accounting | Top 101 Industry Experts

Director of Sales and Marketing
Starlite Sign, LP
Denton, TX, USA
http://www.starlitesign.com
Industry: Manufacturing
Field: Marketing and Sales Management

After realizing that working as a receptionist would not suffice to raise her five children, Debra Stellar set a goal to become involved in sales by the time she turned 30. Beating her own deadline, she was selling lumber by the age of 28, a position she held for 10 years. She later moved to Texas and began working in the sign industry, which led her to the position of director of sales and marketing for Starlite Sign, LP, a sign manufacturing company that provides the design and installation of interior and exterior electrical signs.

Holding 25 years of experience in sales management, Ms. Stellar spends her time carrying out many tasks, including working with high-profile companies, looking for new business prospects, coordinating with municipalities, negotiating, managing projects, and writing proposals. She is also charged with overseeing sales and partakes in obtaining large signage for the best price and value available. She takes time to develop and maintain client relationships, which ultimately results in returning customers. “I have good rapport [with my clients] and [strong] customer service skills,” she says. Her main motivation stems from seeing a customer satisfied.

Ms. Stellar has completed college coursework in business, accounting and psychology. In recognition of her exceptional skills in sales, she was named Vendor Sales Representative of the Year by Hastings Entertainment in 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2008. She also supports Susan G. Komen for the Cure. When she is able to find a moment away from work, she enjoys watching football and basketball, and spending time with her seven grandchildren. Though she intends to retire at the age of 70, Ms. Stellar plans to continue working as a consultant. She also plans to write a book, something she has always wanted to do. Continue reading →

Sole Practitioner
Tessa Szwagierczak Professional Corporation
Lacombe, Alberta, Canada
http://www.tmscga.com/Profile.html
http://ca.linkedin.com/pub/tessa-szwagierczak/58/45a/583
Industry: Finance
Field: General Accounting

Tessa M. Szwagierczak has always had a passion for small businesses, as she feels that they are oftentimes forgotten, and not given the time they need or deserve to really develop. This inspired her to establish her own accounting practice, Tessa Szwagierczak Professional Corporation, which she serves as the sole practitioner. She has nearly three decades of accounting experience, which she calls upon to manage a base of more than 450 clients for whom she handles accounting needs such as bookkeeping, corporate reporting, payroll, and tax preparation.

Ms. Szwagierczak treats all of her clients equally, regardless of the size of their company. Employing an open-door policy, she actually takes the time to listen to what her clients say and feel, and encourages them to take the time to understand what their company is doing, including its accomplishments from year to year, so that they can determine what needs to be done in order to foster business growth.

A certified general accountant, Ms. Szwagierczak is currently continuing her education at SAIT Polytechnic. She is a member of the Certified General Accountants Association of Alberta and the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada. She considers the most gratifying aspect of her career to be having the ability to help so many individuals achieve their professional dreams. With each passing year, she feels fortunate to have the opportunity to assist new and struggling companies become successful.

Moving forward, Ms. Szwagierczak intends to hire two senior accountants, and two to three bookkeepers and accounting technicians for her new office in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada.