The author is a former banker, former business owner, and former principal in a major CPA firm. As such, he is uniquely qualified to bridge the communication gap between business owner, banker and CPA. He earned his BA and MBA in finance from the University of Washington and has diplomas from the Pacific Coast Banking School (Honors), and the American Institute of Banking. Mr. Duryee is the author or co-author of several books including; Lead to Succeed--The Closely Held Business Survival Manual, The Business Owner's Guide to Achieving Financial Success, and Planning and Small Business Banking, Assessing Needs and Establishing Strategies, as well as numerous articles in trade publications. He is a nationally known lecturer to business owners, bankers, and professionals, and sits on the boards of several corporations.