Meet the Team at Ember Coaching & Financial Services

Hi, I’m Chris Conway. My passion is helping people grow—both in business and in life. I work with entrepreneurs who want more than just financial results—they want purpose, confidence, and meaningful success.

I began my career in Northern Virginia, where I grew up, attended college, and started in public accounting doing audit, payroll, tax, and general accounting. From there, I spent two years writing tax software before moving into consulting, where I specialized in accounting and CRM system implementations, process design, and change management. Over the course of 25+ years, I’ve worked with clients ranging from solopreneurs to Fortune 500s, including time owning my own consulting firm and leading engagements for a Big 4 accounting firm.

In 2010, my wife Debbie, our four-legged sidekick Tuscany, and I moved to Breckenridge, Colorado to pursue our dream of living and working in the Rocky Mountains. That season sparked my entrepreneurial journey—from property management and franchise ownership to decorative concrete and business coaching. Every venture deepened my understanding of what it takes to build something meaningful.

In 2022, we hit the road full-time in our RV, embracing flexibility and adventure while continuing to serve clients nationwide. We currently winter in Destin, Florida and travel the U.S. in the summer.

Today, I combine decades of financial expertise, business ownership, and leadership development into a coaching/advisor-first approach. I’m a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Tax Coach and a John Maxwell Certified Coach, Teacher, and Speaker. I’ve learned that the most powerful transformation comes when you grow the person behind the business.

As my mentor Darren Hardy says, “Consistency is the key to success.” I’m committed to helping others find clarity, stay consistent, and lead with purpose. I’m also a lifelong learner—because I believe when we stop learning, we stop growing.

Mike Sheppard is a Junior Accountant at Ember Coaching, where he supports clients with bookkeeping, tax preparation, data analysis, and general client support. With nearly a decade of experience in accounting and finance, Mike combines technical skills with a real-world understanding of what small businesses truly need.

He holds dual undergraduate degrees in Finance and Economics, as well as an MBA from Penn State, where he developed a strong foundation in financial modeling and data-driven decision-making. At Ember, Mike uses this background to help clients not only stay compliant but also uncover insights in their numbers that support better business outcomes. He works closely with cloud-based tools like QuickBooks and Fathom to streamline financial processes and make reporting accessible and actionable.

Mike’s path to accounting is shaped by a lifetime of entrepreneurship and hands-on experience. Before entering the field professionally, he spent over a decade in the outdoor and guest service industries, including as a raft guide in Pennsylvania and Colorado, a ski patroller, and participating in search and rescue operations, which built a strong sense of responsibility, leadership, and service. He continues to work in wildland fire during the summer, reinforcing his connection to seasonal and service-based industries.

Now based in Breckenridge, Colorado, Mike thrives in the balance between analytical work and adventurous living. He enjoys skiing in the winter, kayaking in the summer, and training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu year-round. His approachable, detail-oriented style makes him a trusted partner to clients and a dependable member of the Ember Coaching team.