Meet our team

Connor Pearson
CEO

Connor is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in scaling businesses, sourcing top-tier talent, and driving strategic initiatives across large teams. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Florida State University, which laid the foundation for his expertise in business operations and leadership.

Connor's professional journey spans various industries, including enterprise-level work at Darktrace, a global leader in cybersecurity, and a pivotal role as Director at Medterra. At Medterra, he successfully led both national and international expansion efforts, showcasing his ability to manage complex projects, navigate complex regulatory guidelines, and deliver results in competitive markets.

His diverse background in business consulting, coupled with his strengths in business negotiations, contract structuring, and regulatory guidance, positions him as an ideal leader in navigating the intricacies of the tax industry. At IronGate, Connor has spearheaded efforts to secure the industry's top tax professionals, ensuring that clients receive unparalleled expertise and service.

Under Connor’s leadership, IronGate is committed to helping businesses thrive in today’s challenging financial landscape. His strategic vision and dedication to excellence inspire confidence, making him an invaluable asset to both our team and our clients.

Chaz Owens
President

We are proud to introduce Chaz, our esteemed President, whose visionary leadership, operational excellence, and entrepreneurial spirit drive our company forward.

Chaz, who studied at both Florida State University and Southern Methodist University, has demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurship since 2014, founding and nurturing businesses across diverse sectors. His proven ability to manage structures with over 300 employees and secure more than $30 million for private equity deals reflects his strategic foresight and financial acumen. Notably, Chaz has founded multiple eight-figure companies, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in business innovation and growth.

Driven by a steadfast commitment to impactful business practices and a vision to create and develop new ventures, Chaz inspires our team at Irongate to pursue excellence and foster sustainable growth.

Adam Lefkowitz
COO

Adam excels in identifying and executing on opportunities to drive revenue and reduce costs. In his tenure at Bottom Line Concepts and IronGate Business Advisors, he was directly responsible for securing key referral partners and corporate partnerships.  At Bottom Lince Concepts, Adam was  directly responsible for the recovery of $160 million dollars of client funds through the employee retention credit program. Adam was consistently in the top 5-10 of over 40 sales advisors. Adam also gained valuable experience navigating difficult conversations and decisions between business owners and their tax preparers and tax strategists. Prior to Bottom Line Concepts and IronGate, Adam held key positions Movement Retail, where he was a Managing Member, led business development initiatives at Amazon Automation and gained valuable experience in real estate sales as a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson at Keller Williams Realty, Inc.

Adam's educational background includes studies in Business Marketing and Business Administration and Management. He attended Bergen Community College from 2018 to 2020 and the University of Arizona from 2015 to 2018.

In his spare time, Adam enjoys Golf, Tennis, Men's league lacrosse, Watching Premier League Soccer, networking events, techno, and house music. He is also currently learning Spanish to expand his language skills and further enhance his professional capabilities.

Frank Gentile
CFO

A Florida State University Graduate, Frank brings a robust background in business management and leadership. Before founding Iron Gate Business Advisors, he successfully started and ran a distribution company for 10 years, demonstrating his entrepreneurial acumen and ability to scale businesses across various sectors.

Frank has operated, owned, and managed ventures in a range of industries, including distribution, music management, sales, and finance. This diverse experience has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of different market dynamics and the ability to adapt and thrive in various business environments.

With long and extensive experience in managing teams and handling large-volume sales, Frank excels in creating strategic plans and driving operational efficiency. Frank plays a major role in managing Iron Gate's financial side with strategic financial oversight and innovative approaches that have significantly contributed to the firm's stability and growth. His expertise in team management and sales leadership ensures that Iron Gate Business Advisors consistently delivers outstanding results for our clients.

Danny Perdeck
Senior VP of Business Development

Danny Perdeck is a trailblazer in the hemp industry, now focused on making a global business impact. As co-founder of Green Roads, he led a pioneering sales and marketing team in the emerging CBD nutraceutical sector starting in 2014. Over the next seven years, he transformed Green Roads from a small living room operation to one of the largest privately owned companies in the industry, earning numerous awards and being named Advocate of the Year in 2019. Under his leadership, the company generated over $100 million in revenue, culminating in a successful sale to The Valens Company for $40 million in 2021.

Danny has since joined the IronGate team, where he oversees business development and corporate partnerships to drive growth. His expertise in leadership and partnership-building, coupled with a commitment to exceptional service, aligns perfectly with IronGate's core values and vision for expansion.

Alex Bagne
Managing Director Fixed Asset Services

Alex is the President of ICS Tax, LLC (ICS). His expertise includes fixed asset reviews, cost segregation, the 179D and 45L energy efficiency incentives, accounting methods, research tax credits, and IC-DISC export incentives. Prior to ICS, Alex worked for a decade with several Big Four firms, including Ernst & Young, Deloitte Tax, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. His specialized planning ideas has saved his clients millions in tax dollars. He has given Continuing Professional Education on a variety of tax planning ideas throughout the country. He is published in the AICPA’s Tax Advisor magazine and Accounting Today.

Alex earned a BSBA in accounting from The Ohio State University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Minnesota, and a law degree from the Tulane School of Law in New Orleans, Louisiana. Alex is a licensed attorney as well as a certified public accountant. He is a Certified Cost Segregation Professional and was elected president and is a certified member of the American Society of Cost Segregation Professionals (ASCSP). In his free time, he is a martial arts instructor in Judo and an avid car enthusiast.

License and Certifications: Michigan Licensed Attorney, Ohio Certified Public Accountant, Certified Cost Segregation Professional

Professional Affiliations: State Bar of Michigan, Ohio Institute of Certified Public Accountants, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, American Society of Cost Segregation Professionals

Allen Douglass, CPA
Managing Director R&D Tax Credits

Allen Douglass is the Managing Director of R&D Tax Credits at IronGate Business Advisors, bringing over 15 years of experience in the field of research and development tax incentives. With a robust background in both accounting and engineering, Allen Douglass combines technical expertise with financial acumen to maximize tax benefits for innovative businesses.

At IronGate Business Advisors, Allen has successfully led a diverse team of experts, delivering exceptional results for clients across various industries, including technology, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and more. He has a proven track record of identifying and documenting eligible R&D activities, ensuring compliance with complex tax regulations, and securing substantial tax savings.Prior to joining IronGate Business Advisors, Allen held senior positions at multiple national Public Accounting Firms where he played a pivotal role in developing and implementing R&D tax credit strategies that yielded significant financial returns. Allen is recognized for his deep understanding of the legislative landscape and his ability to navigate the intricacies of both federal and state R&D tax credit programs.Allen is a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the R&D tax credit space, frequently contributing to industry conferences, publications, and webinars. He is committed to staying at the forefront of industry developments and continuously enhancing his knowledge to benefit clients.Allen holds a bachelor’s in accounting from Golden Gate University and is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of California. In addition to his professional achievements, he is passionate about mentoring the next generation of tax professionals and actively participates in California State CPA society and entrepreneurs’ organization.

Allen serves as an expert witness in court cases related to the R&D tax credit, bringing his extensive knowledge and experience to the legal arena. Allen also provides audit and appeals representation and consulting services to clients in a variety of sectors for other tax credit firms throughout the US

Under Allen's leadership, IronGate Business Advisors is dedicated to helping clients unlock the full potential of their R&D investments, driving innovation and fostering growth. Allen's strategic vision and unwavering commitment to excellence make him an invaluable asset to the firm and its clients.

Michael St Angelo, CPA, MST
Director of R&D Tax Credits

With over a decade of experience in accounting and tax consulting, Michael St Angelo is a Director of R&D Tax Credits for IronGate Business Advisors, a company dedicated to helping clients optimize their tax positions and generate significant savings. Michael is a certified public accountant (CPA) in the state of California and holds a master’s degree in taxation from Villanova University.

Michael's specialization in research and development (R&D) tax credits distinguishes him as a leading expert in the field. His comprehensive understanding of the R&D tax credit landscape, including federal and state programs, allows him to identify, quantify, and implement these incentives effectively for his clients. His keen analytical skills and extensive tax research knowledge ensure that every eligible R&D activity is accurately documented and maximized for tax benefits.

Throughout his career, Michael has successfully assisted a diverse range of companies, from innovative startups to established Fortune 500 corporations, in securing substantial R&D tax credits. His strategic approach involves not only compliance with complex tax regulations but also proactive planning to enhance future R&D investments. Michael's ability to navigate the intricacies of the legislative landscape and stay abreast of industry developments ensures his clients receive the most up-to-date and advantageous tax solutions

As a technical expert and business consultant for complex tax issues, Michael provides invaluable guidance and innovative solutions to both his clients and his team. His leadership and mentorship have cultivated a team of skilled professionals dedicated to delivering exceptional results. Michael's commitment to excellence and his client-centric approach have earned him a reputation for delivering substantial tax benefits and value-added services.

Prior to joining IronGate Business Advisors, Michael held senior positions at Crowe LLP a top global accounting firm and several national tax consulting firms.

Under Michael's leadership, IronGate Business Advisors has become a trusted partner for businesses seeking to enhance their financial performance through strategic tax planning. His dedication to excellence and client success makes him a sought-after expert in the field of R&D tax credits and a key asset to the firms he collaborates with.

Scott Peters, CPA
Director of R&D Tax Credits

With over two decades of experience in accounting and tax consulting, Scott has established himself as a leading expert in the field of research and development (R&D) tax credits.

As a certified public accountant (CPA), Scott leverages his extensive knowledge of financial reporting and tax research to provide comprehensive tax solutions. His analytical skills and strategic insight enable him to navigate the intricacies of the legislative landscape, ensuring his clients receive the most advantageous tax benefits. Scott's ability to translate complex tax issues into actionable strategies has proven invaluable to companies ranging from small and medium sized businesses to established enterprises exceeding revenues of a billion dollars.

Throughout his career, Scott has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and client success. He has successfully delivered substantial tax benefits and value-added services to a diverse clientele, enhancing their financial performance through strategic tax planning. His leadership and mentorship have cultivated a team of skilled professionals dedicated to delivering exceptional results in the realm of R&D tax credits.

Scott holds a bachelor's degree in Entrepreneurship from California State University, Fresno, further solidifying his expertise in the field . In addition to his technical prowess, Scott is a highly regarded business consultant. He excels in addressing complex tax issues, providing innovative solutions, and delivering value-added services that drive financial performance. His leadership and mentorship have nurtured a team of dedicated professionals who share his passion for excellence and client success.

Tanner Crisp
Senior Manager - R&D

Tanner Crisp has been with IronGate since its inception and comes with a background in partnerships, sales and affi acquisitions. As an Account Executive at IronGate Business Advisors, Tanner brings a dynamic personality and positive attitude to the team. With a knack for humor and an infectious energy, Tanner is known for his ability to uplift those around him. His extensive experience in affiliate partnerships and business development includes roles at companies such as Medterra CBD, FOCL and Therabody, where he led successful initiatives in partnership growth.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Tanner has been involved in volunteering with groups like the Roc Solid Foundation and loves extending a helping hand to anyone around him. His contagious personality and witty humor make him a great salesman and an even better coworker.

Jason Belt
Director of Capital Resources

Jason directs capital funds sourcing for current and future investment opportunities for IronGate Business Advisors and its investors. Working closely with investors and private equity funds, Jason helps strategically deploy capital to fuel IronGate’s growth across its revenue streams. During Jason’s tenure in raising funds, he has raised $40m that have acquired $130m in real estate acquisitions in just 2 years and revenue for startup ventures totaling in $20m in revenue. Jason brings 8 years of decorated sales and marketing experience which has streamline the investor journey across multiple business opportunities.

In his free time, you can find Jason reading science fiction, volunteer coaching at the local high school, or playing outdoors with his two young sons.

Tim Lavalle, CPA
Senior CPA

Currently practicing in Del Mar, California with over 14 years of experience in the tax and accounting industry, Tim Lavelle is a highly skilled professional committed to delivering top-notch tax and accounting solutions. Holding a master’s degree in taxation, Tim Lavelle combines advanced academic knowledge with practical insights to expertly navigate the complexities of tax laws and accounting principles.

Throughout his career, Tim Lavelle has developed a robust skill set in tax planning, compliance, financial reporting, and strategic consulting. His extensive experience spans a diverse array of industries, providing him with a nuanced understanding of various business needs and regulatory requirements.

Known for his proactive and detail-oriented approach, Tim Lavelle excels at crafting customized tax strategies that optimize financial outcomes and ensure adherence to ever-evolving regulations. His dedication to client success is evident in his tailored solutions and long-term financial strategies.

Tim Lavelle remains at the cutting edge of industry trends and changes through continuous education and professional development. This commitment ensures clients receive the most accurate and strategic advice available.

Whether working with individuals, small businesses, or large corporations, Tim Lavelle is dedicated to offering high-quality service and building lasting client relationships based on trust and reliability.