About Highland Advisors Group, LLC
Our Founder
Highland Advisors Group was founded by John Shepardson. John is a former Executive Director with Ernst & Young and most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer of a $3.8 Billion commercially focused Community Bank.
John’s background uniquely positions him to create value for commercial real estate owners and the banks that lend to them.
For owners, John draws from a long career in “Big 4” accounting firms advising commercial real estate owners on strategies to reduce tax liabilities and increase cash flow.
For banks, John’s experience includes implementation of strategies to manage real estate portfolio risk, as well as optimize the capital efficiency of owned real estate assets.
John’s qualifications include:
Experience:
- Former Executive Director - Ernst & Young (Tax)
- Former Chief Operating Officer - First Bank (Nasdaq: FRBA)
- 20+ Years of combined experience in banking and "Big 4" accounting firms
Education:
- B.S.E. Civil Engineering - University of Michigan
- M.B.A. - Boston College (Carroll School of Management)
- Diploma in Banking - ABA Stonier Banking School
- Certificate in Leadership - University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School of Business)
Certification:
- IRS Enrolled Agent, #88510
- Federally Authorized Tax Practitioner
- Licensed by the IRS to represent taxpayers