I help business owners take control of their finances so they can focus on growing their business, and get back to actually enjoying the life they’re building.
I hold an Masters in Business Administration from Franklin University and currently work as a controller within a Fortune 500 company, where I've developed a deep understanding of financial systems, reporting, and operational efficiency. I bring that same level of discipline and insight to the small business owners I serve, providing meaningful, hands-on work with business owners.
That perspective became personal when my wife, Lauren, launched her independent hairstyling business in 2021. As I supported her behind the scenes, managing the books and financials, I saw firsthand how overwhelming finances can be for small business owners, and how much time it pulls them away from what they do best.
Working with Lauren and other entrepreneurs made one thing clear: business owners don’t just need bookkeeping, they need clarity, confidence, and a partner who understands what’s at stake.
After many conversations (and a few glasses of bourbon), The Stave Group was born.
Today, I combine corporate financial experience with real-world small business insight to help owners simplify their finances, stay organized, and make smarter decisions.
Outside of work, Lauren and I live near Upper Arlington, Ohio, with our dog Nora (and fond memories of Chloe). We enjoy spending time with family, exploring local parks, catching live music, and cheering on the Buckeyes and Blue Jackets.
Hi there, I’m Ryan! Here’s a bit about me.
I was born in Iowa and raised in Ohio. After high school, where Matt and I first became friends, I moved to Cincinnati to study accounting and vocal performance at Xavier University. Accounting and opera, a likely combination, right?
Well, I am equal parts passionate and practical. Music, like everything, has elements of business to it, and it pays to be well versed (pun intended) in both. Music remains one of my biggest passions and I still sing with the Columbus Symphony Chorus.
I worked in public accounting and consulting after Xavier with a variety of clients in industries both simple and complex. I discovered quickly what did and did not work to make businesses successful. Between this experience and more than a decade of accounting, finance and strategy roles with top consulting and Fortune 15 pharmaceutical firms across the country and world, I wanted to channel that experience in a more people focused way.
After helping Matt and his wife Lauren set up her independent hair care business and think through different facets of business planning, it occurred to me there might be something here. Over a number of continuing conversations and a few shared bourbons, Matt and I decided to take our mutual love of helping others, shared accounting, finance, and strategy experience, and start the Stave Group.