Meet our Speakers
Steven Vancauwenbergh
Steven VanCauwenbergh is a serial entrepreneur and author who has built (and sold!) several businesses in the service-based industries of music, bridal, B2B, and real estate investing. His strengths are teaching entrepreneurs systems to help increase their capacity, scaling their businesses, and thinking outside the box.
Steven works to create long-term value for our clients through marketing, strategies, and utilizing outside relationships to make your business better!
tyler grey
Tyler Grey is the President and CEO of First Security Bank & Trust in Oklahoma City, OK - a minority owned, community focused financial institution. He leads the Bank with a focus on building and maintaining relationships with individuals and small businesses in the Oklahoma City community. With over 15 years in the Banking industry, Tyler has built strong connections with a wide range of commercial customers and has grown a portfolio of over $125,000,000. The largest portion of his portfolio is focused on real estate investing including single family, multifamily, commercial real estate, and new single family construction.
rose taylor, ea
Rose Taylor is a well-experienced accountant with abundant professional experience in varying industries. Since she was young, she has always had an interest in all things business and quickly noticed her organic accounting capabilities. Rose graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a BBA in Business Management. Since then, she has worked with public and private companies ranging from small businesses to multi-million dollar corporations. She loves pursuing new knowledge, collaborating, and using her creative problem-solving skills to set herself apart from other business professionals. Over her career, she has owned multiple businesses and had vested partnership interests in retail, e-commerce, real estate, and restaurants.
As an Enrolled Agent and accountant for the past 20 years, Rose’s entrepreneurial experience and exposure to companies of all sizes provide her with a unique perspective compared to most in the industry. She brings exceptional knowledge to the table when it comes to advising and representing her client’s best interests.
Mike Todd
Mike Todd has been with IRA Innovations since 2007 buiding relationships and teaching others about the merits of self-direction for their IRA’s. Mike recently took ownership of the company in 2021 after the passing of it’s original founder, Bill Gulas. Mike graduated from the University of Alabama in Huntsville with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He began his career working as a sales professional for a semi-conductor firm. At the same time, Mike co-founded an investment newsletter with a partner, where his passion for all things financial began to emerge. After receiving his securities license, he stopped short when he discovered the world of self-directing an IRA to acquire alternative investments. Years later, Mike personally invests in mortgages, properties and private businesses with his self-directed IRA. He is passionate about helping his clients and assisting them on their journey to financial freedom. Mike also is an enthusiastic speaker and loves presenting to groups in our community about how to use your self-directed IRA.
chris atlakson
Chris Atlakson leads the Nashville branch of IRA Innovations LLC, a trusted SDIRA custodian specializing in self‑directed retirement accounts. With eight years at the firm, Chris has extensive experience helping clients diversify their portfolios through alternative assets, including real estate, private placements, and precious metals.
He brings a strong academic foundation to his work, holding an MBA from Aberdeen University, and is known for guiding clients with clarity, confidence, and a deep understanding of the self‑directed investment landscape.
Chris can be reached at 615.794.8961 or by email at Chris@irainnovations.com.
april anderson
April Anderson serves as Vice President and Director of Mortgage at First Security Bank, where she brings a deep, well‑rounded understanding of the real estate world. Although she has been with First Security Bank for two years, her experience spans many years across nearly every facet of real estate — both as a consumer navigating the process herself and as a seasoned professional guiding others through it.
April’s comprehensive background gives her a unique ability to anticipate client needs, simplify complex decisions, and deliver a mortgage experience rooted in clarity and confidence. Her leadership at First Security Bank reflects her commitment to helping individuals and families secure homes with a sense of ease and trust.
trey smith
Trey Smith brings over a decade of experience in finance, accounting, and operations, with a strong focus on strategic planning, budgeting, and business development. Currently serving in both finance and operations at Builders Investment Group, Trey has worked across the energy and construction industries with both private and public companies.
He specializes in aligning financial strategy with operational performance—overseeing accounting functions, optimizing capital efficiency, and driving data-informed decision-making to support growth. Trey’s background also includes experience in market analysis, startup environments, and IPO preparation, giving him a well-rounded perspective on scaling and sustaining successful businesses.