Ian Hessel is the Founder and CEO of Heroic Solutions, a collective of financial and business service companies dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs through accounting, lending, grant funding, and strategic advisory services. A CPA with over 30 years of leadership experience, Ian has served as CFO and President for multinational companies before building a portfolio of collaborative ventures. Under the Heroic Solutions umbrella, he helps guide three accounting firms—Davis & Hessel, Brannan & Hessel, and Milbrod & Hessel—and leads Heroic Launch, a program that empowers new businesses through one-year grant-supported service packages.
Ian also developed ToolingCASH, a specialized financing platform for the automotive and aerospace tooling industry, and SmartLink, a value-added provider of visual marketing and event management services.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Accounting from Mercyhurst University and began his career at Arthur Andersen. Outside of work, Ian is a dedicated father of three grown children and an adventurer at heart—passionate about travel, piloting, scuba diving, triathlons, golf, and boating.
Stephen E. Davis is a nationally recognized Enrolled Agent and NTPI Fellow with over 35 years of experience in tax strategy, IRS representation, and financial advisory for high-net-worth individuals and closely held businesses. As Partner and National Tax Practice Leader at Heroic Solutions CPA, Steve oversees the firm’s tax advisory vision, driving innovation in client service models, elevating technical standards, and leading firm-wide initiatives that integrate technology, talent, and strategy to deliver impactful results.
Steve is known for his deep technical acumen, strategic thinking, and a steadfast commitment to helping clients navigate complex financial landscapes with clarity and confidence. His leadership has helped shape Davis & Hessel into a respected pillar of the Heroic Solutions collective, alongside Brannan & Hessel, Milbrod & Hessel, and a growing network of business service providers united by a commitment to excellence.
A native of Campbellsville, Kentucky, Steve holds a BBA in Accounting from Campbellsville University and completed graduate studies at Eastern Kentucky University. He currently lives in Berea with his wife, Paula. Together, they enjoy time with their five children and nine grandchildren.
Sharon is the founding partner of Brannan & Hessel and has worked in public accounting for over 35 years. Before entering the public sector, she worked in the private industry as an accounting manager for a Fortune 500 company. Her expertise lies in accounting and income taxes for small and large businesses, educational and non-profit entities, and individuals. She graduated from the University of Florida with a BSBA degree in Business in 1981 and received her CPA certificate in 1990. Sharon is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA).
Evan entered the investment business in 2002 with the firm belief that relationships built on trust, dependability and professionalism drive his business.
With a specialty in holistic planning, portfolio construction with an emphasis on retirement income, real-estate matters, and business succession planning. Mr. Guido serves his clients with tireless dedication. His passion for helping people extends beyond his business via the educational investment column Retire on Track at the Sarasota Herald Tribune Newspaper.
Evan also holds a series of workshops in the community and is a member of numerous clubs and committees in Sarasota.
• Chaired First Step of Sarasota Golf Tournament 2003
• Sarasota YPG Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 2003-2005
• Leadership Sarasota Graduate – 2017 “Rowdy Class”
• Commodore (Elected CEO) of the Bradenton Yacht Club 2007-2013
• Forbes 2018 Top Next-Gen Advisor Award1
• Palmetto Charter School Board of Directors 2020-Current
• 2026 Forbes Best in State Wealth Advisor2
In addition to his impressive credentials and service, Evan is passionate about serving clients whom consider themselves the “Millionaire Next Door.” Aksala is built with top-tier professionals whom deliver financial services via a unique, educational, and inviting experience.
Originally from St. Petersburg, Florida, Evan spent 11 years in Alaska where he attended the University of Alaska and started his career in the investment business as intern and shortly promoted to assistant branch manager while in University. Evan spends his free time in nature, atv’ing, hobby farming, volunteering, mentoring and boating with his wife Brittany and his three children: Olivia, Savannah and Hudson.
1The Top Next Gen list includes 250 rising advisors who help manage over $490 billion in client assets. Each advisor was nominated by their firm, then vetted and ranked by SHOOK Research. The rankings, developed by SHOOK Research, are based on an algorithm of qualitative criterion, mostly gained through telephone and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. Those advisors who are considered have a minimum of four years’ experience and the algorithm weighs factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass the highest standards of best practices. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK receive a fee in exchange for rankings.
2The Forbes ranking of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative data, rating thousands of wealth advisors with a minimum of seven years’ experience and weighing factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience, and best practices learned through telephone and in-person interviews. Portfolio performance is not a criteria due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK receive a fee in exchange for rankings.Listings in these publications and/or awards are not guarantees of future investment success. These recognitions should not be construed as endorsements of the advisor by any client. No compensation was provided directly or indirectly by the recipient for participation or in connection with obtaining or using the third-party ratings or awards.
Marci Mitchell is a seasoned accounting and advisory professional with over 30 years of experience spanning bookkeeping, operational management, and strategic financial support. As a Partner and CAAS Specialist, Marci plays a pivotal role in helping clients not only stay compliant but build healthier, more resilient businesses through tailored financial insights and advisory services. Her work goes beyond traditional accounting, guiding clients in areas such as financial forecasting, process improvement, and long-term planning.
Originally from South Africa, Marci began her career with KPMG, where she completed her professional training before relocating to the U.S. Her international background brings a well-rounded, global perspective to her work with clients across diverse industries. Marci now resides in London, Kentucky, with her husband, Peter. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time in nature, traveling, and working on crochet and other handcrafts.
With over 35 years of experience in the print & related industry, Tony brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role of V.P. Production. After completing his education in Photography in Great Britain, Tony worked in the US as a photographer. Moving to Canada in the late 80’s working with a large format print lab, ultimately owning and operating a successful large format print production house for over 15 years. Tony has an extensive background in sales, print management, print production and business ownership and is a valuable asset to our team.
Married with three children, Tony enjoys time with family & friends, running, hockey, cooking and reading.
With over 40 years of experience, Ellen Binen-Milbrod is an accomplished Certified Public Accountant (CPA), licensed in Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from New York University and enhanced her expertise by completing advanced master’s-level tax courses at Pace University.
She began her career at JH Cohn LLP, and worked as an acting tax manager for KPMG LLP, one of the Big Four Accounting Firms. She also has worked as an Independent Consultant to various small local CPA firms throughout New Jersey and New York.
Ellen is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), New Jersey State Society of CPA’s, Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Professional Service Group Network, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, and the Manatee Chamber of Commerce.
Referred to respectfully as “The Taxchick”, Ellen provides quality accounting, tax, and business consulting services to individuals and small to medium-sized businesses located throughout the United States.
Ellen and her firm have been honored with the Bradenton Herald Tribune Reader’s Choice Awards for Best Tax Preparer and Best Accounting Firm for the past three years, a testament to her commitment to excellence and client satisfaction. Her meticulous attention to detail, integrity, and personalized service have earned her the trust of clients throughout her career
Ellen resides in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, with her husband, Steve. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and dedicates herself to supporting veteran charities, offering both her resources and energy to causes that honor and assist those who have served.
Join us and become part of a supportive, innovative community dedicated to your personal and professional growth. Together, we achieve great things.
