Andrew Bates, President

Softrak Systems

Andrew Bates has been involved in microcomputers since 1979. He is a founding partner and president of Softrak Systems Inc. In 1999 Softrak launched Adagio, a modular, batch-oriented accounting system designed specifically for the small- to medium-sized business. Andrew continues to lead the Softrak team and is actively involved in ensuring customer satisfaction.

Ward Blatch, CPA, CA

K2 Enterprises Canada

Ward Blatch is a consultant and training services associate with K2 Enterprises Canada. He writes and delivers professional development courses for CA, CMA, CGA and CPA associations. Ward helps professionals at all levels to understand the major trends as he explains how to utilize technology to meet organizational objectives, both efficiently and effectively. He will demystify the latest software, hardware and mobility platforms used in small- and medium sized businesses.

Warren Flett

Softrak Systems

Warren Flett has been an employee of Softrak Systems since 1995, contributing to the educational training, technical support and quality assurance departments, since completing Bachelor of Science and Education degrees from the University of BC.

Dan Desautels

DezTek Solutions

Dan Desautels is an Adagio Consultant and Certified Reseller at DezTek Solutions, joining us from Thunder Bay, Ontario. Throughout Dan's career with Adagio, he has worked extensively with First Nations and Not For Profit Organizations and has a great understanding and appreciation for the intricacies and complexities within the finance offices of this sector.

Steve Schwartz, CPA

Steven D. Schwartz & Associates

Steve Schwartz has been one of the top Adagio resellers for many years, and lives in a Philadelphia suburb. His firm, Steven D. Schwartz & Associates, began selling and supporting accounting software in 1986, and currently provides consulting services to approximately 200 active Adagio clients all over the US.

Vickie Cegliastro, CPA, CMA

zaam.Inc

Vickie Cegliastro is a CPA, CMA with over 20 years of experience in small and large business. Vickie spent ten years as the General Manager of a small business, was an ACCPAC Plus and Adagio Accounting user for over 15 years, and has held various Controller positions during her career. Vickie understands the intricacies of how organizations work, the challenges of small businesses and what it is to be an Adagio Accounting user. Today, as a certified Adagio Consultant and Reseller with vast experience, an accounting designation and grass-roots in Montreal, Vickie is fluent in both English and French and happy to serve you in your preferred language. With Vickie at the helm of zaam, our team is led by an seasoned professional who can truly understand your business needs.

Lyndon Olfert, CPA, CGA, CAFM

Aboriginal Strategies L.P.

Lyndon Olfert, CPA, CGA, CAFM is president of Aboriginal Strategies L.P. Lyndon has been in the accounting field since 1991, has been working exclusively with First Nations since 1996 and has been working with Adagio since 2002. Lyndon has a keen interest in helping First Nations grow in knowledge, skills and financial independence and feels that Adagio can play a very important role in effectively managing First Nation finances. Adagio Financial Reporter is capable of quickly and efficiently providing reporting that can satisfy the needs of managers, leadership and funding agencies and is flexible enough to report on a wide variety of reporting entities. The key to success in Adagio is in the setup and implementation. Lyndon is eager to share his experience with you here at AOC 2019.

Sheldon Dueck

Aboriginal Strategies L.P.

Sheldon Dueck is the training manager at Aboriginal Strategies L.P.  Sheldon has been working in an accounting and training role for over 10 years.  As an Adagio, PayDirt and Microsoft Certified Trainer, Sheldon strives to provide relevant and up to date hands on training to First Nation communities.  In keeping with Aboriginal Strategies’ goal of developing our First Nation clients fiscal independence, Sheldon continually looks for ways to improve the workflow for First Nation communities and businesses.

Samuel Kopstick, MBA, B.Ed

S.Kopstick & Associates

Samuel Kopstick holds an MBA and a B.Ed in Special Education. Samuel began working in the computer industry in 1981 in a large accounting firm, training accountants and their clients on Visicalc (the “grand-daddy” of spreadsheets) running on the Apple II Plus. Samuel has both a solid business background as well as a special education background. This enables him to relate to users, discuss and train complex business issues in non-technical terminology. In 1988, Samuel became an authorized Accpac as well as a Softrak dealer. Since then Samuel has expanded to include expertise on accounting solutions, assisting businesses large and small in high-end accounting solutions.

Jean-Guy Talbot, FCPA, FCGA

Founder & CEO RêveNew Practice Management /Talbot & Associates

Jean-Guy Talbot is passionate about coming alongside firms and companies of all sizes to help them flourish and succeed. People are quickly taken with the extensive knowledge and humor he brings to his consultation work, books and through speaking engagements across the country.

In 1983, Jean-Guy started his career in accounting working in public practice for Winnipeg firms as well as a few years in industry. He started Talbot & Associates (T&A) on a part-time basis in 1987 and grew his practice from a one-person operation to its current size of over 60 staff in seven locations across Manitoba.  Nationwide, colleagues and clients now refer to Jean-Guy as both a knowledgeable mentor and friend.  He has devoted a tremendous amount of research, time and energy to discover the secrets of running a better practice. He has personally implemented all he's learned and has determined which roads lead to a successful practice (and which do not).  He is motivated to share this knowledge with others - especially from the perspective of someone who is still in practice.  It was based on this perspective that he established RêveNew Practice Management, a unique and thriving consultation company.

In 2015 Jean-Guy led the building of a 7,000 sq.-ft training center at T&A headquarters in Winnipeg.  In 2016, he received the title of Fellow CPA from CPA Manitoba for rendering exceptional services to the profession and for his achievements in his careers and community support.  Off hours, Jean-Guy can be found enjoying time outdoors with his wife Lise and three kids. 

Phil McLeod

Qlab Systems

Phil McLeod. President of Qlab Systems and developer of PayDirt Payroll, Phil McLeod has been developing intelligent solutions for payroll departments for over 30 years. Phil has seen many payroll departments struggle with their payroll solutions and/or further end up spending unnecessary dollars to have payroll companies do the work. PayDirt Payroll has served as the most popular payroll solution for Adagio users nationwide. Phil's lecture style is completely interactive and engaging, he believes in answering your questions and addressing your training needs on the spot. 

Marilyn Benninger, CPA, CGA

Softrak Systems

Marilyn Benninger is a professionally designated accountant with a 20 year passion for accounting software, the people who develop solutions and the customers who use their products. Her experience ranges from public speaking to strategic planning and includes marketing, sales and channel support. Marilyn has held senior leadership roles for both commercial and not-for-profit organizations; today she assists organizations to become successful by focusing on customer and revenue growth strategies. 

Bob Wisener

Dakota Software

Bob Wisener is the founder of Dakota Software and the brains behind many Adagio enhancement tools such as Toolkit, National Accounts, Adagio POS and so much more. Having partnered with Softrak in the most early days of Adagio, Bob was one of the first programmers involved in helping to create Adagio. With over 25 years’ experience, Bob’s efforts continue to enhance the Adagio suite of products as he remains a valued partner. Bob enjoys traveling the world and has visited 40 + countries with his lovely wife of over 30 years Janice, and has proudly attended almost every single AOC.