Meet the Tax Titans leadership team. We’re a team of passionate tax professionals with a proven track record of success. We leverage our deep industry expertise to navigate the ever-changing tax landscape and ensure you achieve the best possible outcome.
Alan Blakeborough “Blake” as his friends and colleagues refer to him, is a serial entrepreneur. One of the crazy ones. He has an accounting degree and calls himself a recovering accountant. He is also a military mustang (enlisted converted to officer). He has served as both an infantry officer (yes, he jumped out of perfectly good airplanes) and a tank officer.
He created the Olympic fencing school model in the USA in 1994, Knights of Siena, after he left the military and has opened over 60 fencing academies over the past 30 years (God, I’m old). After winning a gold medal with his teammates at the 1994 Olympic Festival in St. Louis, he began a plan to disrupt the sport of fencing. He launched the first and only attempt at a Professional Fencing League in the world in 1998 in Saratoga Springs, NY, the event was on ABC for four glorious months. Unfortunately, it could not generate enough sponsorship funds to continue (fundraising is tough). Best $500k he ever lost.
David is an entrepreneur and business leader with over 20 years of experience helping companies accelerate their business through process, people, and profitability.
He specializes in building and managing blockchain networks, near sourcing, technology integration services, and cost-effective solutions.
David has a passion for creating business plans from nothing, building businesses, creating jobs, and solving problems the world did not know it had.
As a team leader, he works with his collaborators to strive to positively impact clients and approach the work with integrity and enthusiasm. He is very thankful to have the opportunity to be a part of so many businesses and organizations and is excited to continue to make a difference in the world.
Angel Investor | Investing in Early Stage Startups and Helping Them Reach Their Highest Valuation
Shannon Hay has extensive expertise in commercial lending and accounting firm acquisitions. As the Senior Vice President at United Midwest Savings Bank, Shannon specializes in providing financing solutions tailored to the unique needs of accounting professionals nationwide.
With a career spanning over three decades, Shannon has established himself as a trusted advisor and industry expert, having facilitated nearly 400 accounting firm acquisitions. His comprehensive understanding of deal structures, valuation, and transaction processes positions him as a sought-after partner for those seeking to achieve their acquisition or firm expansion goals.
Throughout his career, Shannon has demonstrated a commitment to customer-centric service, delivering personalized guidance and tailored loan options to CPAs, EAs, investors, brokers, attorneys, and consultants. He is known for his collaborative approach. Before joining United Midwest Savings Bank, Shannon held key leadership roles at leading financial institutions, including Live Oak Bank and United Community Bank, where he honed his expertise in SBA lending and business development within the accounting industry. He is deeply passionate about empowering accounting professionals to achieve their financial objectives and provides unparalleled support throughout every stage of the firm acquisition process.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Shannon is an active participant in industry events and discussions, sharing his insights and expertise to contribute to the succession of the accounting profession. He is committed to driving positive change and growth for his clients and partners.
Camden is a technologist and entrepreneur at his core and brings with him over a decade of multifaceted experience spanning across apparel/textiles, technology incubation, enterprise software, digital transformation and agriculture. He is an active investor and advisor in emerging technologies specializing in web3, artificial intelligence (AI) and other disruptive innovations.
His expertise includes distributed ledger technologies, blockchain and tokenization, with a depth of understanding around the regulatory landscape and adoption of digital assets and web3 at large.
Camden prides himself in being a connector and an innovator, spotting trends early on and guiding founders, executives and creators to seize opportunities effectively. He believes in the power of AI and web3-centric technologies which represent the next chapter across all industries.
Camden is the Founder & Managing Partner of ATEM Labs, a tech incubator focused on innovation in emerging technologies through advisory, origination, incubation, and strategic investments.
In addition to his work in the technology sector, Camden is deeply involved in agriculture as the Co-Founder of Grazed Provisions, a pasture-raised meats and provisions company based in Indiantown, Florida. Grazed Provisions is dedicated to improving animal well-being, promoting human health, and championing land regeneration through holistic ranching methods.
As the former Chief Operating Officer of one of the Top 30 CPA firms in the Nation, and 25 year veteran in public accounting, I have worked with top management in overseeing day-to-day operations and ensured efficiency and profitability. I truly understand the inner workings and executive decision making factors of the mid-sized firm. Additionally, my accounting experience includes audit work in a Big Four firm, tax work in a large international firm, as well as experience as the COO/CFO of a law firm. I have also served as a general partner in a restaurant/real estate venture. I have authored articles and have been a featured speaker for the Association of Legal Administrators NYC Chapter.
I am a member of the NYSSCPAs, immediate past Chair of the Management of the Profession Oversight Committee, an active member of the Large and Medium Firm Practice Management Committee and former Chair of the Human Resource Committee. I was the Conference Chair of the Foundation for Accounting Education’s 2010 and 2009 Practice Management Conference and the 2008 and 2007 CFOs, Controllers, and Financial Executive Conference.
With 23 years of experience in the tax software industry, Michael Jenkins has a proven track record in tax software development, regulatory compliance, and clearly understands the demands and requirements placed on tax professionals, which he served daily. He has a strong background in leading teams and driving product innovation. Michael brings a wealth of industry knowledge and strategic insight, making him a valuable addition to the board.
With a quarter-century of experience, Mr. Stielow has established himself as a distinguished expert in cybersecurity and enterprise risk management. His expertise spans across critical sectors, notably healthcare and finance, where he has led cybersecurity teams through risk mitigation efforts and privacy regulation compliance. His leadership roles in these high-stakes verticals underscore his deep understanding of the complexities and evolving challenges in protecting organizations and the people they serve.
Embracing an entrepreneurial spirit, Mr. Stielow has contributed to economic growth and innovation. Through strategic investments in real estate and small businesses, he supports the development of local economies. With a focus on creating jobs and stimulating new markets, his leadership and investments benefit the broader community.
Matt is a seasoned business leader with a diverse background spanning multiple industries and ventures, including founder of technology and real estate organizations. Matt’s credentials include Co-Founder and Principal of DAS, a technology company with over three decades of operation and a notable exit, in the late 90s. Recognizing this trend early on, Matt capitalized on the technology boom, scaling the organization and positioning it for an exit. After the non-compete period, Matt and his co-founder re-launched DAS, which continues to thrive as an award-winning digital transformation software and services solutions provider.
Matt excels in sales management, resource planning, strategic partnerships and contract negotiations in driving the organization’s success. Matt’s influence extends beyond DAS as he actively invests in and advises various technology startups, contributing to growth and navigating across the tech landscape. His guidance and mentorship have been invaluable to these emerging technology companies. With a passion for innovation and a keen eye for opportunity, Matt continues to make significant contributions to the business world, driving growth and transformation in every venture he’s been involved with over the years.
