Blast from the Past: The Totally Rad 2025 Mize Finance Meeting Recap
The 2025 Mize Finance Meeting was truly an event to remember. This year, we gathered 207 McDonald’s owners, guests, staff, approved lenders, and trusted partners at the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach for our 17th annual meeting. The event combined insightful learning, engaging networking, and plenty of fun, setting the stage for a memorable experience.
Mize Accounts Payable Manager, Angela Huffstutter, visits with McDonalds’ Owner/Operator, Maryann Paciullo at the Welcome Reception.
Sunday: Personal Connections & Grand Kickoff
One-on-One Meetings:
We began the weekend with a soft opening on Sunday. Our relationship managers held individual sessions with clients and guests, discussing their unique financial and service needs.
Welcome Reception:
Sunday evening brought us together on the Ocean Lawn at the Fontainebleau for a delightful Welcome Reception sponsored by ZayZoon. With drinks and hors d’oeuvres just steps from the beach, old friends reconnected, and new relationships were formed. The night wrapped up early, giving everyone time to enjoy the Super Bowl.
Mize Shareholder, Carol Casale welcomes everyone and shares some insight into the biggest topics affecting Owner/Operators today.
Monday: In-Depth Sessions & Dynamic Discussions
Educational Sessions:
Monday was the core of our meeting, featuring several targeted sessions:
- Operations and Finance Insights: Eric Merkey of Mize CPAs delivered a detailed breakdown of financial viability measures, key ratios, capital expense considerations, and five actionable steps to manage reinvestment.
- Lender Panel: Moderated by Alma Winkel of U.S. Bank, this interactive Q&A included representatives from Bank of America, Bremer Bank, Chase, MUFG, TD Bank, Wintrust, and Wells Fargo.
- NFLA Update: Danielle Marasco and Kevin Moore shared the latest insights from the NFLA, providing industry-specific perspectives.
- Risk Management: Detective Kevin Coffey emphasized the critical value of strong relationships between owners and local law enforcement.
Evening Festivities:
Monday night shifted gears with a radical 80s-themed dinner party sponsored by Prism Financial Group. Guests donned their best 80s attire and enjoyed nostalgic decor and classic hits. The lively atmosphere encouraged everyone to let loose and celebrate with enthusiasm.
So many rockin’ 80s outfits at our dinner party!
Tuesday: Continued Learning & Fun
Morning Announcements:
Tuesday started with a fun twist as we announced our picks for the best 80s hair and costumes from the night before. The winners for best 80s hair were Lisa Price and James Vance. The best 80s costume winners were Lauren Boselli, Sarah Hill, and Maddox Blanton.
Congratulations to the Best Hair and Best Costume winners from our 80s themed dinner party!
Insightful Sessions:
The learning continued with several key presentations:
- Employment Law Update: Kerri Reisdorff of Ogletree Deakins revisited the latest in employment law, discussing how current issues are influencing McDonald’s owners.
- Intrafamily Purchases: Carol Casale and Bryan Phillips of Mize CPAs, alongside Steve Baerson of Williams & Baerson LLC, explored strategic planning for owners considering selling restaurants to their children.
- Mize Tech Update: Andrew Spikes of Mize CPAs showcased the new Mize Connect app and updated attendees on the latest in our payroll, accounts payable, and accounting services departments.
- Mize Tax Update: Brent Rill of Mize CPAs tackled current questions around tax law and shared his insights.
- Closing Remarks: Carol Casale concluded the event with reflective points and encouraging words for the year ahead.
Kerri Reisdorff of Ogletree Deakins is always a crowd favorite at the Mize Finance Meeting.
Looking Forward: Join Us in Hawaii!
Save the Date: February 1-3, 2026. We’re going to Hawaii!
As we wrap up our 2025 event, we are thrilled to announce our next meeting in Hawaii. Mark your calendars for February 1-3, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa. Whether you are a current Mize client or a McDonald’s owner eager to gain actionable insights while enjoying a tropical setting, we welcome you to join us for an unforgettable experience.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the 2025 Mize Finance Meeting. We are currently reviewing guest surveys and integrating your feedback as we plan future events. Stay tuned for more updates—and we look forward to seeing you in Hawaii next year!
See you in 2026!
