Protea Conversations

Episode 57 - Jeff Okrepkie - From Fire Recovery to Public Service

Meet Jeff! Explore Jeff Okrepkie's inspiring story of resilience, community rebuilding, and servant leadership, shaped by personal tragedy and dedicated public service. This conversation delves into his unique approach to leadership, built on humility and a profound sense of community obligation. In this episode: - Jeff shares how experiencing the Tubbs Fire in 2017 transformed his life and propelled him into public service. - Insights into the importance of ground truth and humility in leadership, especially during crises. - The role of community-led recovery initiatives like Coffey Strong and how grassroots efforts can inspire systemic change. - Practical advice for citizens eager to get involved locally, emphasizing volunteerism and stepping out of comfort zones. - Strategies for leaders on managing ego, fostering teamwork, and making informed decisions grounded in real-world experience. - Jeff relates his insurance expertise to his public decision-making, highlighting risk analysis and community safety. Timestamps: 02:21 - How losing his home in the Tubbs Fire catalyzed community efforts 04:34 - The grassroots creation of Coffey Strong neighborhood recovery model 07:54 - Jeff's transition from community volunteer to city council member 09:12 - Lessons from early government work with Senator John McCain 14:10 - Emotional toll and community support after disasters 17:42 - Applying lessons learned from fires to local policy and community resilience 21:44 - The influence of family background on Jeff’s service philosophy 27:11 - The importance of humility and teamwork in leadership success 29:05 - Leadership lessons: Ego, humility, and surround yourself with experts 33:47 - Balancing a day job in insurance with public service responsibilities 37:11 - Jeff’s journey in the insurance industry, shaped by economic downturns 44:20 - Balancing family, sports, and travel with civic duty 47:09 - Rapid fire: Dream vacation, favorite books, and childhood memories The insights from Jeff’s personal story underscore that leadership often emerges from adversity, grounded in humility, service, and a passion for community resilience. Whether tackling local wildfire recovery or engaging in civic duties, his journey exemplifies how purpose-driven by legacy and values can inspire actionable change at every level. Connect with Jeff: Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffokrepkie/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffokrepkie/]

Episode 56 - Paul Schwartz - Strategies for effective networking and communication

Meet Paul! In this episode, Paul Schwartz shares his insights on how Sonoma County's market has remained resilient post-COVID, highlighting the strength of owner-user markets despite economic pressures. He emphasizes the importance of control and flexibility in owning commercial space, along with the attractiveness of SBA financing options. He sares his journey with Leadership Santa Rosa's origin, purpose, and lasting impact on fostering community collaboration and developing future leaders are explored. Paul provides practical advice on building professional networks, maintaining relevance, and continuous learning to stay ahead in the industry. The importance of clear communication, listening, and speaking at clients' levels is highlighted for success. Timestamps: 01:20 - Sonoma County real estate market stability post-COVID 05:41 - The current investment climate and cap rate adjustments 10:12 - Paul's career journey from nonprofit management to real estate 13:14 - Changes in commercial real estate over 35 years 18:21 - Strategies for staying current and successful 21:30 - The role of continuous learning and curiosity 23:04 - Negotiation and communication skills 26:30 - Effective networking and building relationships 35:30 - Leadership Santa Rosa's history and community impact 38:26 - Keys to leadership longevity and community relevance 41:30 - The best advice Paul has received 43:23 - Personal interests and hobbies outside real estate 45:24 - Rapid fire questions: dream vacation, books, fitness, friendships, final meal Connect with Paul: Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-schwartz-97630512/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-schwartz-97630512/]

Episode 55 - Michael Mathews - Connecting Food, Business, and Leadership

Meet Mike! Discover insights from Mike Mathews on the importance of clear communication, fostering meaningful relationships, and leveraging values-driven businesses in this engaging conversation. Learn from his diverse career journey through industry, consulting, and leadership in the wine and oyster sectors, as well as practical advice on balancing work and self-care. Main topics covered: - The role of experiential learning and passion in business environments - The impact of understanding human behavior and psychology in effective communication - Strategies for professional growth, business development, and relationship building - The significance of sustainable, value-driven business practices - Practical tips on time management, networking, and self-care for young professionals Timestamps: (00:00) - Welcome and introduction with Mike Mathews (02:27) - The importance of team longevity and experiential culture at Hog Island (03:07) - Mike’s journey into accounting and the influence of psychology (04:39) - Addressing communication gaps in professional settings (07:03) - The role of education and baseline understanding in cross-functional teams (09:39) - Communicating effectively with business owners and understanding their pressures (11:56) - Mike’s early career at Campbell Soup and lessons from industry rotations (14:53) - Insights from Diageo’s product success and failures (17:46) - Long-term thinking in product development and market risks (21:26) - Transition from industry to consulting during COVID (23:32) - The dynamics of a consulting career: challenges and rewards (27:00) - The power of scheduling and planning to build relationships and routines (29:30) - The significance of nurturing professional relationships and networking (30:55) - Reflection on the fleeting nature of childhood and work-life balance (35:30) - Working at value-driven businesses and sustainability practices (37:55) - The importance of community and local engagement in food and beverage (38:45) - Key lessons from consulting: self-care, building your future, and relationship management (49:55) - The impact of small operational improvements on cash flow (52:49) - Advice for young accountants: planning, relationships, and self-awareness (56:14) - The importance of building relationships before they are needed (58:15) - Closing thoughts and gratitude This episode emphasizes the foundational skills of communication, relationship-building, and value-driven business practices, all underscored with practical examples and heartfelt stories. Whether you're early in your career or an experienced professional, the insights shared can help you build a more sustainable, impactful practice. Connect with Mike: Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mathews-34275a5/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mathews-34275a5/]

Episode 54 - Nancy McClelland - Celebrating Authenticity and Building Community in Accounting

Meet Nancy! In this episode, Nancy McClelland, also known as the Dancing Accountant, shares her inspiring journey from music education to becoming a passionate advocate for community, authenticity, and collaboration in the accounting world. Nancy discusses how embracing her unique personality has attracted her ideal clients and fostered a vibrant company culture. We explore her insights on building trust, leveraging personal strengths, and creating environments where professionals thrive both personally and professionally. Main Topics: - Nancy’s unconventional path from music education to accounting, and how mentorship shaped her career - The importance of authenticity and embracing quirks to attract the right clients - How to build a strong, human-centered company culture in remote and hybrid teams - The significance of asking for what you want and building your opportunities proactively - The impact of community involvement and personal branding in business growth Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Nancy McClelland and her unique background 00:45 - Nancy’s move from music education to accounting and mentorship 01:38 - How Nancy's environment in Mexico supports her health and work-life balance 03:07 - Navigating remote work and the pandemic’s impact on her business 04:19 - Building company culture and maintaining team connection remotely 12:14 - Nancy’s journey to becoming an accountant and her early influences 13:02 - The role of mentorship in Nancy’s career path 16:19 - How Nancy’s community efforts support bookkeepers and CPAs 17:04 - The challenges and joys of starting her own firm 20:36 - Balancing work, life, and health through intentional choices 22:09 - Building a business that aligns with personal passions and strengths 27:12 - The importance of community support and local engagement 32:16 - The value of hiring strategically and focusing on your strengths 37:42 - How personal passions can foster better client relationships 41:11 - The importance of collaboration between bookkeepers and tax professionals 44:01 - Nancy’s "She Counts" podcast: creating a safe space for women in accounting 49:14 - Advice for new entrants: be true to yourself and take proactive steps Connect with Nancy: Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-mcclelland-cpa/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-mcclelland-cpa/] She Counts Podcast - https://shecounts.show/ [https://shecounts.show/] Ask an Accountant - https://www.thedancingaccountant.com/ask-a-cpa-landing/ [https://www.thedancingaccountant.com/ask-a-cpa-landing/]

Episode 53 - Katie Thomas - From Accounting to Marketing: How Katie Took the Leap and Found Success

Meet Katie! In the latest episode of Protea Conversations, Zane welcomes Katie Thomas, a dynamic professional who made a remarkable transition from accounting to marketing. We delve into Katie's journey, her motivations, and the lessons learned along the way, providing valuable insights for anyone considering a similar leap. Katie's story is one of courage and determination. Transitioning from a secure career in accounting to the unpredictable world of marketing is no small feat. The Journey from Accounting to Marketing Katie’s path to marketing was not as straightforward as one might think. Initially, she built websites and dabbled in marketing during her teenage years, growing up in a family business environment. This early exposure ignited her passion for marketing, which she pursued alongside her education in accounting. Katie's journey from accounting to a successful marketing career serves as an inspiring narrative for anyone contemplating a leap into the unknown. Her story reveals that embracing change, overcoming doubts, and building a strong network are crucial elements of success. Key takeaways: - Embrace your passions and be willing to take risks. - Build relationships and network actively. - Accept rejection as part of the process and learn from it. Connect with Katie: Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiethomascpa/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiethomascpa/] Leaders Online - https://leaders-online.com/ [https://leaders-online.com/]