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CO-FOUNDER

Arthur Tew

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Growing up, I spent most of my time outdoors or in a theatre. After earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in Fine Art, I shifted my focus to business and startups. My entrepreneurial career began with a small group of partners in Western NC, where we set out to revolutionize ocular health. That project is now Eyenovia and was listed on the NYSE in 2019. Since then, I have had the pleasure of finding success in several other ventures, including Sociable Group, a television-supported eCommerce platform used by roughly a dozen programs, including The Today Show, GMA, and Fox & Friends. Over the last ten years, I have helped dozens of businesses to launch, grow, and/or exit.

 

I am a father of four, a devoted husband, and a passionate friend and entrepreneur. 

CO-FOUNDER

Pete Pagano

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After graduating in Physiology from West Virginia University, I moved out of the country to serve as the COO of Celtic Ireland, a restaurant group located in Belgium and Luxembourg. In 2005, I became the owner of Tír na nÓg, an Irish Pub I enjoyed for the next ten years. 2008 was a busy year for me, as I became the co-founder of nOg Run Club, a 501 3c nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Triangle NFPs. That same year, I also co-founded Green Planet Catering and Fitvil, a training group management platform used by running stores and clubs around the US. In 2016 I became the Director of Business Development for City Market & Historic Market Hall. On weekends, you can find me exploring new things, seeking new experiences, traveling, or skydiving. 

Digital Marketing Director

Sydney Andress

I earned my Bachelor's in Public Relations Communications, minoring in business management, and started my career dipping my toe in diverse industries. I worked in sales, business management, digital advertising, and e-commerce sales for attorneys, doctors, gyms, and a Shark Tank Company. I earned multiple certifications in Meta and Google Ads and freelanced. I officially joined the Sherpa team in 2021 after witnessing the founders' values first-hand - empathy, action, and profound enjoyment. I have found deep joy in collaborating and breaking records with Sherpa clients. Outside work, I enjoy researching British history, hiking with my dog Ellie and golfing with my husband.

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Digital Content Manager & SEO Specialist

Ellen Zacharia

Having majored in Communication with a double minor in Journalism and English, you could safely say that I love to write. After college, I managed the communication and email strategy for a graphic design company, writing its blog and publishing its book series. I then found an opportunity in content marketing for the health and fitness industry, where I was introduced to Search Engine Optimization. SEO linked all the loves in my career life - writing, data analysis, strategy, and puzzles. I was brought onto Sherpa in 2022, and I'm ecstatic to be a part of this incredible team. Outside of work, you can find me at a concert with my husband, hiking with my dog Glacier, cooking, biking, or anything outdoors. 

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Senior Accountant

Casey Taylor

As a dedicated and detail-oriented accounting professional, I have been meeting the accounting needs of corporations and individuals for over 15 years. I’ve worked in various industries, including medical devices, digital marketing, and e-commerce. I was hired by Sherpa in October 2020. I have a love for numbers and a deep passion for quality customer service. I enjoy spending time with family, camping and getting outdoors.

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Digital Media Buyer

Josh Staab

I earned my B.S. in Civil Engineering from NC State University, and while I enjoyed the analytical side of engineering, I was always interested in online entrepreneurship. For six years prior to joining Sherpa, I ran my own digital marketing agency, jStaab & Co., servicing businesses of all sizes across multiple digital platforms. Along the way, I co-founded a second venture centered around online education, which I helped grow to a seven-figure valuation before exiting. Beyond my professional life, I’m a passionate outdoorsman who loves fishing with my wife and two kids.

    Creative Director

    Amber Cummings

    My professional journey began at the University of Cincinnati, where I studied Fashion Design and Development. I was fortunate to work with design teams in both large and small companies, including Ralph Lauren, Anthropologie, and VF Corporation. I later lived and studied design innovation and sustainability in the Netherlands. During the decade before joining Sherpa, I was the design director for a lifestyle apparel company overseeing brand identity, product design, and creative storytelling. I’ve traveled extensively to work with global manufacturers, including Turkey, China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Guatemala. I’m excited to be a part of the Sherpa team, helping businesses navigate the complexities of brand identity and product design. Outside work, you can find me painting, reading, or lounging with my cat, Goosey. 

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    Accountant

    Jay Hause

    I grew up in sunny Alamo, California, earning my degree in economics from Sonoma State University. In 2006, my gnawing passion for backcountry skiing led me to move to the Tetons, where I found a job in the accounting department of a ski resort. I've been doing accounting work and living in the mountains ever since. In general, I love solving problems. Working at Sherpa, my favorite part is finding solutions to complex issues and converting raw data into actionable information for clients. Outside of work, you can find me golfing, surfing, enjoying a good book, or challenging crossword puzzles. 

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    Consultant

    Mike Spinato

    After graduating from William & Mary with a Bachelor of Business Administration, my career has spanned multiple industries, company types (Fortune 500 to startup), and geographies. I enjoy working where Finance intersects with Strategy and Operations, using numbers to help guide decisions and improve performance. Since moving to Raleigh in 2018 and continuing through my time with Sherpa, I’ve been able to pursue my true passion: helping smaller companies take the next step in their journeys. I pride myself on finding creative solutions to complex challenges. Outside of work, you’ll find me exploring North Carolina with my wife, two kids, and two dogs.

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    Accountant

    Meridith Walters

    As a North Carolina native who grew up in Wilmington, I attended colleges in Raleigh and Greensboro. With a degree in Textile Marketing and Business from UNCG, I worked in corporate marketing and advertising for ten years before I became a business owner for 15 years. In both of my former roles, finance was a strong area of focus for me, and I love working with other business owners to understand and manage their finances to meet their goals. In 2019, I earned a coaching certification (CPC), and I enjoy using those skills to support business owners or individuals looking to transition into business ownership. I’ve been with Sherpa since 2022, as well as the Director of Finance for a local non-profit.

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    Content Marketing Specialist

    Thomas Lotrecchiano

    After earning my degree from Appalachian State University, I spent two years dedicated to service work through the AmeriCorps NCCC program in the Southwest United States. Following AmeriCorps and two years in Denver, CO, I moved back to Raleigh, NC, to co-found a direct-to-consumer bidet brand with my father. Having spent the past six years learning about and operating in all areas of Digital Marketing,  I joined Sherpa to expand my skill set. Outside work, you can find me biking, golfing, at the beach, with my two dogs, or spending time with friends, my partner, or my family.

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    Business Consultant | Fractional CFO

    Marc Ames 

    I am excited to bring over two decades of corporate finance, capital markets, and commercial strategy experience to the Sherpa team. Most recently, I served as head of products for a Series A start-up, designing and launching an innovative investment product that provides short exposure to residential real estate. Before the fast-paced world of a start-up, I spent 17 years in the mortgage insurance space, leading the implementation of large commercial initiatives and successfully launching a new product line. I am a CFA Charterholder and have received an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor’s in finance from Gannon University. Outside my career, I am an avid scuba diver, a dangerously overconfident skier, and a reasonably accomplished distance runner. Originally from Western Pennsylvania, North Carolina has been home for much of my adult life. My partner Luciana and I recently relocated to the greater Charlotte area after 14 wonderful years in Raleigh.

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    Accountant

    Elizabeth Pagano

    A proud alumnus of Penn State University, I bring over 15 years of dynamic entrepreneurial experience to the table. As the founder and leader of a successful business, I navigated its growth and eventual sale in 2022, demonstrating adeptness in strategic planning and operational management. Moreover, I dedicated 13 impactful years to spearheading a non-profit organization, refining my financial acumen, and fostering a deep commitment to community service. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring the world, being an avid scuba diver, and pushing my limits as a dedicated CrossFit enthusiast. 

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    Senior Accountant

    Sam Leidig

    I have over 15 years of experience in payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and cash flow management for organizations both large and small, including government contracting, construction, and real estate, with an extensive background in SBA and DoD accounting. My passion for designing efficient accounting processes for small businesses and teaching others to utilize them led me to Sherpa, where I can assist a wide variety of clients. I am married and have two boys; my oldest is a freshman at ECU - Go Pirates! I am an avid reader – preferably on a beach or mountain in my beautiful home state of North Carolina.

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    Digital Media Buyer

    E.J. Conn

    I was born and raised in Western Pennsylvania (Go Steelers!), but I have called Durham, NC home for the last decade. As a former theatre major turned digital marketer, I've swapped the stage for the screen! (See what I did there?) With almost a decade of media buying experience, I'm passionate about helping brands find their audience. Beyond the office, you'll find me nose-deep in a book, belting out show tunes in my car, babbling with my baby, and taste-testing every new Oreo flavor with my husband.

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    Content Marketing Specialist

    Thomas Lotrecchiano

    I am excited to bring more than two decades of corporate finance, capital markets, and commercial strategy experience to the Sherpa team.  Most recently I served as head of products for a Series A start-up, designing and launching an innovative investment product that provides short exposure to residential real estate.  Prior to the fast-paced world of a start-up, I spent 17 years in the mortgage insurance space, leading the implementation of large commercial initiatives and successfully launching a new product line.  I am a CFA Charterholder, received an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, and a bachelor’s in finance from Gannon University.  Outside of my career, I am an avid scuba diver, a dangerously overconfident skier, and reasonably accomplished distance runner.  Originally from Western Pennsylvania, North Carolina has been home for much of my adult life.  My partner Luciana and I recently relocated to the greater Charlotte area after 14 wonderful years in Raleigh.

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    Openings

    Location

    Remote

    Sherpa is looking for a digital marketing professional who can independently execute planned digital marketing strategies at a task level. The primary areas of focus are social and search advertising. This is an entrepreneurial position with lots of growth opportunities. Efforts will be spread across multiple brands and mediums and require high organization and accountability.

    Type

    Full time

    Location

    Remote

    Sherpa is looking for a content marketing specialist who possesses the ability to execute with autonomy. The primary areas of focus are email marketing, social and search advertising. This is a highly creative position with lots of possibilities for growth.

    Type

    Full time

    Location

    Remote

    Bookkeeper wanted at Sherpa Collaborative! This position is responsible for general bookkeeping, financial recording, and administrative tasks for companies in our ever-growing client portfolio, ranging from eCommerce to SaaS solutions in several industries. Our best-fit candidate would have a passion for numbers, experience in accounting and bookkeeping, and excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.

    Type

    Full time

    Location

    Remote

    Sherpa seeks a highly motivated and skilled Web Developer to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for building web applications, a strong understanding of web technologies and SEO, experience designing Shopify websites, and the ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions.

    Type

    Full time

    Great work starts with a great team.

    OUR TEAM

    When you're in the business of helping other businesses, your team has to be made up of the best. While we're constantly evolving and learning, one thing is always true - our team members are our greatest asset.

    Everyone at Sherpa is an integral part of our team and the teams of those companies we partner with and help. At Sherpa, coworkers feel like family. If you enjoy tough challenges and fast-paced work backed by encouraging company culture, then Sherpa may be your next base camp.

    Remote Work

    Competitive Compensation

    Flexible Working Schedule

    Paid Time Off

    Learning Opportunities & Reimbursement

    Social Activities & Environment

    Like finding better business solutions? Let's talk!

    WORK WITH US

    Meet the Founders

    Our founding team members have been entrepreneurs for decades, bringing their personal experiences and expertise to the table whenever helping our clients succeed.

    Mark Saad

    CO-FOUNDER

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    I’m a proud Raleigh native that loves problem-solving. Soon after graduating in Business Management - Finance & Entrepreneurship from North Carolina State University in 2008, I founded Flat World Trading Co. specializing in consumer product sourcing. In 2010, I founded the Kinder Soles footwear brand until it was acquired by Feelgoodz Holding, Inc., where I became CFO. From 2013 to 2018, I served as Feelgoodz Holding’s CEO leading the company to 500% growth. In 2019, I co-founded Sherpa Collaborative, bringing my talents and “non-traditional” strategies to earn other companies an impressive market share.

     

    I am a dedicated father, husband, and passionate Arsenal Football Club supporter.

    DIR. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

    Michael Jongkind

    • LinkedIn

    I first came to North Carolina for an internship while studying at Indiana University and was determined to find a way to make this a permanent home. Soon after graduation and getting married, my wife Debbie and I found our way to Durham and have had the privilege of calling this our home for over 30 years. We have raised three children and are now enjoying the thrill of being grandparents.

    During my career, I have had the opportunity to start several ventures in the technology, life sciences, and healthcare verticals and participate as an investor with others that have shared similar paths. My strengths are in corporate strategy, revenue generation, and channel development. When not at work, you will find me on the golf course or in the kitchen trying a new recipe.

    I’m excited about working with the Sherpa team and helping companies find their way to new levels of success.

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