December 2020

The
Accelerator

ProVisors - Business Networking & Trusted Advisors - Business Accelerator

New Members | 14 New Member in the Los Angeles Area

Sammy Basu

Sammy Basu

Careful Security
Founder & CEO
(818) 818-0693
sammy@carefulsecurity.com
Home Group: Downtown Los Angeles 4

Bio: Information Security Expert who can help secure your sensitive information and IT infrastructure.

Bob Carter

Bob Carter

Expert Effect
Human Resources Consultant
(818) 693-2363
bob@experteffect.com
Human Resources
Home Group: Pasadena 5

Bio: Bob is a HR Generalist with over 30 years of experience, most recently as the Director of HR at the Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens in Pasadena.

Aaron Cohen

Aaron Cohen

IOA Insurance Services
Risk Management Specialist
(323) 951-4216
aaron.cohen@ioausa.com
Insurance
Home Group: Beverly Hills 4

Bio: A Risk Advisor and Commercial Insurance Broker working with start-up to middle market organizations across industry sectors.

Evelyn Fernandez

Evelyn Fernandez

Krost
Tax Director
(626) 449-4225
evelyn.fernandez@krostcpas.com
Accountant
Home Group: Pasadena 6

Bio: Tax planning & compliance for high net worth individuals, international entities & individuals, multi- state taxation, partnerships, S corporations, trusts, nonprofit organizations & entertainment businesses.

Joe Fernandez

Joe Fernandez

Holthouse Carlin and Van Tright LLP
(747) 281-1304
joe.fernandez@hcvt.com
Accountant
Home Group: Glendale 1

Bio: I assist multi-national enterprises entering the US market by handling their federal and state tax compliance matters. I also review global structures for tax optimization and guide executives/employees looking to temporarily live in the US.

Dan Flynn

Dan Flynn

Skyhawk Sales Consultants Inc.
CEO & Founder
(310) 480-7460
dflynn@salesxceleration.com
Consultant Service
Home Group: Westside 3

Bio: Builds high performing Sales organizations via strategy, process, execution, leadership & team building.

Aaron Gladstein

Aaron Gladstein

Boren, Osher & Luftman, LLP
Senior Counsel
(310) 322-2021 ext. 240
agladstein@bollaw.com
Attorney
Home Group: South Bay 4

Bio: Business and Real Estate Litigation Attorney representing Plaintiff and Defendants in a wide variety of commercial disputes and pre-dispute resolution.

Nick Leonard

Nick Leonard

Holthouse, Carlin & Van Trigt LLP
Manager
(626) 664-0956
nick.leonard@hcvt.com
Accountant
Home Group: Downtown Los Angeles 2

Ryan Long

Ryan Long

Long & Associates PLLC
(917) 715-1484
rlong@landapllc.com
Attorney
Home Group: Beverly Hills 5

Bio: Seasoned technology/media/design attorney and strategic legal advisor.

Trevor Ramos

Trevor Ramos

College Funding Remedies
Author of How To Get Free Money For College
(626) 657-7887
trevor@collegefundingremedies.com
Consultant Service
Home Group: Pasadena 2

Bio: Trevor helps families with 9th, 10th and 11th graders get scholarships and grants to attend expensive universities. He specializes in working with parents who make “too much money” to qualify for federal or state grants.

Neeta Shah

Neeta Shah

Startup CFO Solutions
(917) 929-1969
neetapshah0@gmail.com
Home Group: Silicon Beach 2

Bio: As a CFO, I enable startups in technology, media and retail to raise venture capital funds, manage cash for growth and generate cost savings.

Mardig Taslakian

Mardig Taslakian

Signature Bank
Specialty Deposit Banker
(818) 431-4217
mtaslakian@signatureny.com
Banking Finance
Home Group: Beverly Hills 4

Bio: I provide specialty deposit and treasury management services for the unique needs of Attorneys, Insolvency Professionals and Professional Fiduciaries.

Joanne Tsang

Joanne Tsang

Banc of California
(310) 433-8645
joanne.tsang@bancofcal.com
Banking Finance
Home Group: Brentwood

Bio: Dedicated to providing customized financial solutions to the Entertainment, Family Office, and Private Banking communities.

Lauren Wideman

Lauren Wideman

Reicker, Pfau, Pyle & McRoy
Associate
(805) 966-2440
laurenbwideman@gmail.com
Attorney
Home Group: Santa Barbara 2

Member News

Todd Carey
Nov 23, 2020

'Market Loves a Divided Government' by John Grace, Wave Publications Columnist

While there is a great disconnect between Wall Street and Main Street, the stock market prefers a dividend Washington, DC. http://wavepublication.com/stock-market-loves-a-divided-government/
Todd Carey
Nov 23, 2020

SFBJ: FREE Financial Planning for Essential Workers

San Fernando Business Journal: Since front line workers do so much to keep us healthy and get so little in return, Investor's Advantage Corp. is providing FREE financial planning to all essential workers. Now essential workers can plan their financial success at no cost. https://www.sfvbj.com/news/2020/nov/09/pandemic-workers-need-money-plan/
Todd Carey
Nov 23, 2020

Rufus Rhoades Hosts Webinar with Chinese American CPA Association

On Friday, November 13, 2020, Rufus hosted a webinar with the Chinese American CPA Association discussing how to complete Form 5471, when Form 965 is due, and some of the ins and outs of foreign tax credits.
Todd Carey
Nov 23, 2020

Gideon Grunfeld Speaks at Exit Planning Institute

On November 12, 2020, Gideon Grunfeld spoke at the EPI Greater Los Angeles Chapter meeting  discussing a range of marketing tips and strategies specifically designed for exit planning advisors.
Todd Carey
Nov 20, 2020

Angela J. Reddock-Wright Listed Among Los Angeles Business Journal's Leaders in Law Nominees (11-16-20)

Angela Reddock-Wright is listed among the Los Angeles Business Journal's 2020 Leaders in Law Nominees. Angela is honored to be named among so many who have distinguished themselves in the practice of law. Link to the LABJ Leaders in Law PDF: https://www.cbjonline.com/a2labj/supplements/LIL_20201116.pdf. Congratulations to all of the nominees! To see information about Angela, please go to pages 20 and 25.
Todd Carey
Nov 17, 2020

Juan Ros, CFP®, Earns Business Value Growth Designation

Juan Ros, CFP®, financial advisor with Forum Financial Management, has earned the Certified Value Growth Advisor (CVGA) designation offered by Corporate Value Metrics, LLC. As a CVGA, Juan can assess the quality of a business across eight functional areas and assist the business owner in increasing the value of his or her business by bringing the eight functional areas into balance and alignment.
Todd Carey
Nov 16, 2020

NEVILLE JOHNSON INTERVIEWED NOV 17

Southwestern Law School interviews Neville Johnson at 7:30 Nov 17. It's free. https://www.swlaw.edu/curriculum/biederman-entertainment-media-law-institute
Todd Carey
Nov 16, 2020

Angela Reddock-Wright Participates in Panel on Civility in the Legal Profession (10/14/20)

On Saturday, November 14, 2020, Angela Reddock-Wright participated in a panel titled, "Is Civility Enough: A Practical, Frank and Elevated Dialogue on Civility, Diversity and Inclusion," put on by the College of Employment and Labor Lawyers.   For more information on civility in the legal profession, check out the ABA Model Litigation Guidelines here: https://tinyurl.com/y3jpy27v
Todd Carey
Nov 16, 2020

Cybersecurity Book "On Thin Ice" To Be Published on November 19, 2020

With "On Thin Ice", Craig Pollack is one of a number of Cyber Security Professionals who've come together to share our proven strategies to help business owners proactively address ongoing security threats to their businesses. While the book focuses on a number of different areas within the cyber security vein, Craig's specific chapter is titled "How to Avoid Being Held Ransom" which provides the layers needed to effectively protect any business from this threat.
Todd Carey
Nov 13, 2020

Anne Laguzza, CEO of The Works Consulting, Interviewed on Hustle The Day Podcast

Anne Laguzza, CEO of The Works Consulting, which provides human resources management, leadership development and performance coaching, was interviewed on Hustle The Day podcast. Anne shares how she launched her business, why paying it forward is a core value, and what she does to help leaders be successful. Click here to listen to the full episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/passionate-about-leadership-anne-laguzza-works-consulting/id1488163404?i=1000496242267
Todd Carey
Nov 11, 2020

Angela Reddock-Wright Featured in Los Angeles Daily Journal (10/23/20)

The Daily Journal featured Angela Reddock-Wright's law and mediation practice on the front page of its Verdicts & Settlements section in the article, "Emotional Intelligence: Angela Reddock-Wright establishes trust by being attuned to the impact of her actions."
Todd Carey
Nov 11, 2020

John Grace on Yahoo Finance

John talks with Yahoo Finance about the debates, stimulus, the markets, and expected election results. https://www.westlakefinancialadvisors.com/2020/10/23/interview-with-yahoo-finance-9-29-20/
Todd Carey
Nov 09, 2020

George Kahn Releases 10th Jazz Album

George Kahn (CC3) has just released his 10th CD. George and his quartet play "Cool Jazz" a la Dave Brubeck and Wes Montgomery.
Todd Carey
Nov 09, 2020

John Grace Interview with Yahoo Finance

John talks about the election, the debates, and the market; https://www.westlakefinancialadvisors.com/2020/10/23/interview-with-yahoo-finance-9-29-20/

Member News content is selected from Needs, Deals & Wants posts published on the ProVisors Hub.

Member Milestones

Celebrating 25 Years

Robert Cohen

Robert Cohen

Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP
CPA – Partner
(818) 783-0570
rcohen@citrincooperman.com
Accountant
Home Group: Century City 4

Bio: Tax and financial consulting for privately owned businesses. Specialties are in the areas of real estate, entertainment and international tax planning. Additional services offered include litigation support, business management and financial planning.

Linda Feinholz

Linda Feinholz

Feinholz Inc
President
(818) 989-5989
linda@feinholz.com
Consultant & Service
Home Group: Glendale 2

Bio: Linda focuses on the 8 Drivers of Value that measurably increase enterprise value and give business leaders strategies, skills, tools & techniques to stabilize, scale and/or sell their company. 25 years of consulting to public and private businesses.

James Gorton

James Gorton

Gorton Janosik & Poxon LLP
Partner
(626) 793-6215
jgorton@gjpattorneys.com
Attorney
Home Group: Pasadena 4

Bio: Gorton Janosik & Poxon specializes in estate planning, trusts and trust administration, business succession planning and probate, conservatorship and guardianship practice.

Dan Weintraub

Dan Weintraub

Weintraub & Selth APC
President
(310) 207-1494
dan@wsrlaw.net
Attorney
Home Group: Santa Monica 1

Bio: We represent businesses, individuals, creditors, landlords and asset purchasers before the Bankruptcy Court. Discharge and restructure of taxes. Divorce/bankruptcy matters. W&S delivers aggressive and creative solutions to clients at affordable rates.

Celebrating 20 Years

Stephanie Granato

Stephanie Granato

Granato Law Office
Esq.
(310) 601-7926
stephanie@granatolaw.com
Attorney
Home Group: Century City 2

Bio: Stephanie Granato is a corporate attorney who represents investors, entrepreneurs and businesses. Her practice focuses on early stage and venture capital financings, advising businesses on general corporate matters, and mergers and acquisitions.

Mark Lefko

Mark Lefko

Lefko Group
Founder & CEO
(805) 857-4899
mark@lefkogroup.net
Consultant & Service
Home Group: Westlake 3

Bio: I bring FUNCTION to the dysfunction (cord to the discord) in Law Firms, Accounting Firms and Service Firms. Optimizing Firm direction and succession, facilitating retreats and high-importance meetings, and resolving Partner or Peer disagreements.

Donald Palazzo

Donald Palazzo

Nevers, Palazzo, Packard, Wildermuth & W
Attorney
(818) 879-9700
dpalazzo@npwlaw.com
Attorney
Home Group: Westlake 1

Bio: Don addresses issues related to value creation and business transactions, including strategic positioning, exit planning, business planning, complex incentive compensation plans, mergers, acquisitions, sales, private financings, strategic partnerships and joint ventures.

Celebrating 15 Years

George Seide

George Seide

Law Office of George N. Seide, APLC
Principal Counsel
(818) 528-6565
gseide@seidefamilylaw.com
Attorney
Home Group: Universal City

Bio: Representing middle and highly compensated persons in all areas of Family Law including Domestic Partners. Prepare Pre & Post Nuptial Agreements. Palimony, Paternity, Dissolution and Support mod and enforcement. Contempt of Court prosecution and defense.

Celebrating 10 Years

Jennifer Cavender

Jennifer Cavender

Haskell & White LLP
Senior Audit Manager
(949) 450-6200
jcavender@hwcpa.com
Accountant
Home Group: South Bay 4

Bio: I provide financial statement audits and business consulting for middle-market companies. I consults on complex accounting transactions, profit improvement, risk management, and succession planning.

Johnson O. Durojaiye

Johnson O. Durojaiye

Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Vice President / Senior Relationship Manager
(310) 792-3327
johnson.durojaiye@bofa.com
Attorney
Home Group: South Bay 2

Bio: Specialize in privately owned middle market companies with revenue size between $10 million to $100 million. As a Senior Relationship and Portfolio Manager, I serve as a one-stop shop for corporate banking and credit solutions.

Meredith Esarey

Meredith Esarey

1st Century Bank
Senior Vice President
(310) 270-9548
mesarey@1cbank.com
Banking & Finance
Home Group: Century City 8

Bio: I provide capital and depository services to privately held operating companies and their owners.

Jilber S Jamgochyan

Jilber S Jamgochyan

Law Office of Jilber S Jamgochyan, APC
Principal
(805) 379-0333
jilber@jamgochyanlawfirm.com
Attorney
Home Group: Westlake 6

Bio: I am the founder of the Law Office of Jilber S Jamgochyan, APC. With over two decades of experience as a litigator and trial lawyer, I work on a contingency basis representing individuals and, where appropriate, their family members, to recover the losses they suffered as a result of personal injury or wrongful death.

Jacob Lager

Jacob Lager

Freeman Freeman & Smiley LLP
Attorney
(310) 255-6193
jacob.lager@ffslaw.com
Attorney
Home Group: Century City 7

Bio: Jacob Lager works in Freeman Freeman & Smiley’s tax, trusts, and estates department. Mr. Lagers practice includes transactional tax matters, trust and estate planning, and tax and probate litigation.

Brett Lightner

Brett Lightner

Caliber Home Loans
Sr. Loan Consultant
(310) 796-7593
brett.lightner@caliberhomeloans.com
Banking & Finance
Home Group: South Bay 3

Bio: Brett has over 29 years experience helping families & Real Estate Investors with their mortgages. Brett specializes in residential, apartment & construction loans. Caliber is a direct lender in all 50 states, we fund and service our loans.

Terri Hilliard Olson

Terri Hilliard Olson

Terri E. Hilliard PC, Estate Law
Attorney at Law
(805) 201-2552
thilliard@terrihilliard.com
Attorney
Home Group: Westlake 2

Bio: Hilliard Olson focuses on estate preservation for families, businesses, elders and special needs individuals.

Jennifer Post

Jennifer Post

Thompson Coburn LLP
Partner
(310) 282-2512
jpost@thompsoncoburn.com
Attorney
Home Group: Century City 8

Bio: Jennifer serves as primary outside counsel to a variety of individuals and companies, including entrepreneurs, startups and investors, as well as domestic and international emerging companies.

Louis Shapiro

Louis Shapiro

Law Office of Louis J. Shapiro
Criminal Defense Attorney – State & Federal
(310) 651-9968
louisjshapiro@gmail.com
Attorney
Home Group: Westside 2

Bio: Louis J. Shapiro, a dynamic criminal law attorney in Los Angeles, has represented numerous clients in cases ranging from DUI and drug offenses to white collar federal crimes.

Celebrating 5 Years

Susan Andrews

Susan Andrews

SingerLewak
Senior Tax Manager
(650) 872-7600
vkryukova@singerlewak.com
Financial Service
Home Group: Westside 3

Bio: As the Director of the Trust & Probate Division, Susan has specialized in selling these properties since 2007. Compass establishes a new industry standard of excellence in representation by being one of the select firms in Los Angeles with a division dedicated to the sale of trust and probate real property. 

Andrew Barnett

Andrew Barnett

Boroda Holm
Junior Partner
(818) 905-9550
andrew@bhfirm.net
Accountant
Home Group: Sherman Oaks 2

Bio: I am a partner at Boroda Holm, a full-service public accounting firm. I have been practicing for 10 years and both partners have Big Firm experience. The company began over 35 years ago specializing in auditing, financial analysis/reporting, and taxation.

Pritipal Bhinder

Pritipal Bhinder

Edward Jones
Financial Advisor
(805) 494-4646
pritipal.bhinder@edwardjones.com
Investment Advisor
Home Group: Westlake 6

Bio: I provide a unique client-centric approach and experience in serving the financial needs of individual investors and businesses by implementing a comprehensive plan of care to achieve their goals.

Marlene Dennis

Marlene Dennis

Dennis Fiduciary Services & Desert Fiduciary Services
Private Professional Fiduciary
(310) 467-4220
marlene@fiduciaryla.com
Consultant & Service
Home Group: Santa Monica 3

Bio: As a CA Licensed Professional Fiduciary I serve as a solution for families and their counsel who need a Private Professional Fiduciary to serve in the following capacities: Estate Executor/ Probate Administrator, Conservator, Trustee/Successor Trustee/Agent Under Power of Attorney.

Courtney A. DeSoto

Courtney A. DeSoto

Channel Islands Fiduciary Group
Private Fiduciary
(805) 804-3131
courtney@cifiduciarygroup.com
Consultant & Service
Home Group: Santa Barbara 3

Bio: I serve in the position of Trustee, Conservator, Executor, Estate Administrator and Agent under a Power of Attorney for clients with capacity issues.

Dianne Duva

Dianne Duva

Arlington Financial Advisors
Partner
(805) 699-7300
dianne.duva@arlingtonfa.com
Investment Advisor
Home Group: Santa Barbara 1

Bio: Dianne Gayoski Duva, CFP® is a founding partner of the wealth management firm of Arlington Financial Advisors in Santa Barbara. She advises both high net worth families and business owners.

Nima Fariman

Nima Fariman

Commerce Home Mortgage
VP of Wholesale
(818) 802-8878
nima@thefarimangroup.com
Banking & Finance
Home Group: Woodland Hills 4

Bio: Residential loans for the end user and helping mortgage brokers find solutions for their clients outside of conventional financing.

Jack E. Kaufman

Jack E. Kaufman

Kaufman McAndrew, LLP
Partner
(818) 788-5767
jack@kmcllp.com
Attorney
Home Group: Encino 2

Bio: I provide a full range of counseling and services pertaining to strategic growth, business transactions, entity formation, contracts, leases and litigation.

Issy Kotton

Issy Kotton

BDO USA, LLP
CPA
issykotton@gmail.com
Accountant
Home Group: M$A/Capital Formation Group

Bio: I specialize in audit and consulting business services. Focus on both publicly and privately held middle market clients ranging in size from startups to $1 billion in revenue. Industries include manufacturing and distribution, retail and consumer products, and technology.

Upcoming Events

Accelerator Workshop – LAW

Date: December 2, 2020
Time: 11:30am to 1:30pm