Randy boasts over two decades of experience in securing tax credits and government incentives, having collaborated with over 500 companies throughout his career. He kickstarted his journey in the tax practice of Arthur Andersen in southern California before co-founding Acena Consulting. At Acena, Randy leverages his extensive expertise to provide industry insights to middle-market and Fortune 500 companies, fostering both direct partnerships and indirect relationships through CPA firms.

Over the past 15 years, Randy has played a pivotal role in driving the growth of Acena's specialty tax services, particularly in research and development tax credits and cost segregation studies. His clientele spans across a diverse spectrum, ranging from multinational technology giants to smaller, privately held enterprises in manufacturing, engineering, software development, and technology sectors. Randy holds a CPA license and is an esteemed member of the California Society of CPAs. He obtained his Bachelor's degree in Business Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Randy resides in Ventura County with his wife and two sons. He is deeply involved in the swimming community, serving as a Masters swim coach for Cal Lutheran University and achieving recognition as a top-ten Masters swimmer. His passion for lifesaving extends to his current status as an ILS Masters Lifesaving world record holder and his past involvement as a member and team manager of the US Lifesaving national team. Randy thrives in open-water and surf lifesaving competitions, finds fulfillment in coaching and team-building, and remains dedicated to supporting his clients' growth and success.

Joined Acena:

May 2009

Nick Pyzow is an energetic and engaging professional who builds relationships for not only direct services, but also resources for the business community. Having founded and successfully sold three businesses, he brings an entrepreneurial perspective to his service approach. He leads with understanding and empathy as he helps his national and international partners develop customer sourcing, problem solving, and solutions advising. 

He frequently serves as a keynote speaker, presenter, and trainer on business-optimization topics, including customer service with expectations setting, effective communication, and growth through networking. Nick also has a wealth of music-industry experience and specializes in artist contracts and negotiations, distribution, licensing, production, promotion, and royalties.

Nick is a former professional musician, performer, and songwriter. As a child watching The Beatles perform on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” he decided to learn guitar and sing. He was gifted his first instrument that Christmas: a plastic one with nylon strings. He never looked back.

Joined Acena:

January 2021

She most recently migrates from the drug-development and medical world. Serving as a Clinical Research Associate for three years, she attended a U.S. medical school, passed her USMLE Step 1 “Boards” exam, and completed clinical rotations before finding her calling as Acena’s Technical Writer.

She sports the color purple at an alarming frequency to support her alma mater, Northwestern University, where she earned her Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences and Master’s in Biomedical Engineering.

Away from her desk, Laura reads fantasy novels and plays with her two miniature schnauzers, Lyra and Vivenna, who make guest appearances during her video-conference calls.

With more than eight years of professional financial experience, Rae began her career in Venue Management and has several years of R&D tax consulting experience with both public accounting and boutique firms. Her clients include Fortune 500 and privately held companies in manufacturing, technology, software, agriculture, and engineering companies. She offers her expertise with calculating complicated tax credits by engaging in projects from start to finish, including meeting and consulting with clients, analyzing complex data, and preparing detailed and compliant client forms.

She holds various degrees from University of Rhode Island, including bachelor’s degrees in business administration, environmental natural resource economics and sustainability, with minors in environmental engineering and interdisciplinary neuroscience. She grew up in Rhode Island and recently moved to Michigan with her husband and two sons.

Fun Fact:

Rae is a collegiate Women’s Goalie Lacrosse Coach and KonMari consultant. She enjoys being a mom and watching documentaries with her husband. She also enjoys reading in her free time, as well as practicing calligraphy and quillwork.

Joined Acena:

January 2023

Erica began her career coordinating and collaborating with a multitude of different parties in 2015. Most recently, she was working with a Hawai’i non-profit that assisted homeless and at-risk families by providing education and outreach services. Her contribution impacted grant proposals for the foundation and assisted in the quality of education provided for children between the ages of birth through five years old. Through this rewarding experience she learned how to manage up to 30 cases simultaneously while effectively meeting all deadlines.

With dual degrees in Political Science and Psychology from the University of Hawaiꞌi at Mānoa, Erica spent her time during undergraduate working as a Research Assistant and conducted various independent research projects that are still used today. Two notable studies include but are not limited to; Child Development and Poverty; and Public Policy Guidelines for City Zoning
Areas. Erica’s research background guided her interest in Human Resources, and she is continuing her education at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor Law School, pursuing a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management and Employment Law.

Fun Fact:

Erica enjoys spending her free time at the beach and reading mystery novels. She has a long-haired mini dachshund, Pepino, who tags along on all of her adventures.

Started at Acena:

January 2023

Dan is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in business development and sales, particularly in the corporate tax sector, specializing in R&D tax credits for the past two years. He has a diverse client portfolio ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small and mid-sized businesses. His approach emphasizes fostering enduring relationships and providing valuable support to his clients.

Hailing from Michigan, Dan holds a degree from Michigan State University, reflecting his loyalty to his alma mater. His passion for sports is evident through his season ticket holder status for the Detroit Tigers, where he frequents Comerica Park during the summer months. Additionally, Dan is deeply committed to animal welfare, having adopted several rescue dogs and actively fostering others awaiting adoption. This dedication underscores his compassion and altruistic nature beyond his professional endeavors.

Quinn Badner is a recent graduate of Loyola Marymount University, where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. Through networking, Quinn was able to focus on expanding his real estate knowledge and expertise, allowing him to provide the best services for clients while performing cost segregation studies.

While attending college, he obtained his real estate license and was a proud member of Loyola’s Real Estate Certificate Program, further broadening his understanding of the industry. He also competed in Techstars Start-up Weekend Los Angeles, where he and his team took first place in starting a company over a 54-hour period.

Quinn was exposed to the real estate world from a very young age—his mother worked as a real estate agent and his father made a living building homes. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, and attending car shows.

Fun Fact:

Quinn has his private pilot license and likes to recreationally fly whenever he gets the chance.

Allison is a knowledgeable and flexible writer, with 5+ years of writing professionally. Her work is informed by her previous experiences working in the food science, start-up, and non-profit industries. 

Some of her achievements include writing for Google's Help Center and BARD AI, receiving a UC Davis Chancellor award for her work with the Davis Cherry Blossom Festival, and being shortlisted in Sine Theta Magazine. 

Fun Fact:

Allison is a Certified Fundamentals Cook, as she attended culinary school. However, her favorite food isn't gourmet: a double-meat animal style with extra spread, grilled onions, and pickles. It's a late development since her old love was NY-style pizza.

Angelica began her career as a development scientist and, more recently, as a medical writer, at several medical device companies in the cardiology space. This included blood diagnostics through implantables. She attended the University of Miami majoring in biomedical engineering and went on to complete her Masters degree with Boston University. Her concentration for these majors included biomaterial and polymer development. Through her technical experience working in the medical device industry, Angelica was able to hone her attention to detail and persistence in producing documents for cardiac devices for the Food and Drug Administration as well as regulatory bodies for the European Union. 

Angelica lives in Los Angeles County with her family and enjoys reading, watching movies, and consuming other forms of media.

Fun Fact:

Angelica has played piano since she was 14 and frequently spends weekends learning new songs.