Lunch Breakout Session Room

Christopher Rials holds several designations in the appraisal industry, including the nationally recognized BCA, Business Certified Appraiser designation by the International Society of Business Appraisers (ISBA) and the MCMEA, Master Certified Machinery and Equipment Appraiser designation by the NEBB Institute as well as serving as its current Director. Chris works regularly for trusted advisors including Attorney's, CPA's, Business Brokers, Financial Professionals, and banks, among others. He puts strong emphasis on ethical guidelines and knowledge of U.S.P.A.P. (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice).

Howard A. Lewis is the former National Program Manager of the Engineering and Valuation Programs at the IRS, where he served for over 32 years. He also served as the Executive Director of the Institute of Business Appraisers and ISBA. He is currently a Director of ISBA and a consultant with alliantgroup, a Houston company specializing in R&D tax credits for federal and state tax purposes.

Howard has eight children and, at the latest count, 14 grandchildren. He and his wife live in Hollywood, Florida, with their dog, Sheela.