Who We Are
Who we are
A dedicated group committed to connecting with our clients and empowering them to succeed in their business. We understand that tasks like bookkeeping, tax preparation, and maintaining a strong social media presence can be overwhelming for business owners, yet they are vital for informed decision-making. Group 1826’s team consists of experts in various bookkeeping areas such as processes/systems, administrative support, and virtual controllers. Additionally, we have established strategic partnerships with Paige Financial Services, specializing in tax-related matters, and Quattro Software, focusing on marketing, technology, and custom app integrations.
When you connect with us, we help you unplug from overwhelming tasks, so you’re free to plug into growing your business.
What we value
Integrity
To maintain integrity in our words and actions. Never lie, cheat or steal and always speak the Truth.
Family
To preserve a family-like environment by developing relationships that make a difference with our own employees, our clients, and within the communities we live.
Reliable
To be reliable. If we say we will do something and set a deadline- we want to consistently and promptly provide exactly that.
Compassionate
To be compassionate: We put you first by actively listening to you and your needs and continuing to communicate the entire time we work with you.
Serve
To serve you: We are committed to providing you with the best products and services to help your business grow and succeed.
OUR TEAM
Adam Madawara
Technology Support
Adam has a strong background in technology, having conducted tech trainings for staff and possessing a solid understanding of the field. Since graduating with a software engineering degree, he has been actively involved in the IT industry, providing technical support, developing websites, and troubleshooting various tech issues. Adam has worked extensively with people from diverse backgrounds, catering to their unique needs. Additionally, he has gained significant experience as a freelance web developer, creating websites for local businesses. Throughout his career, Adam has consistently worked in an educational setting, supporting students, parents, staff, and teachers with their technology requirements in the classroom. Now, Adam has joined Group1826 to offer technical support to both staff and clients who require additional assistance in utilizing QuickBooks and the applications developed by our sister company, Quattro Software.
Amanda Gray
Account Manager
Amanda recently became a part of our team as an experienced payroll specialist. Apart from her payroll expertise, she also excels in various other areas, such as onboarding new employees, reconciling accounts, tracking inventory, managing accounts receivable and payables for multiple companies, and handling Franchise Tax filings. Amanda chose to join Group 1826 because she was seeking a supportive team environment dedicated to assisting others. Outside of work, she cherishes spending time with her loved ones, particularly engaging in outdoor activities. During the summer, she particularly enjoys anything related to water.
Emma Madawara
Customer Experience Manager
Emma graduated with a degree in education but, after deciding to take a break to explore other careers, she found the opportunity to work with Group 1826 as a Customer Experience Manager. Emma’s passion for listening and her experience and progress on becoming a QB Proadvisor, allows her to be a great go-between to ensure everyone is on the same page. Emma considers it a gift to be married to Adam for 2 years. She loves connecting with people from different cultures, enjoying hikes/walks in nature, and playing board games. Experience: Certified in Social Media Marketing Training and Development: 6 years Administration Services: 3 years Quickbooks: 2 years
Rebecca K
Account Manager
Rebecca joined Group 1826 in January of 2023. Her background has ranged from bookkeeping, to management, to sales, and working alongside her husband in several of their own businesses. Rebecca has always had a passion for helping people and building relationships. When her daughter Rylie was born in 2018, she reduced her work schedule to focus on being a mom. Then in 2020 when the twins came along she became a full-time mom. Once her oldest began preschool she wanted to resume her career with a company of honesty, integrity, and competence. Group 1826, who has done bookkeeping and taxes for her and her husband for more than 10 years, immediately came to mind. Experience: Bookkeeping – 3 years QuickBooks – 3 years Administrative Work – 16 years Team Management – 16 years
Kayla B
Account Manager
Kayla has 7 years experience in the financial, marketing and accounting industries. She started working in the finance field because of the growth opportunities. She is also highly experienced in Quickbooks and Excel. Kayla joined our team in July of 2023. She loves the values and team at Group 1826 and really likes the way she is valued as an employee and person. Her hope is to make every Group 1826 client feel that same way- that they are cared for and wants to help them be successful. She has been happily married for 2 years and enjoys the freedom of traveling and spending time with her husband and four dogs. Experience: Information Technology – 20 years Team Management – 6 years Program Management – 4 years Certified in Social Media Marketing
Miranda Williams
Payroll Manager
Miranda Williams joined Group 1826 in 2019 bringing with her 7 years of experience in payroll. Since then she’s been growing her knowledge through a QBO certification. These learning opportunities and the flexible schedule are what she loves about Group 1826. That flexible schedule helps her be able to spend valuable time with her husband and 4 children. Together they love the outdoors and travelling. They stay busy with basketball and baseball practices. Experience: Administrative – 12 years Payroll – 14 years Quickbooks – 5 years
Kristen Chacon
Account Manager
Kristen received her Bachelors degree at UTPB and developed her passion for the accounting and financial industries. She began working with Group 1826 in October of 2022 and soon realized the company was a perfect fit for her. She has experience in QuickBooks and Excel and loves connecting and helping others. What sets Kristen apart is her professionalism, her willingness to do the whole job, and her commitment to making our clients successful. She has been happily married for eight years and has two beautiful daughters who share her love for dance, sewing, and music. Experience: Bookkeeping – 1.5 years Administrative Work – 3 years Quickbooks Softwares – 1.5 years
Travis Waller
Advisory Services
Travis provides CFO services to clients in the lower middle market. Travis has partnered with Jeff on several client engagements in recent years, and is working with the Group 1826 team to bring additional services to its clientele. He has strong experience in the private sector, working with owner-operator and private-equity backed businesses. He particularly enjoys collaborating with owners on financing initiatives, and providing the clarity from financial data that enables sound decision making. Travis resides with his wonderful family in the Houston area. Experience: Finance & Accounting – 26 years Executive Roles – 9 years Consulting – 4 years
Kris Berthelsen
Founder / Operations Manager
Kris was born into the world of business bookkeeping. Her father, a CPA, and her mother, was a highly respected bookkeeper. Kris spent summers helping and learning the craft. A degree from UT and experience in all aspects of office administration helps Kris bring an informed, proven, and straightforward approach to helping clients. Kris has a passion for helping people and it shows. Kris also has the patience of Job, proven by her 26 year marriage to Jeff and has been blessed with 4 incredibly talented children. Bookkeeping – 23 years Payroll – 10 years QuickBooks – 6 years Administration – 23 years
Jeff Berthelsen
Founder / CEO
Jeff graduated from UT to be educator. A temporary job turned into a career helping a company exponentially grow in sales, employees, and locations nationwide. Jeff was hooked! 13 years and a masters in org. leadership and ethics later, Jeff founded Group 1826 with Kristin. He loves the “a-ha” moments (the educator in him), helping clients, and making their businesses & lives better. Jeff has been married to the love of his life and high school sweetheart for 26 years. They have four amazing children. Bookkeeping – 24 years Payroll – 24 years QuickBooks – 15 years Process Improvement – 20 years