For almost 40 years, NextStep Technology Advisors has been providing business management software solutions to clients in South Central and Eastern PA. The company was established in 1986 by Amir Friedman, as a division of a large local CPA firm in Lancaster, PA. In 2009, Amir purchased NextStep and the company moved to its current location.
Amir Friedman, CPA
Amir is the founder and President of NextStep Technology Advisors, focusing on developing and steering the company’s business philosophy, services, and culture, and consulting on client projects. He has over 35 years of industry experience.
Background/Experience
Amir founded NextStep Technology Advisors as a division of a large local CPA firm and managed all aspects of it for more than 20 years. In 2009, NextStep became a separate company and moved to its current location. Prior to that, Amir was a Product Manager for a New England-based software company, where he worked with large customers to define functional requirements for a new commercial application, designed the software, and oversaw its development. Earlier in his career, Amir worked as an IT Project Leader at a medical equipment manufacturing company, where he developed and supported software and conducted corporate-wide training. Amir served in the Israeli Air Force and later as Assistant Military Attaché for Research and Development at the Embassy of Israel, Washington, D.C.
For almost four decades, Amir and the NextStep team have worked with clients across many industries – manufacturing, distribution, transportation, financial, agriculture, service, not-for-profit, and others – to implement accounting and business management systems that streamline and improve operations. Amir’s extensive experience in business management software consulting includes over 30 years with Sage 100 (formerly MAS 90/200) and 10 years with Acumatica.
Education/Certifications
Amir holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Information Systems Management from the University of Maryland. He is also a Certified Public Accountant, holds several Acumatica certifications, and is a graduate of Leadership Lancaster.
Steve Iwanowski
Steve provides NextStep clients with consulting, installation, training, support, and custom software design and development services. He plays a leading role in our consulting services and has nearly 25 years of industry experience, including almost 20 years with NextStep.
Background/Experience
In addition to strategic IT planning, project management, business process improvement and ERP system implementation, Steve’s expertise includes Microsoft systems administration and scripting, network design and implementation, and database design and administration of most SQL-based servers. His reputation as an SQL expert has earned him speaking engagements at national peer-group conferences.
Before joining NextStep, Steve served as the IT Manager for Sunline Coach Company and as a Software Applications Engineer at Carel USA. Earlier in his career, he supported numerous users, servers, and workstations at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
Education/Certifications
Steve holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems from Elizabethtown College, and a Master’s degree in Business Intelligence from Saint Joseph’s University. He is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), a Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) and a Microsoft Small Business Specialist. Steve is a Certified Sage 100 Consultant and holds several Acumatica certifications.
