Experts In Residence
The Experts in Residence program connects entrepreneurs, startups, and growing businesses with experienced professionals who volunteer their time to share knowledge, answer questions, and provide practical guidance. These experts bring real-world experience in areas such as accounting, legal services, financing, product development, operations, marketing, technology, and business growth.
Whether you're launching a new venture, solving a specific challenge, or planning your next stage of growth, our Experts in Residence are here to help you move forward with confidence.
Accessing an Expert in Residence
The Experts in Residence program is a limited resource designed for entrepreneurs who have demonstrated a commitment to moving their business idea or growth opportunity forward. To ensure the best use of our experts' time and expertise, participants are typically expected to:
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Be considering launching or growing a business in Sheboygan County.
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Have attended an Accelerate Sheboygan County event, workshop, or program.
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Have engaged with a business counselor through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Green Bay or the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC).
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Have completed or be actively working through key business planning activities.
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Demonstrate a specific need where expert guidance can help overcome a challenge, validate an opportunity, or accelerate growth.
Access to Experts in Residence is by referral and subject to availability. Entrepreneurs must first meet register at: Accelerate SC Product Idea Challenge - Intellistack
Meet the Experts:
Justin Vannieuwenhoven
Serial Entrepreneur
Expertise: Helping entrepreneurs and growing companies refine their pitch, develop products, improve operations, navigate compliance requirements, scale revenue, and plan for acquisitions, succession, or business transitions.
Ray York
SBDC Business Counselor and Small Business owner
Expertise: Expert in business planning, startup development, growth strategy, financing, commercialization, and connecting entrepreneurs with the resources needed to launch, grow, and scale successful businesses.
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Samuel J. Spurney & Evelyn G. Heun
Attorney
Expertise: Expert in business development, real estate, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), startup growth, strategic planning, and helping entrepreneurs and business owners navigate opportunities for expansion, investment, and long-term success.
Lee Veldkamp
Startups Built Simply Founder
Expertise: Experienced in consumer packaged goods (CPG) startups, business development, and entrepreneurship. Shares practical startup frameworks, checklists, and daily business ideas to help entrepreneurs successfully launch and grow their businesses.
Ryan Gartman, CPA, CMA
Principal
Expertise: Expert in financial reporting, tax planning and compliance, cash flow management, and business financial consulting, helping entrepreneurs and businesses build strong financial foundations and make confident financial decisions.
Jacob Duff
Tax Advisor
Expertise: Expert in corporate and individual taxation, entity structuring, tax compliance, and strategic tax planning. Helps businesses and individuals navigate complex tax regulations, optimize tax strategies, and establish effective business structures for long-term success.
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Brad Bermke, CPA
Manager, Assurance
Expertise: Expert in financial reporting, financial statement and performance analysis, working capital and cash flow management, and investor and lender readiness. Helps businesses strengthen financial operations, interpret key performance metrics, and prepare accurate reporting to support growth, financing, and strategic decision-making.
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