The Topo Team

Why did you decide to start Topo?

Early stage founders need great finance and accounting business partners, and I saw that there was a lack of great partners in the market.

What’s your favorite thing about working with startups?

The variability — there’s always something new!

Where did you grow up? And how did it impact you?

Indiana — people from Indiana are generally hard working but value relationships. I try to bring that to the relationships we have with our clients.

What do you do in your free time?

I am a massive sports fan and like to get outside as much as possible.

In the spirit of the outdoors, Topo, and adventure, what’s your favorite spot?

Beaches on Lake Michigan

Why did you decide to join Topo?

After juggling finance and operations for a seed stage start up, I knew first hand there was a need for the services Topo provides. I had several contractors I worked with to complete the finance needs at Qualifi, so the thought of having one firm manage the accounting, modeling, fundraising, etc. sounded amazing. Let alone having this firm act as a team member rather than a contractor with full ownership of the finances.

Favorite thing about working with startups?

Constant change! You never know what will be thrown at you next. 

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

President.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Unplug and connect with nature! Yoga, rock climbing, walking the dog — you name it, if it's outside I am probably in.

In the spirit of the outdoors, Topo, and adventure, what’s your favorite spot?

The ideal spot to be is next to a lake in the mountains. Best of both worlds. I dream of camping in Banff National Park on an annual basis.

Why did you decide to join Topo?

I was excited about the opportunity to work so closely with many different companies to expand my knowledge of accounting. I also felt that a unique opportunity like this was too good to pass up, and I'm happy to say that I was right!

Favorite thing about working with startups?

I like that processes are flexible, and that making them more efficient is one of our top priorities. It helps make me really feel like a part of the company and establishes our commitment to working our hardest for our clients.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a nurse! That is very funny to me now because I don't think I could handle the needles or injuries.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to workout with my husband, spend time with our friends, read a good non-fiction book, and, when the weather is nice,  spend time being active outside.

In the spirit of the outdoors, Topo, and adventure, what’s your favorite spot?

I would definitely have to say Kauai, Hawaii! My husband and I had the privilege of going there for our honeymoon and it ruined every other vacation spot for us! It has the best of both worlds — mountains and beaches — and the weather is hard to beat!

Before Topo, where did you work and what did you do?

Prior to joining Topo, I worked in public accounting for seven years. I was an Audit Manager in Crowe's technology, media, and telecommunication industry vertical.

What do you love about what you do?

I love working with a team to reach a common goal. I also love using numbers to help paint a picture to drive decisions.

Where did you go to school, and what did you study?

I went to Coastal Carolina University and studied accounting. I also was a member of the Women's Basketball team!

Any words of wisdom you live by?

The golden rule- treat others the way you want to be treated!

In the spirit of the outdoors, Topo, and adventure, what’s your favorite spot?

Anywhere outside on a walk with my doggie by my side- personal favorite local spot is the Monon trail.

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Why did you join Topo?

I decided to join Topo because I want to be a part of an emerging company where I can contribute my expertise that will help the company to continuously grow while also developing my career growth.

What do you love most about what you do?

I love accounting because I really want to help clients make decisions by making their financial statements accurate and done with integrity.  My work really gives me motivation especially when I encounter complexities because I view it as a challenge that will eventually help me learn. 

What's the best advice you've ever received?

Let go of things you can't control.

In the spirit of the outdoors, Topo, and adventure, what’s your favorite spot?

Mount Tarak. I went hiking and it was exhilarating because I was afraid of heights, but still did it.

What do you love about what you do?

The tangible growth you witness - from the number of staff, to office space expanding or a brick & mortar store being built, to the pure financial growth of revenue and profitability over time.

What do you like to do in your free time?

My wife and I love getting outdoors - hiking, kayaking, going to parks with our two goldendoodles. It's our goal to hit all of the major national parks - we even have our passport book and collect the stamps at each park we make it to. We've learned that climbing mountains is a shared hobby of ours!

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Professional baseball player

Any words of wisdom you live by?

Continue to try - it is the easiest and hardest thing to do at times, but if we keep doing it, we will continue to grow.

In the spirit of the outdoors, Topo, and adventure, what’s your favorite spot?

Dale Hollow Lake in Tennessee. I've been going there since I was a baby and it's the one place I know I can always relax.

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What do you love about what you do?

I love the impact we have on decisions that help a business succeed and grow! When businesses we work with succeed, that has a tangible impact by creating new jobs. 

What’s something you’re proud of?

Before my career in business, I was an IndyCar driver and qualified for the 2018 and 2019 Indy 500's. 

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a veterinarian as a kid because I love animals.

Any words of wisdom you live by?

Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. 

In the spirit of the outdoors, Topo, and adventure, what’s your favorite spot?

I've become an avid angler in the last few years, so my favorite outdoors spot would be in my kayak on a lake in Michigan.

What’s your favorite thing about working with startups?

My favorite thing about working with startups are the founders and their excitement about the impact their product will have on their communities. 

What's the best advice you've ever received?

People don't care what you know until they know that you care.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Firefighter

What do you do in your free time?

I love spending time with my wife and friends in addition to playing basketball, golf and grilling out. 

In the spirit of the outdoors, Topo, and adventure, what’s your favorite spot?

I love Colorado in the Summer. After graduating high school, my friends and I took a road trip to Estes Park and camped out for a week. The views were breathtaking and the experience was a ton of fun.