MEET OUR SPEAKERS

What Key Metrics Every Business Needs for Financial Visibility

Join Ben Godinez, Market President at NOW CFO, as he breaks down the essential financial indicators that every business owner should track to make smarter, data-driven decisions. Ben will explain how these core metrics provide clarity, highlight risks, and uncover opportunities for growth. You'll walk away with a practical understanding of how to monitor your company’s financial health and drive long-term success.

NOW CFO is a full-service consulting firm offering hands-on support in CFO, controller, and accounting services. With a “roll up your sleeves” mentality, NOW CFO’s professionals work directly with client teams to resolve financial challenges and deliver solutions that fuel growth.

Underinsured & Exposed: The California Cyber Threat, with Jon Cooper

Join Brian King and Jon Cooper, CEO of Total Secure Technology, as they discuss the fundamentals of cyber liability insurance, including what it covers, why it's essential for businesses of all sizes, and how the evolving threat landscape — ransomware, phishing, and data breaches — has made this coverage a critical part of any risk management strategy.

Kern Insurance Associates delivers personalized insurance solutions that align with the unique needs of businesses, employees, and family legacies. As a partner of Trucordia (formerly PCF Insurance Services), Kern offers access to a broad network of local and national carriers. With deep industry knowledge and strong carrier relationships, Kern provides strategic protection across a wide range of industries.

Navigating the Business Wealth Cycle in a Shifting Tax Landscape, with Peter Holtz

Join Graham Gaerlan and Peter Holtz, CPA/CTP as they discuss strategies for managing and growing business wealth throughout different stages of the business lifecycle, with a focus on adapting to evolving tax laws and regulations.

The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America is a mutual life insurance company founded in 1860 and headquartered in New York City. One of the largest U.S. mutual insurers, it's owned by its policyholders — not shareholders — and serves millions with a broad portfolio of products, including life, disability, dental, vision, annuities, investments, and employee benefits.

Underinsured & Exposed: The California Cyber Threat,
with Brian King

Join Jon Cooper and Brian King, Senior Broker at Kern Insurance Associates, as they discuss the fundamentals of cyber liability insurance, including what it covers, why it's essential for businesses of all sizes, and how the evolving threat landscape — ransomware, phishing, and data breaches — has made this coverage a critical part of any risk management strategy.

Total Secure Technology has served the Sacramento area for over 25 years, providing comprehensive Managed IT Services and Managed Security Services (MSSP). As a trusted partner for small and mid-sized businesses, they act as a fully outsourced IT department — delivering both cybersecurity and day-to-day IT support.

Top 5 Employer Related Lawsuits

Join Leslie Perry for a discussion about the five most commonly filed employer-related lawsuits and the steps you can take as a business owner to avoid them. She’ll break down real-world examples and share proactive strategies that can help protect your business, minimize risk, and foster a compliant, employee-friendly workplace.

Employed with BBSI since 1995, Leslie leads an internal team that works alongside clients to help them articulate and realize the vision they have for their business. BBSI is a national, publicly traded, Human Capital & Business Management Solutions organization. Concurrently, Leslie is the Managing Director of a division of BBSI called HR ONLY, which places interim, interim to hire and direct hire HR professionals with reputable organizations.

Thryv in Marketing (SEO, Marketing, Google, AI)

Join Monica Hall for a lesson in getting discovered online, landing more sales, and growing efficiently with Thryv's award-winning software for small businesses.

Monica Hall is a dynamic speaker, author, entrepreneur, and founder of several industry-leading companies, with over 20 years of experience as a Business Advisor at Thryv, a publicly traded leader in small business marketing and software solutions. Backed by Thryv’s century-long legacy and a client base of approximately 400,000 small businesses, she brings real-world strategies that deliver measurable results.

Navigating the Business Wealth Cycle in a Shifting Tax Landscape, with Graham Gaerlan

Join Peter Holtz, CPA/CTP and Graham Gaerlan as they discuss strategies for managing and growing business wealth throughout different stages of the business lifecycle, with a focus on adapting to evolving tax laws and regulations.

Peter Holtz CPA is one of the Top 400 Accounting Firms in the U.S. Backed by a team of expert CPAs and CTPs, the firm specializes in proactive tax planning and strategic financial solutions designed to help businesses reduce tax liability, maximize savings, and achieve long-term financial success.

Exit & Succession Business Planning, with Ricardo Aguilera

Join Rhett and Ricardo as they share strategies to help business owners prepare for a successful exit and long-term financial security. With most Boomer-owned businesses set to transition in the coming years — and the majority failing to sell — this session will cover how to assess value, close key financial gaps, and align personal goals with exit options.

Rhett Kniep, M&AMI, CM&AP, CBI, and CEPA heads Centurion 7 Business Advisors, a team of certified consultants providing business optimization, valuation, exit planning, and mergers & acquisition services to privately-held businesses across multiple western states. Rhett has sold a wide variety of businesses for over 18 years, and performed an active role in the design, construction, development, marketing, and selling of business enterprises, commercial buildings, multi-family developments, raw land, and subdivisions.

Exit & Succession Business Planning, with Rhett Kniep

Join Ricardo and Rhett as they share strategies to help business owners prepare for a successful exit and long-term financial security. With most Boomer-owned businesses set to transition in the coming years — and the majority failing to sell — this session will cover how to assess value, close key financial gaps, and align personal goals with exit options.

Ricardo brings decades of business and financial experience, along with CEPA®, ChFC®, and CLU® credentials. Through his position at Edward Jones, Ricardo partners with clients and advisory teams to guide businesses through smooth, well-prepared transitions, helping owners secure their legacy and set up future success.

Breaking the Silence: Addressing Mental Health in the Workplace

Join Rita Rasuli, MS as she explores the essential role of mental health in building stronger, more resilient workplaces. You'll gain insight into fostering a culture of empathy through practical strategies and best practices that support mental wellness at every level of an organization.

SJCOE is a regional agency committed to educational leadership and student success. Through tailored programs and strategic support, SJCOE helps school districts meet the needs of their communities, ensuring that every student has access to opportunity, wellness, and a path forward.