G. Meet Your Instructors
Greg Noe holds a quadruple-major bachelor’s degree and double-major master’s degree in business from the University of Cincinnati. He is recognized as a gifted management consultant with a holistic approach to problem solving. The Edgar Allen Group, named after his father and grandfather, is an assemblage of companies each providing a different area of business service. The flagship and oldest of the group is Professional Business Services, which provides accounting, payroll, tax preparation, business consulting and related services. PBS began as a typing service while in college and has grown into a firm servicing hundreds of business and individual clients. In the early years, PBS services were predominately related to tax preparation, which is seasonal and so he created Allied Building Contractors to work in the construction industry during the “opposite” season. Today, ABC connects property owners with construction workers by providing marketing and administrative services.
In 1996, Greg created a computer company called E-tech Express which provides a wide array of computer and network consulting services for small businesses including design, build and repair systems, web design and hosting, data recovery and software evaluation and training. Owning both an accounting firm and a computer business allows Greg a unique advantage in providing services which neither one alone might offer.
In 2003, Greg re-entered the insurance and investment industry when he started Benchmark Financial Services. Wealth creation and preservation are the hallmarks of this enterprise. As an independent agent and representative, Greg helps clients protect their assets and achieve their long term dreams.
Greg has always had the dream of combining work with pleasure so he created Blue Planet Adventure Travel through which he organizes SCUBA, white water rafting, zip-line, skiing and other adventure travel trips. Business workshops conducted while away from the day-to-day stresses helps business owners plan longer term strategies including retirement and succession.
In 2008, Greg re-kindled his passion for entrepreneurial ventures by offering assistance with feasibility studies, start-ups, venture capital packaging, franchise consulting, business continuity and succession planning and financial management. As a result, Greg is involved in several projects where he provides strategy, financial and contact services.
Mr. Noe holds licenses as 1) an Enrolled Agent tax professional, 2) a life, health, property and casualty insurance agent, and 3) a Series 7 securities and investment professional. In 2007, he was an Adjunct Professor of Accounting and Business Ethics at the University of Cincinnati. Mr. Noe earned a quadruple major BBA (Marketing, Management, Finance and Insurance) and a double major MBA (Marketing & International Business) at the University of Cincinnati. He is a service-disabled Vietnam era vet.
In 2009, Greg was honored by being inducted into The Oxford Who’s Who of Executives, Professionals and Entrepreneurs, The Presidential Who’s Who Among Business and Professional Achievers, and Cambridge’s Who’s Who among Executives, Professionals and Entrepreneurs.
Mary is Vice President of Pro Biz Services, a full service accounting firm. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Auburn University and participated in the M.B.A. Program of Business Administration at Louisiana State University. She is recognized as a thorough and efficient accountant with over 20 years experience in bookkeeping, payroll, and tax preparation.
Mary began her career working for a Member of Congress in Washington, D.C., followed by a position in the Legislative Liaison Division of the National Association of REALTORS®.
In 1987, Mary became a licensed Nursing Home administrator, working at several nursing homes and Continuing Care Retirement Communities. She took her knowledge and skillset to Health Care and Retirement, Inc located in Hillsboro, Ohio in 1989 overseeing patient care, successfully managing staff, and financial success of the facility.
Her position with Professional Business Services, now Pro Biz Services, began in 1993 where she utilizes her 16 plus years experience as a professional accountant and consultant to facilitate success for small businesses and start ups in the Cincinnati area. As an enrolled agent, Mary specializes in taxation and has represented many clients before the IRS.
When Mary is not providing the best service for her clients, she enjoys frequent SCUBA diving, zip-lining, skiing, white water rafting, and other adventure travel trips.
Jay Smith is a 13-year veteran of the Merchant Processing Industry, spending all of that career time in Cincinnati with Heartland Payment Systems. He is a vested employee, achieving two (2) of the three highest sales thresholds in his 1st seven years. He has been recognized by Heartland as Top Recruiter for the Great Lakes Division in 2011, Top 10 Sales Performer in 2012, & highest monthly lifetime sales average (’07 – ’15). He is also on the Board of Advisors for two (2) CIncinnati-based Companies, and has helped found two (2) local Networking Groups. Prior to that, Jay spent his career in Contract Food Service Management with Aramark & various other Companies, managing Stadiums & Convention Centers.
Jay is a native Texan, where he attended Baylor University, earning his degree in Finance. He also attend Executive Training classes at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business Executive for Sales Management, & the Culinary Institute of America (Hyde Park, NY).
Married for 33 years, & the Father of three (3) , he enjoys golf & movies…
Michael Barnes