Matt Garrett is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of TGG. For over 20 years he has focused his career on the development of small business, personal finance and advanced tax and compensation issues. As a serial entrepreneur, Matt has founded and sold a number of businesses. He started his first business in college while attending Vanderbilt University and built and sold a couple more after that time. Calling on his own experience as a business owner and his desire to reduce the business failure rate, he founded TGG Accounting in 2006 to provide small to medium size businesses the vital financial infrastructure they need to succeed.
Matt is a regular speaker across the country on behalf of Vistage educating business owners on the need for sound financial practices, and is Vice President of the Board of Directors of FINACA. Under Matt’s leadership, TGG has received the following recognition: INC. 5000 top companies in the U.S. five years in a row; one of “San Diego’s Fastest Growing Companies” the past four years; and is among San Diego’s “Best Places to Work.”
Janine Smith is a Consulting CFO with TGG. During her years at TGG, Janine has had the opportunity to work with clients across a spectrum of industries and lifecycles, including pre-revenue, start-ups, nonprofits, manufacturing, professional services and software. Janine has a wealth of experience in accounting process development and management, supervising both TGG staff and client’s internal staff (banking, AR, AP, inventory management, payroll), and working with many different types of accounting software. She has worked with clients to develop Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that fit their current needs and coached them to support the goals of the business. One of her favorite tasks is budget development and using that as a tool to help organizations meet their goals.
Janine’s journey at TGG began as an invaluable member of the team, where she started as an Accounting Assistant. Her remarkable talent for building strong connections and providing exceptional mentorship has been instrumental in propelling her career to new heights, ultimately leading her to the esteemed position of CFO. Janine’s impressive academic background further enhances her qualifications, as she holds a bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, and Finance from Covenant College, as well as a master’s degree in Accountancy from San Diego State University. Her extensive experience and educational achievements bring immense value to all her teams and clients.
Sarah Lamond is a Consulting CFO with TGG. She focuses on improving company’s operating performance through strategic analysis of financial and other operating data. Sarah has worked with clients across many industries including construction, medical, entertainment and professional services among others.
Sarah initially joined TGG as an Accounting Manager before earning several promotions over the years to become a CFO. In her time with TGG, she has been able to build relationships, mentor others and support her clients through financial guidance which has all led to this advancement in her career. As a CFO, Sarah is responsible for developing financial and operational strategies as well as relying on metrics to maintain or improve business performance along with building relationships with clients. Her goal is to drive revenue and profitability for her clients while still providing insight, guidance, financial foresight and industry experience.
Sarah earned her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the Metropolitan State University of Denver. In her spare time, she enjoys lots of skiing in the winter, water sports in the summer and croquet matches in the spring and fall. She loves doing all of these things in the company of her friends and family.
Introducing Charles Cecil, a highly accomplished financial and operational executive manager known for his ability to generate sustainable profits by aligning organizational passion with business value. As the CFO and COO at StartKleen Legacy, StartKleen Solutions, and Preston Trail Farms, Charles played a pivotal role in scaling these businesses from 19 to 1,000 employees across 50 locations in just three years. With a strong background in negotiation, forecasting, and process optimization, he successfully implemented scalable solutions, built valuation models, and streamlined operations to drive growth and profitability.
Charles’s impressive career also includes his tenure as President at Col-Met Engineered Finishing Solutions, where he provided strategic leadership, managed international distributor relationships, and orchestrated successful debt and equity fundraises. Notable achievements under his guidance included revenue growth through innovation, the implementation of software solutions to enhance efficiency, and the establishment of a highly profitable direct business line through an e-commerce platform. With a Master of Business Administration from Baylor University and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Colorado State University, Charles brings a strong educational foundation to his role, complemented by his proficiency in various software platforms and his dedication to continuous improvement.
Charles Cecil’s exceptional expertise in financial and operational management, along with his track record of driving sustainable profitability, positions him as a valuable asset for businesses seeking strategic leadership and growth-oriented solutions.
Introducing Stephen Birnbaum, a highly driven and hands-on accounting professional with a strong background in accounting, finance, and financial operations management. With expertise ranging from Fortune 500 organizations to start-ups and emerging growth companies, Stephen excels in strategic business acumen, financial planning and analysis, process improvement, and audit and tax. He is known for his solution-focused approach and ability to proactively identify and resolve problems.
In his role as a Consulting CFO at TGG Accounting, Stephen drives revenue and profitability for clients by providing valuable insight, guidance, and financial foresight. He develops long-term financial strategies aligned with business owners’ goals and establishes trusted relationships with clients. Stephen’s notable accomplishments include the development of TGG University CFO courses, providing research topics to a CFO peer group, and implementing growth mindset ideas to enhance client engagement outcomes.
With a diverse career history, including positions at Sense Biodection, Smart Wires, Chevron, Puget Sound Energy, and GE Capital, Stephen brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of delivering results. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Whitman College and held an active CPA license for 18 years. Stephen’s technical skills encompass financial systems such as NetSuite, SAP, and QuickBooks, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and collaboration tools.
Laurel Swanson is the Chief Operating Officer and a partner at TGG. Since joining the company as an assistant to the business owner, Laurel has progressed through the ranks, leveraging her operational expertise to manage a wide range of business functions. She has successfully overseen HR, IT, Legal, Learning and Development (TGG U), and the internal accounting department, playing a pivotal role in the company’s day-to-day operations and long-term strategic planning.
In her role as COO, Laurel focuses on driving operational efficiency and enhancing productivity across the organization. She spearheaded key initiatives that streamlined workflows, resulting in cost savings and performance improvements. One of her signature achievements includes the development and expansion of TGG U, the company’s learning and development program, which has fostered a culture of continuous growth and upskilled employees at all levels and increased employee satisfaction and retention at a remote workplace.
Her broad responsibilities also encompass legal compliance and risk management, where Laurel ensures the company operates within regulatory frameworks and mitigates potential business risks. With a strong background in cross-functional leadership, she collaborates closely with senior leadership to align operational strategies with overarching business goals.
Laurel’s journey from an assistant to a leadership role is a testament to her commitment, resilience, and ability to deliver results. Her vested interest in the company, as demonstrated by her ownership stake, aligns personal and organizational success, contributing to the business’s ongoing growth and sustainability.