Archives: team-member

Excellence in Finance Award Winner –James A Jones, CEO, IRAeXchange.net. James A. Jones is a Senior Vice President of Investor Relations, Board Advisor, Founder, and Angel Investor with a primary focus on assisting investors in achieving financial independence through tax-efficient investing strategies. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Jones has a strong background in the financial industry, particularly in the realm of retirement planning. With a wealth of experience, James has been instrumental in driving innovation in the industry, particularly in the development of alternative IRA solutions aimed at empowering individuals to secure their financial future. He is renowned for his pioneering work in Self-Directed IRAs, which has played a crucial role in making Wall Street more accessible to everyday investors. Through his dedication and expertise, Jones has helped over 30,000 retail IRA owners generate tax-free income for life, thus enabling them to build a secure financial foundation. His collaborations with leading retirement experts have further solidified his position as a trusted authority in the field, providing valuable education through webinars, speaking engagements, articles, and whitepapers in top-tier publications. In addition to his role in finance, James is also a bestselling author, speaker, and coach, sharing his insights and knowledge on tax-efficient investing with a wide audience. His three Amazon bestselling e-books stand as a testament to his commitment to educating and empowering investors to make informed financial decisions. Overall, James A. Jones’s dedication to financial empowerment, coupled with his innovative approach to retirement planning, has positioned him as a respected figure in the industry. With a focus on driving positive change and enhancing financial literacy, he continues to make a significant impact on the lives of investors seeking to achieve financial freedom. About IRAeXchange.net. In 2012, IRAeXchange launched the industry’s first and now largest artificial intelligence-based community and educational resource for using retirement accounts to invest in the new alternative investment offerings. We are leaders in technology automation and integration. IRAeXchange is dedicated to making it easier for you understand how to invest your retirement funds in alternative asset offerings. These offerings were previously only available to wealthy investors, institutions, and family offices, but are now available to the public. Website:   https://www.iraexchange.net

Excellence in Finance Technology Award Winner – Evan Salter, CEO, Métis Financial Corporation of BC Evan Salter is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in finance and business development. Currently based in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, Evan holds the titles of CPA and CMA, showcasing his expertise in financial management. With a strong track record in executive roles within the financial sector, Evan has amassed over five years of valuable experience in roles that have honed his skills in financial accounting, financial statements, and managerial finance. His past experiences have equipped him with the knowledge and strategic mindset required to excel in his current position as a Business Development Executive and Financial Manager. Evan’s leadership shines through in his role as the CEO of Métis Financial Corporation of BC, where he led a dedicated team focused on providing essential financial services and solutions to Métis entrepreneurs and communities across the province. Leveraging his Indigenous Leadership Certificate from Harvard Business School, Evan applied the principles of Indigenous governance, culture, and values to steer the organization towards success. Passionate about empowering Métis individuals to achieve economic self-reliance and prosperity, Evan’s mission is deeply rooted in facilitating access to capital, education, and mentorship. His commitment to advancing the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples in Canada and beyond is evident in his collaborative efforts with various Indigenous organizations, governments, and stakeholders aimed at creating positive social and economic impacts. Driven by a desire to create meaningful change and make a difference in the lives of others, Evan Salter is a dedicated professional whose unique blend of financial expertise, leadership skills, and passion for Indigenous advocacy sets him apart in the business landscape. About Métis Financial Corporation of BC The Métis Financial Corporation of BC was established by Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) as a result of an agreement with the department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). MNBC is the sole shareholder of MFCBC. The Métis Financial Corporation of BC is Métis owned and governed by a board of directors that is comprised of five persons. The Métis Financial Corporation of BC’s mission is to provide trusted financial services for Métis entrepreneurs in BC. The Métis Financial Corporation of BC’s vision is to be Métis entrepreneur’s financer of choice and to position Métis entrepreneurs and businesses to be able to fully participate in new and future economic opportunities. Their mandate and structure permit them to provide loans to Métis entrepreneurs that commercial lenders such as banks and credit unions may not be able to provide. Métis Financial Corporation of BC seeks to strengthen the Métis economy through economically viable Métis owned and controlled businesses.

Excellence in Finance Award Winner – Timothy Hillert, CEO, BenXchange Harnessing 15 years of licensed experience in the finance and insurance sector, I have successfully merged entrepreneurial skills with corporate knowledge to drive exceptional outcomes. My expertise lies in orchestrating operational transformations, expanding businesses, strategically positioning in markets, and achieving substantial profit growth, catalyzing the exponential success of both startups and established companies. Recognized for my forward-thinking vision and ability to cultivate essential partnerships, I serve as a trusted advisor to stakeholders, executives, and board members. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, I consistently establish the foundation for advancing transformational projects and fostering collaborations that fuel sustained growth. As a business owner, I embrace risks and rewards, drawing insights from a variety of industries and international clients. My leadership style combines hands-on experience with visionary thinking, allowing me to execute innovative strategies within intricate corporate environments while navigating compliance and financial complexities adeptly. In addition, my commitment to enhancing strategic leadership is evident through my involvement in multiple Advisory Boards. Contributing strategic insights to shape the vision and direction of diverse organizations, I am dedicated to catalyzing informed strategies and nurturing a culture of excellence across sectors. Some highlights of my career include steering 50% year-over-year growth through innovative strategies and sales funnel implementations, generating organic sales growth in both B2B and B2C markets. I have also delivered cost savings exceeding $5M for companies by optimizing employee benefits, implementing effective insurance strategies, and reducing administrative expenses during my tenure as co-founder and CEO of BenXchange. My accomplishments have been recognized with accolades such as the Small Business Big Impact Awards in 2019, The Pennsylvania State University (Berks) Outstanding Young Alumni Awards in 2018, and the International Start-Up of the Year Awards in 2015. I eagerly anticipate connecting with thought leaders, decision-makers, and professionals with similar mindsets. Let’s collaborate and explore how I can contribute to the growth and success of your organization. About BenXchange BeneXchange’s mission is to improve the information retrieval from the Financial and Insurance Providers. As well as provide a marketplace for users to acquire Insurance and Financial products seamlessly with ease and without bias. BeneXchange is a new Software Company that will provide user friendly customer fully automated interface that will allow the subscribers to search for the following: – Health Insurance – Dental Insurance -Vision Care Insurance – 401k and Other Retirement Options – Workers Compensation – General Liability, Auto, and Home Insurance – Life Insurance, Key Man and Buy Sell Policies – Disability Insurance (Group and Individual) – Long Term Care Insurance – Payroll – HR Solutions – Professional Employer Organizations – International Coverages – Other Types of Specialty Coverages

Excellence in Finance Award Winner – Heather Wagy, COO, Siskiyou Central Credit Union About Siskiyou Central Credit Union Their main goal for the year 2018 was to build loan portfolio; the quickest route we saw for this was to work on our auto loans. We have been associated with CUDL for some time but really only had a handful or so a month come through. Our local dealership went through an ownership change and we looked at this a prime opportunity. We had a relationship with the previous owner but struggled with the dealership to create the partnership we desired. The new owners, Yreka Motors were very excited to create a local partnership with a credit union. In the beginning of our partnership we were at 42% loan to shares and in 8 short months we have grown to 69% loan to shares with 80% of our lending portfolio coming from our local dealership. Website: http://www.siskiyoucu.org

Excellence in Finance Technology Award Winner – Victoria Bogner, CEO, McDaniel Knutson Financial Partners Victoria Bogner is a highly qualified professional with impressive credentials, holding designations such as CFP®, CFA, and AIF®. Currently serving as the Director of Client Experience at Allworth Financial, she brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to her role. Victoria’s educational background includes studies at Kansas State University, showcasing her commitment to continuous learning and professional development. With over 8,222 followers and 500+ connections, Victoria is a respected figure in the financial industry. Her affiliations with McDaniel Knutson Financial Partners/Affinity Financial Advisors demonstrate her experience in offering securities and advisory services through reputable organizations like Cetera Advisor Networks LLC. As a Registered Representative, she ensures that clients receive top-notch service and guidance in their financial endeavors. Based in Lawrence, Kansas, Victoria operates within the framework of regulatory bodies such as FINRA and SIPC to ensure compliance and ethical practices in her services. Her role at Affinity Financial Advisors, a Registered Investment Advisor, reflects her dedication to providing comprehensive financial guidance to clients through a reputable and trusted platform. With a strong commitment to professionalism and client satisfaction, Victoria excels in her role by delivering personalized financial solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Her expertise, combined with a customer-centric approach, makes her a valuable asset in the financial industry. Victoria’s dedication to excellence and integrity shines through in her work, earning the trust and admiration of her colleagues and clients alike. About McDaniel Knutson Financial Partners: McDaniel Knutson Financial Partners has been in business since 1981. Their advisors have over 125 years of experience combined. McDaniel Knutson is a full-service financial planning organization. They focus their commitment on being a partner and advocate for every client. ► Their Purpose: To use their knowledge, skills & resources to increase clients’ capacity to live & to give. ► Who They Are: When you hire McDaniel Knutson, you’re getting a partner and advocate in your financial affairs, not just your financial advisor. ►Who They Serve: ♦ University professors, presidents, chancellors, and administrators ♦ Individuals and families who want to protect their assets and focus on reaching their most important goals ♦ People who want to make a difference, have a focus on philanthropy and want to give back to important concerns ♦ Small business owners seeking to establish financial security for themselves and employees ►Philanthropic Vision – Partnering with Clients: Their vision is to inspire philanthropy and we want to help increase their clients’ capacity to live and to give. We’ll show you how you can leave an extraordinary legacy – for your loved ones and for the causes that matter to you. ►Their University of Kansas Connection: Since 1981, McDaniel Knutson has worked with KU faculty and staff on their retirement plans. Whatever stage of life you’re in, we can help you with your retirement-planning questions. Website:

Excellence in Finance Award Winner – Wayne Tsao, CEO, ECARD Inc. Wayne Tsao is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of ECARD Inc., whereby he oversees the company’s business expansion, product development, and marketing strategies. Mr. Tsao has a large professional experience in Payment Methodologies. Specialized in cross-border payment and money transfer, Mr. Tsao was managing the Asian market in the entire North-East coast for a fortune 500 company, responsible for 75% of the entire market transactions in China. The intensive knowledge and Unique experience contribute to his expertise in both the Payment and remittance industry. The concept of ECARD represents Mr. Tsao’s foresight and desire to make a significant difference in the global financial market. As not only an entrepreneur but more to be an innovator, he embraces challenges, seizes opportunities, and turns them into achievements. About ECARD Inc. ECARD Inc. is a FinTech company based in New York. To improve the ever-changing financial ecosystem, the company delivers a simpler, faster, and superior payment solution for customers who travel internationally or make the day-to-day purchase at home. Themed in “Tech-blue”, with the logo designed as “E” (ECARD Inc.) wraps around “C” (Customers), we put customers’ benefits at the center of everything we do and work to establish a world-class network that helps people connect, communicate, and collaborate. Website: https://www.ecardinc.com/

Excellence in Finance Technology Award Winner – Juan Antonio Andrade, PayCash Juan Antonio Andrade Hdz is the CEO of Grupo Red Efectiva, a prominent figure in the payment technology industry. With a strong background in finance and business, Juan has been at the forefront of driving growth and expansion for PayCash ®, a leading payment network in Latin America. Throughout his career, Juan has demonstrated a keen ability to forge strategic partnerships and alliances, evident in the successful collaborations with over 34 major banks in the region. Under his leadership, PayCash has experienced remarkable growth, surpassing 350,000 payment points and on track to reach an impressive 500,000, solidifying its position as the most extensive payment network in Latin America. Committed to innovation and customer satisfaction, Juan’s vision for PayCash extends beyond borders, with geographical expansion into new countries such as Brazil, Chile, and the Dominican Republic. By offering a diverse range of services including multiple wallets, PayCash has enhanced its capabilities and services, setting the stage for further developments in the payment technology sector. An active participant in industry events such as ICE London and SBC Barcelona, Juan remains dedicated to exploring collaboration opportunities and networking with industry stakeholders. With a strong track record of success and a passion for driving growth, Juan Antonio Andrade Hdz continues to lead PayCash towards new heights in the realm of payment technology. About PayCash PayCash is a payment system enabled in commercial chains, which through a universal reference, allows you to receive the payment of invoices or any account payable easily and quickly. Target Issuers Increase the collection points exponentially by means of a new payment option in national and regional commercial chains affiliated to the PayCash Network. Target Stores It is to become the preferential payment option for all types of electronic commerce, issuers of payment orders, invoices and any other accounts payable. PayCash developed its own system payment platform, that enables businesses to efficiently manage their receivables & payables through different payment methods (cash in stores, credit & debit cards, wire transfers, others). Two ways of offering its services: Enterprise: API Integration (web services) Collect: Web Application Interface (.com)

Excellence in Finance Award Winner –Blake Murray, CEO, Divvy. Blake Murray is a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader with a track record of success in the tech industry. As the Founder and former CEO of Divvy, a groundbreaking spend and expense management platform, Blake has demonstrated his ability to innovate and drive business growth. During his tenure at Divvy, Blake spearheaded the company’s development, leading it to a successful acquisition by BILL for $2.5 billion. Divvy’s unique approach to expense management, coupled with its real-time tracking capabilities, revolutionized how organizations handle their finances. Under Blake’s leadership, Divvy provided companies with unprecedented insights and control over their spending, helping them streamline processes and improve financial efficiency. Blake’s entrepreneurial journey is marked by his commitment to excellence and his relentless drive to create value. His leadership style emphasizes qualities such as speed, urgency, high expectations, and intensity, while also focusing on fostering a culture of ownership and performance excellence. He understands the nuances of company building and the essential elements required to succeed in a competitive business landscape. With a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Utah, Blake combines his academic foundation with practical business acumen to navigate complex challenges and drive strategic decisions. His experiences in fundraising, creating a performance-driven culture, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance have equipped him with a holistic understanding of what it takes to build and sustain a successful enterprise. Moreover, Blake is not just a successful businessman; he is also a patriotic individual who values and honors the sacrifices made by those who serve their country. His recent post about owning a flag flown on the lead destroyer at Utah Beach on D-Day reflects his deep appreciation for the courage and dedication of servicemen and women. In conclusion, Blake Murray’s story is one of vision, perseverance, and achievement. Through his leadership at Divvy and his ongoing commitment to excellence, Blake has established himself as a respected figure in the business world, leaving a lasting impact on the industry and inspiring future generations of entrepreneurs. Ask GPT-4o About Divvy: Divvy is a secure financial platform for businesses to manage payments and subscriptions, build strategic budgets, and eliminate expense reports. By integrating real-time tracking for every business transaction, Divvy provides organizations with instant insight into their spend. With Divvy, you can make informed cash flow decisions, curb losses before they happen, and never have to save a receipt again. For more information, visit getdivvy.com

In 1996, obtained an undergraduate degree in Corporate Finance at the Intercontinental University, then graduated in 2000 from ITESM-CCM with a degree in Financial Management and Business Administration, in Mexico’s City Campus. Yannick has been certified in microfinance with a degree from Harvard Kennedy School, in 2011, Boston Massachusetts in the United States. Started his professional career in 2000 as Sr Financial Analyst at NII Holdings Inc Telecom and Logistics in 2002 at Sun Chemical, world’s largest printing ink manufacturer.
In 2003 he joined Citigroup, after the Banamex (Banco Nacional de Mexico SA) acquisition and held positions such as Expansion Deputy Director until 2005, then promoted to Operations Deputy Director for the Pacific Region with over 186 branches from the Consumer Finance Business.

In 2008 he joined Temasek Holdings an Asia investment company headquartered in Singapore, supported by 12 offices in Asia and Latin America, Temasek owns a diversified S$193 billion portfolio, concentrated principally in Singapore, Asia, and emerging markets. Through the Financial Business Subsidiary in Mexico, Fullerton Financial Holdings, he obtained international experience in Asian markets and was transferred to India and China.

From 2011 he has held several positions as Deputy General Director, Operations Head, and CEO in different Financial Institutions in Mexico targeted to microloans, consumer and payroll-related loans.
In April 2017 he left the CEO position he held at Proximus Finance to join ID Finance Company as Mexico’s Country Manager.

Jonathan Poulter is a dedicated individual with a strong background in debt collection and entrepreneurial endeavors. As the founder and director of Money Claim Collections, Jonathan has demonstrated his expertise in managing collections and helping businesses recover outstanding debts. With a career spanning several years in the field, Jonathan has honed his skills in sales, negotiation, and other essential aspects of debt collection. Jonathan’s journey in the debt collection industry began in 2014 when he started working as a Debt Collector at Debt Collector UK. Over the course of three and a half years, he gained valuable experience and insights into the intricacies of debt recovery. His commitment to his work and his ability to navigate challenging situations led him to excel in his role, setting a strong foundation for his future endeavors. In 2017, Jonathan took on the role of Managing Director at Federal Demand Group, where he continued to make significant contributions to the debt collection sector. During his five-year tenure, he further refined his skills and leadership abilities, overseeing operations and driving the company towards success. In 2022, Jonathan established Money Claim Collections Group Ltd, a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and vision. As the founder and director of the company, Jonathan leads a team dedicated to helping businesses address overdue payments and financial challenges. His hands-on approach, coupled with his strategic mindset, has been instrumental in the firm’s growth and reputation in the industry. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jonathan is a devoted father who values family time and enjoys sharing experiences with his loved ones. His recent LinkedIn posts reflect his dedication to his work, from celebrating successful debt recoveries to cherishing quality time spent with his family. With over a decade of experience in debt collection and business ownership, Jonathan Poulter continues to make a positive impact in the industry. His unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with his entrepreneurial drive, sets him apart as a leader and innovator in the field of debt collection.