Baltimore Business Journal’s top 40 under 40 list as well as making The Daily Record’s VIP list – Very Important Professionals Successful by 40 awards. In 2024, Pritpal was named an Influential Marylander by The Daily Record for his significant contributions to the finance field and his leadership in Maryland.
Pritpal holds a B.S. degree in Decision and Information Sciences from the R.H. Smith School of Business at University of Maryland, College Park. He also serves on the Smith School’s Business Advisory Board.
Outside the office, Pritpal enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, and collecting and using vintage film cameras dating back to the early 1900s.
What's Included?
Day 1
- All-Day Refreshments & Snacks
- Lunch
- Networking Cocktail Reception
Day 2
- Trainer Led Group Workout
- Breakfast
What is the Investment?
$1,495 Per Ticket
Register for Winning Ways Today!
