SPEAKERS

Emmy-Award Winning TV Host

Kevin O'Connor is the Emmy-award winning host of This Old House and Ask This Old House and has been on the popular PBS shows since 2003. Kevin also hosted original shows for the Roku Channel, The History Channel, and the DIY network. Kevin is a published author, podcast host, and sits on the editorial board of This Old House magazine.

Prior to his television career Kevin practiced finance and most recently was a Senior Vice President at Bank of America. The balance of his finance career began in 1999 with BankBoston Sports Finance Group. Kevin received his MBA from Boston University and his BA from The College of the Holy Cross. He lives north of Boston with his wife and three children.

Senior Product Manager, Siteline

Modupe Akinnawonu is a Senior Product Manager at Siteline, a pay app and lien waiver management platform built for trade contractors. Previously, she was a senior product manager at Peloton, where she led teams focused on building features for their iOS and Android apps. She also worked as a product manager focused on mobile apps at The New York Times. She has spent the last two years living and breathing construction finance and has loved bringing her experience building technology to the industry.

Modupe has a BA in History and an MA in Economics from New York University and an MBA from Stanford University. She's also a member of the CFMA New York City chapter and lives in Brooklyn.

Partner, Wipfli

Kyle Aulerich is a partner with more than 18 years of experience in providing trusted business consulting services. He is attuned to the needs of various industries, from construction and real estate to wealth management and healthcare. In addition, Kyle advises his clients on technology modernization strategies. Clients appreciate his tailored approach to help them overcome challenges and meet their goals.

Director of Consulting, LBMC Technolofy Solutions

Stuart Blumenthal has over 30 years of accounting software experience. He is a recognized leader in the design, implementation, and support of ERP systems. From designing Sage’s original implementation methodology to implementing hundreds of companies worldwide, Blumenthal understands the complexities of transitioning to the cloud, especially around data migration and integrations.  Blumenthal is currently the Director of Consulting at LBMC, one of Microsoft’s and Sage’s Top Partners. 

CEO, Speedchain

Daniel Cage is the Chief Executive Officer of Speedchain, where he specializes in identifying and leveraging technology assets, financing their growth, and leading strategy for Speedchain market penetration.

Construction Brothers

Eddie started working in the construction field at 16 years old helping his dad out in the summer as a laborer, gofer, and broom engine. Out of that experience came one major epiphany. He thought to himself, "man I need to make sure I do well in college so I never have to go into construction."

26 years later he is a licensed general contractor, has a construction podcast with his brother Tyler, runs a BIM business, and builds stuff with his kids as much as possible.

Director of Strategic Partnerships, Stack

Kendyl Campbell is an accomplished partner executive with years of experience building and managing high-impact partnerships within the construction tech industry. Currently serving as the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Stack, Kendyl is focused on identifying new opportunities within the cloud ERP market, fostering strong reseller relationships, and driving revenue growth through collaborative initiatives. Before joining Stack in the world of preconstruction, Kendyl held a similar role developing the partner strategy at Assignar, a leading Field Service Management tool in the construction industry, where she was instrumental in developing strategic partnerships that expanded the company's market presence and delivered value to key stakeholders. With a passion for leveraging technology to solve complex business challenges, Kendyl brings a results-driven approach to her work and is dedicated to helping organizations scale and thrive through strategic alliances.

Construction Brothers

Tyler came into his family business, ABSI, as an apprentice beginning in early 2012. He worked with ABSI for 10 years, modeling and detailing medical office buildings, entertainment venues, industrial facilities, and other projects. During that time in the construction industry, Tyler fell in love with helping construction companies tell their stories through social media, podcasting, design, photography, and videography. He began to notice the difficulties construction companies have when hiring marketers. Marketers typically don't have industry experience, so the content that they create doesn't resonate as much as it could.

In 2021, Tyler launched Storybuilder. Storybuilder's mission is to help contractors tell their stories. He helps construction brands develop a strategy around social media, create content, clarify messaging, develop employee advocacy, and build influence.

President, Strategies Group

Daniel Collins is the President of Strategies Group, where he leads with a deep understanding of both technology and the construction industry. With more than a decade of experience as a technology consultant serving construction companies, Daniel has helped countless organizations modernize their operations, streamline workflows, and gain greater visibility across financial and field operations. Daniel is known for his ability to translate complex technical systems into clear business value, making him a trusted advisor to construction executives navigating growth and change. His vision and guidance have positioned Strategies Group as a strategic ally to contractors seeking not just software, but sustainable transformation.

Consultant, Lumber

Stephen brings a robust background in finance and technology to his role as a Solutions Consultant at Lumber. With five years as a CPA at EY, he developed a strong foundational understanding of complex financial operations. For the past five years, Stephen has specialized in the construction sector, serving as an in-house consultant for an electrical contractor and as an independent construction consultant. This dual experience has equipped him with a deep knowledge of construction accounting principles and the cutting-edge technologies that drive the industry. He is passionate about staying ahead of the curve with the latest software features and empowering construction companies to optimize and evolve their tech stack for maximum efficiency and growth.

Senior Business Directory, Hays

David Curran is a Senior Business Director for Hays, spearheading an Atlanta-based team dedicated to permanent and contract recruitment across the United States. With a career at Hays spanning 20 years, David began as an intern in the UK in 2005 before relocating to the US in 2019 to drive the expansion of the company’s stateside operations. His extensive expertise in staffing, headhunting, and executive search equips him to deliver tailored, high-impact talent acquisition and retention strategies for clients navigating the competitive construction finance landscape. David’s deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the construction finance sector enables him to connect clients with top-tier accounting and finance professionals. David’s proven track record and strategic insight make him a trusted partner for organizations seeking to build resilient, high-performing finance teams in an ever-evolving market.

Director, Brown Edwards

Craig is a director in the Charleston Office with over 12 years of public accounting experience providing assurance and consulting services for privately held businesses. He works primarily with the construction and engineering industries with focus areas in assurance services (audit, review, compilation, and various consulting engagements), construction industry financial reporting and consulting, contractor prequalification assistance, and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) audits and related consulting.

He is a graduate of Concord University with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting and Management.

Craig is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the West Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Construction Financial Management Association, Contractors Association of West Virginia.

RETC Product Manager, Tri-Merit

Barry has spent over 19 years advising clients on research and development (R&D) tax credit incentives. He has helped hundreds of companies successfully claim R&D tax credits and has saved taxpayers millions of dollars in federal and state research credits. He has extensive experience with building credits and incentives practices, and his roles have included project management, developing project processes and deliverables, audit representation, software development, and most recently, business development activities. Barry has experience in many industry sectors, such as architecture and engineering, manufacturing, computer science, and defense contractors.

Barry holds a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University New Orleans in psychology and marketing and an MBA in operations management/project management from Regis University in Denver, CO.

Fun Fact: Outside of work, Barry spends his time enjoying the Colorado Mountains: Skiing, hiking, fishing, and spending time with his wife and two kids.

Professional Speaker

As a professional speaker since 2012, Tyler has had the privilege to present at over 1000 live events. A determined entrepreneur from day one, he started his first business at the age of 17. While growing a small business into a successful enterprise proved to be an exciting challenge, by 2011 he was ready for a new endeavor. Tyler sold his business and went to work as a salesperson for a national training company where he became immersed in the field of public speaking. Initially a source of fear and nervousness, Tyler ultimately grew to love both public speaking and the professional development industry. As a result he soon became the top sales person in the organization, and eventually went on to hold the positions of regional and national director. In January 2018, he returned to the world of business ownership and launched Tyler Enslin International where he focuses full time on providing engaging practical content to audiences around the world. Tyler has been privileged to speak for hundreds of different organizations and companies ranging from Fortune 500 to small local businesses. He has also been a Talent Management Consultant for Johns Hopkins University since 2016 where he enjoys teaching a regular schedule of workshops to help promote the growth and development of their employees. Tyler views each event as a unique opportunity to help his participants and therefore he has a reputation for being relatable, engaging, and delivering a high level of practical value.

Senior Consultant, Ascent Consulting

Greg is a cross-trained professional with experience as a business consultant, operational & fractional CFO, and business process expert. He has sector-specific expertise in construction, real estate, development, and construction management. Greg’s broad expertise extends to company operations, project and corporate budgets, financial management, organizational changes and readiness, strategic planning, risk assessment, and corporate governance.

Director of Sales, Corpay

Brent is the Director of Sales for Corpay, where he provides construction companies with smarter ways to track, manage, and pay their expenses. With over 15 years in the payments industry, he leads the construction vertical in Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Brent works closely with companies to automate their AP processes, mitigate risk, and streamline operations with Corpay, one of the largest payment companies globally, and Mastercard’s #1 B2B commercial issuer in North America. A Tennessee native, Brent graduated from the University of Tennessee and lives in Nashville with his wife Stephanie and their daughter.

Lead, Carr, Riggs, Ingram

Jeff Hawkins, with over 20 years of experience in public accounting, specializes in transaction advisory services for buyers and sellers in the middle and lower-middle market sectors.

As the lead of our Transaction Advisory Services team out of Atlanta, GA, Jeff is primarily focused on helping his clients with a successful transfer of a business. While his extensive experience spans various sectors, including manufacturing, distribution, dealerships, and rental equipment, Jeff spends the majority of this time on TICC (testing, inspection, certification, and compliance).

President, Reputation Management, LLC

Anthony Huey, CSP®, is a highly-rated international speaker who offers session attendees pragmatic communications tools, tips and techniques they can use immediately. Anthony has presented more than 3,500 paid communications workshops, seminars and speeches in his career, and was named a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) by The National Speakers Association, an honor awarded to less than 12% of its speakers worldwide.

Anthony’s 25-year career includes tenures as a news reporter and senior editor, crisis management specialist, media relations consultant and executive speech coach. He owns Reputation Management, LLC, one of the nation’s leading communications training and crisis consulting companies.

His past client work includes a wide variety of advertising, public relations and communications initiatives for hundreds of trade associations, municipalities and companies, including Nike, Victoria’s Secret, Eli Lilly, Nationwide Insurance, The Kroger Company, Procter & Gamble, and many more.

Anthony holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from The Ohio State University.

Director, Forvis Mazars

Ryan Kauzlick is a Director at Forvis Mazars (forvismazars.us) in Indianapolis, IN.  Ryan has more than 20 years of experience digitally transforming organization through fast-moving engagements with Fortune 500 companies, Non-Profits, Small & Medium Businesses, and the largest federal agencies in the US Government. Ryan’s focus has been helping customers build actionable business strategies and solution architectures to enable business success through the use of technology. Ryan has led award-winning projects to develop and deliver business and technology solutions using Microsoft solution sets to modernize, automate, and streamline business operations. ​

 ​Ryan currently leads the Forvis Mazars Insights & Automation (I&A) practice focused on, “Finding ways of using Technology that deliver insights and create operational efficiencies where customers never thought possible.”

Regional Business Development Director, Tri-Merit

Rob Kling is a Regional Director for Tri-Merit based in Atlanta, GA. He’s focused on bringing tax credit solutions to Georgia companies and CPA firms. Previously, Rob was a partner and co-founder of an accounting firm specializing in taxes with over 15 years of experience helping companies realize savings through the R&D tax credit and the energy-efficient building credit (179D). Rob is also a member of the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance, where he frequently participates at their networking eventsfor Tri-Merit based in Atlanta, GA. He’s focused on bringing tax credit solutions to Georgia companies and CPA firms.

Previously, Rob was a partner and co-founder of an accounting firm specializing in taxes with over 15 years of experience helping companies realize savings through the R&D tax credit and the energy-efficient building credit (179D). Rob is also a member of the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance, where he frequently participates at their networking events.

Southeast Regional Director, Corpay

Erica is the Southeast Regional Director for the construction team at Corpay, where she helps contractors manage everyday expenses while driving efficiencies, mitigating risk, and positively impacting their bottom lines. With 18 years in the payments industry, including the last eight at Corpay, she is based in Birmingham, AL, with her husband of 12 years and their two children, Gavin (9) and Landyn (6). Erica enjoys spending time with her family, attending her kids' extracurricular activities like baseball and soccer, and volunteering with her church and a local organization called Magic Moments, which supports children with life-threatening conditions. She graduated from Auburn University in 2003 with a degree in marketing.

Leading Technology Partner, Strategies Group

Salina Patel is a recognized leader in construction technology and digital transformation, helping construction companies streamline operations, enhance profitability, and scale with confidence through modern ERP systems. At Strategies Group, a leading technology partner for construction firms across the Southeast, Salina plays a critical role in guiding contractors through the complex process of evaluating and implementing cloud-based business management solutions. Her deep understanding of both field and back-office construction challenges, combined with her practical expertise in platforms like Acumatica Construction Edition, has made her a trusted advisor to CFOs, controllers, and project managers seeking real-time visibility into project performance, job costs, and financials.

Co-founder, Lumber

Lou Perez is the co-founder of Lumber, a construction technology company at the forefront of digital transformation in the built environment. With a career that spans professional athletics, hands-on carpentry, and now tech entrepreneurship, Lou brings a unique and grounded perspective to solving the challenges that plague the construction industry today. Before co-founding Lumber, Lou worked as a carpenter, gaining firsthand experience with the inefficiencies and bottlenecks that slow down projects and squeeze margins. That boots-on-the-ground understanding fuels his passion for innovation and his mission to modernize construction through intuitive, AI-powered solutions. At Lumber, he leads strategy and vision, helping to build tools that not only support contractors in the field but also empower financial leaders to make faster, smarter decisions. He is a passionate advocate for using artificial intelligence and large language models (LLMs) to tackle legacy problems in new ways, delivering real ROI to builders, CFOs, and project teams alike.

EVP & Director of Underwriting Services, Brown & Brown

Dave does his best work on a stage as he is a true ‘showman’. Dave is the EVP and director of underwriting services @ B&B. In his role, he develops and maintains financial tools and methods that improve our clients’ ability to effectively manage employer-sponsored health plans. He is actively involved in managing key accounts which represent up to 620,000 members.

Principal & Senior Consultant, Ascent Consulting

Jeff has over three decades of experience in commercial general contracting, development, project management, operations, and finance.

During his career in construction operations, Jeff was directly responsible for directly delivering over $500M in project value and managing business units with over $150M annual volume in a corporate leadership capacity.

Director, Forvis Mazars

Kathryn Schneider is a Director at Forvis Mazars (forvismazars.us) in Newport, RI. With more than 25 years as a technology evangelist, Kathryn serves as a trusted advisor and industry ambassador. She leverages her knowledge and deep industry experience to advise companies on rationalizing their existing tech stack, identifying redundancies, and strategically selecting tools that align with business goals. By simplifying and consolidating technology resources, Kathryn helps organizations achieve cost savings, agility, and improved performance.

She serves on the Construction Financial Management Association Maine Chapter Board and is actively involved with numerous industry associations, such as Women in Manufacturing (WiM) and Women in Technology (WIT). She also volunteers her time with local clean water nonprofits.

She is a summa cum laude graduate of University of New Hampshire, with a B.S. degree in Business Administration.

Partner, Carr, Riggs, Ingram

Jeff has been serving middle market and real estate investment companies in public accounting for 20 years. Jeff is a partner in our Transactions Advisory Services and Assurance Practice, out of Atlanta, GA.

For Transaction Advisory Services, Jeff represents both buyers and sellers of middle market and lower-middle market companies focusing in healthcare, manufacturing and distribution, contractors and other business service related companies. In the Real Estate space he represents institutional, private equity and family office investors.

President, Big Blue Innovations (BBI)

Jay is the president of Big Blue Innovations (BBI), a consulting firm to construction and technology companies. BBI helps companies improve management and use of construction technologies through technology planning, software selection & implementation, data integration, and part-time CTO services, typically resulting in reduced tech spend, more efficient systems, and higher employee engagement.

Jay has been in the construction industry throughout his career. He has operations expertise as a senior vice-president of operations of a general contractor, corporate director of planning, design and construction for a healthcare system, founder of a prequalification software startup, and founder of FMI’s technology and innovation practice.

Jay earned a bachelor’s degree in construction management from SUNY ESF at Syracuse University, a Master of Business Administration from Emory University and post-graduate studies at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a decorated military officer, serving as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force Reserve.

Chief Sales Officer, HUB

Craig Tappel is Chief Sales Officer and Leader of HUB’s Construction Practice. In this role, Craig partners with HUB leaders and producers supporting the growth of the practice and HUB clients across North America. He brings years of experience to his role including past work with consulting, brokerage, and underwriting organizations.

Craig’s professional designations include Construction Risk Insurance Specialist, Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter, Associate in Reinsurance and Certified Public Accountant. He received his BA from the Louisiana Scholars College and an MBA from Duke University Fuqua School of Business where he graduated with honors.

Craig volunteers for the Tennessee Society of CPA's, the CPCU Society, as a Board Member of the Society of Insurance Trainers & Educators and an Independent Insurance Agents of America Virtual University Expert Faculty member.

Senior Manager, Brown Edwards

Eddie is a senior manager in the Charleston office with over 20 years of public accounting experience. His concentration has been in accounting and assurance services with a heavy concentration in construction and related industries. Eddie is also experienced in the private sector of the construction industry in the controller position. In addition, he has extensive experience dealing with the financial and business issues of privately held companies. He has worked closely with all sizes of businesses, particularly in the construction industry. He is also the host of the Brown Edwards Construct-ive Conversation podcast.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting from West Virginia State University.

Eddie is a member of the Construction Financial Management Association, Contractors Financial Industry Professionals, an associate member of the Contractors’ Association of WV, the Constructors’ Labor Council of West Virginia, the Kanawha Valley Builders Association, the Associated Builders and Contractors of WV as well as a member of the Young Contractors Association and Legislative Committees for the CAWV. Eddie has spoken at several conferences and engagements, including the WV Contractor’s Expo, Brown Edwards In-House and External conferences, and events for the Contractors’ Association of WV.

Insight Insurance Services

Dave Toeben has worked with business owners for over 25 years, helping them address the challenges of business continuity planning. He focuses on guiding construction companies with their succession planning and creating strategies to protect both people and operations in the event of a key leader’s unexpected loss.

Dave was born and raised in Minnesota and, for the past eight years, has lived in Franklin, Tennessee. He has been married to Angela for 17 years.   Dave enjoys traveling, golf, and family.  

Professor of Economics, Kennesaw State University

Roger Tutterow is Professor of Economics at Kennesaw State University where he holds the Henssler Financial Endowed Chair.

His analysis of the economic, business and political environments have been featured in a variety of media including Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Business Week, Forbes, USA Today, Atlanta Journal Constitution, Arizona Republic, Florida Times-Union, Kansas City Star, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Orlando Sentinel, Palm Beach Post, Wichita Eagle and on CNN, CNBC, NBC, Bloomberg Television, NPR’s “Marketplace” and “All Things Considered,” CNN-Radio as well as by regional electronic and print media.

In addition to his work in academia, Dr. Tutterow has served as a consultant on financial economics and statistical modeling for corporate clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to closely held businesses. He has provided expert testimony on economic, financial and statistical matters in state and federal court, before the Georgia General Assembly and before the Georgia Public Service Commission. Dr. Tutterow has given several hundred speeches to professional groups in over 40 states and Canada on topics in the economic, business and political arenas.

Dr. Tutterow served on the Council of Economic Advisors, under Georgia Governors Sonny Perdue, Nathan Deal and Brian Kemp. In 2010, he was named to the Special Council on Tax Reform and Fairness for Georgians, which conducted a comprehensive review of Georgia’s Tax Code. In addition, Dr. Tutterow serves on the Georgia Child Support Commission, the Cobb County Public Employees’ Pension Board and the Board of Trustees of Berry College. He previously served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vinings Bank, on the Southern Region Board of Directors for the American Red Cross Blood Services and the Board of Directors for Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Atlanta. He was selected by Georgia Trend magazine as a “notable Georgian” and as one of “Georgia’s Most Influential” by James magazine.

A Georgia native, Dr. Tutterow holds a B.S. in Decision Science from Berry College and a M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics from Georgia State University. Prior to joining Kennesaw State University, Dr. Tutterow held faculty and administrative appointments at West Virginia University, Georgia State University and Mercer University. He has also served as a visiting professor at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and at the Institute for Industrial Policy Studies in Seoul, South Korea.