Small Business Bootcamp: Grow. Scale. Protect.

Eric Konovalov (Cone of Olive) is a refugee from the former USSR, who’s family fled communism in 1989. Having the outmost love and admiration for the United States, Eric joined the marines, right after graduation from high school, and served 8 wonderful years, including two combat deployments, one in Iraq and one in Afghanistan.

Eric went on to have a successful career in sales leadership until he founded The Goal Guide in 2015. For the last 8 years, Eric has been coaching, training, and developing entrepreneurs, sales professionals, coaches, and consultants, in goal setting, sales, communications, and mindset.

He is the author of B2B Sales Secrets and the host of Relentless Goal Achievers podcast.

Today, Eric lives in Lakewood Ranch with his beautiful wife and business partner, Julia, and their two amazing boys, Max and Mikey.

Internet marketing expert, Chris Williams works with small to mid-level organizations in an effort to amplify their communication, attract the attention of their audience, and create generational change for their businesses.

Leveraging the unique lessons he learned from an unconventional entrepreneurial journey, Chris founded Aginto in 2011. A full service digital marketing & advertising agency, Aginto’s roster includes organizations across the US in the healthcare, law, industrial, and home services industries.

With deep knowledge and experience in internet and social media algorithms and a constant curiosity of human behavior, Chris is passionate about meeting an audience where the market dictates that they are, and adding value to their lives in strategic moments.

Tim Estep is a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in guiding businesses and team members to success. His passion for supporting business owners is more than just a job—it's a way of life. Tim has been a driving force in the local community, empowering over 1,000 small business owners through insightful business courses and active engagement.

But Tim's community involvement doesn't stop there. He's taken on a significant role in county leadership and engagement, where his vision and dedication have tangibly impacted the region's growth and prosperity.

Beyond his professional achievements, Tim is a proud husband and father of two boys who share his deep love for hockey. Tim's commitment to the sport is profound; he coaches two travel teams, imparting not only hockey skills but also invaluable life lessons in teamwork and perseverance.

What truly distinguishes Tim is his unwavering passion for helping others achieve their goals, whether they are business owners, team members striving for excellence, or youth hockey players aiming for victory. With Tim Estep by your side, success isn't just a destination; it's a journey filled with enthusiasm, dedication, and the thrill of achievement.

With 25 years of experience in the banking industry, I have built a career rooted in integrity, leadership, and a deep commitment to delivering value to both clients and organizations. Over the years, I have held key roles across retail banking. Each opportunity has strengthened my ability to navigate complex financial environments while driving growth and innovation.

I am passionate about building strong teams, fostering long-term client relationships, and adapting to the ever-evolving financial landscape. Whether leading strategic initiatives, enhancing customer experiences, or ensuring regulatory compliance, I approach every challenge with a solution-oriented mindset.

I am always open to connecting with fellow professionals in banking, finance, as well as other industries, To share insights, explore opportunities or discuss where the industry is headed next.

Amanda Parrish joined Fawley Bryant Architecture in 2016, serving as the director of marketing and business before assuming her role as partner and COO. With an unwavering belief in teamwork, Amanda looks for ways to cultivate the unique skills and talents of those around her and puts a premium on company culture, which has resulted in increased employee retention allowing for the firm to continue their growth.

She is a member of the Business Observer’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2019, SRQ’s 35 Under 35 Class of 2022 and a graduate of the Greater Sarasota Chamber’s Leadership program. Amanda is also the 2022 recipient of Spring Arbor University’s Young Leader of the Year Award.

Kaitlyn Perez is founder and president of KPC Strategies, a Sarasota-based public relations firm specializing in crisis communications and high-stakes reputation management. With more than 15 years of experience guiding CEOs, public figures, and organizations through their most challenging moments, Kaitlyn brings deep expertise in how businesses can protect and reclaim their reputations when it matters most.

KPC supports clients across various sectors, including construction and development, manufacturing, insurance, commercial real estate, nonprofits, and other industries, and is known for providing clear and candid counsel in high-stakes moments. As former spokeswoman for the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, Kaitlyn pairs communications savvy with a deep understanding of the unique dynamics of the Manatee-Sarasota region. She has worked behind the scenes on everything from leadership transitions to executive scandals, social media fallout, and high-profile criminal events, giving her a unique perspective on what business owners wish they had in place before a crisis hits.

Named one of the Business Observer’s 40 Under 40 and recognized by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) for her public relations leadership, Kaitlyn serves on the board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties and is mom to two wild little boys.

Zach Schumacher is an effective and trusted Insurance Advisor at Brown & Brown of Florida, Inc. He is the Senior Vice President of the Sarasota Brown & Brown office. On any given day, you will find him strategizing renewals with this clients and account managers, and trying to find new ways to build out a more efficient insurance program with and for his clients. He works to help businesses identify ways they could improve their businesses safety practices, and helps them become more appetizing to the carrier marketplace over time.

When Zach is not in the office, you will likely find him with his wife of 13 years (Abby), and his four crazy kids Brynn, Gabriel, Jace, and Laine. He loves playing with his kids, listening to his 4 year old’s knock-knock jokes, hiking, cooking, kayaking, watching Oscar nominated films with Abby, and playing board/card games. But one of his favorite past times is playing golf!