Melinda has accumulated over 25 years of experience managing and directing a small business. Her background in theater, her unbridled energy, and her thirst for financial knowledge enable her to quickly understand each client’s particular business needs.

Since founding ZümiFi Inc. (previously Phillips Business Consulting) in 2001, Melinda has helped hundreds of business owners through one-on-one consulting services, ongoing bookkeeping/accounting services, QuickBooks consultations, Cloud integration work, and through her popular, effective and inspirational financial education classes.

Her use of humor and common sense has helped a wide variety of business owners fully understand the financial relationships that exist and often drive their business.

From 1990 to 2000, Melinda was hired as the bookkeeper for The Balloon Lady®, the world’s premier balloon delivery and decór business. With 14 full-time staff people and over $1 million in annual sales, this first step in her career provided her with a unique, intensive education in how to successfully manage a fast-growing business, the unique personality of each client, and why customers choose to buy their products and services.

Previously, Melinda combined her deep, practical experience with a strong theoretical background, completing a Master of Science of Business Administration from S.F. State University with an emphasis on Business Analysis. She believes that her greatest strength is her ability to listen to the needs of business owners, and provide common sense, practical approaches to their challenges.

Her broad view on business is a direct result of her varied background. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Union College in Albany, NY, double majoring in Philosophy and Political Science. Upon graduation, she received a fellowship and pursued a 15-month independent study of Latin American political and street theater, traveling to Mexico, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Colombia.

When she’s not deeply engaged with her clients, she enjoys listening to blues or jazz music, cheering for the Stanford Women’s basketball team or the San Francisco Giants, or savoring time with her family.

Malou joined ZümiFi Inc. in 2002. As a graduate of Secretarial Administration and having earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy, she has worked in the field of accounting and bookkeeping in both service and retail industries since 1996.

She strives to provide excellent customer service and continually exceeds her clients’ expectations. As a Certified QuickBooks user, you would expect that Malou is extremely detail oriented. She is.

You would also expect that Malou is dedicated to helping her clients understand the challenges that their business face daily. She does these, too ––happily, promptly, and with a “can do” spirit.

Malou is always open to change, loves numbers and welcomes every opportunity for both personal and professional growth.

Working with ZümiFi has provided Malou with flexibility, the opportunity to practice decision-making, the freedom to discuss issues, the ability to solve problems, and the opportunity to benefit from an environment that focuses on team support to achieve great results.

Her personal interests include traveling, reading, cooking, relaxing, and enjoying quality time with her family and friends.

Megan Bialas likes a good challenge. Already fluent in French, she’s now learning Russian and American Sign Language. Megan’s expertise as a former controller for a cannabis dispensary in Colorado positions her as ZumiFi’s leading expert on a complex industry. She adapts effortlessly to serve each client’s unique needs and is a trusted advisor on complicated matters. Megan’s portfolio includes cannabis retailers, food retailers, small manufacturers, and professional service firms throughout the US. Clients rely on Megan’s premier talent to deliver accurate and timely services. Those who work with Megan know she’s always available to explain the most complex concepts in a straightforward and clear manner.

“Communication is the key. What works for one person may not work for another. Clients know I’m here for them and ready to help anytime.”

Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband Carl and their young son Soren, and planning a family trip to Iceland.