Mike Nickoli
Founder and President
Mike Nickoli is the founder and president of Spero Partners, Inc. After his professional baseball career, Mike launched a financial services business and has spent the last 15+ years handling the unique needs of small business owners with a focus on tax favorable strategies.
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Mike is married to his wife Leigh Ann, also a business owner, and has five daughters and one son ranging in age from 11 to 20. In Mike's "free-time" you would likely find him at a baseball game, cheer competition, or attending Parents Weekends at the University of Alabama and Mississippi State University. Roll Tide! Hail State!
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Mike is passionate about driving results for clients while delivering boutique concierge services.
Maria Ritchey
Controller
Maria Ritchey joined Spero Partners, Inc. in 2020 as Controller responsible for Operational Accounting as well as client account management. Prior to Spero, she spent the last 15 years in the accounting field including two years in public accounting as Auditor at Warren Averett, six years at Regions Financial Corporation in Accounting Policy and Corporate Development and Profitability and currently works as Operations Director and Controller for FTS Federal Inc., a government contracting firm. In these dual roles, Maria delivers quick and accurate results ensuring her clients’ complete satisfaction. Maria holds a B.S. in Accounting from Birmingham Southern College and currently resides in Birmingham, AL with her husband and two daughters. When she’s not at an elementary school basketball game, you’ll find her at the beach.
Joe Eways
Client Coordinator
Joe Eways joined Spero Partners in January of 2024 as a Client Coordinator, focusing on strengthening client relations through communication and account management. Joe also acts as the firm's point of contact for service inquiries, ensuring timely resolution for all client requests. Before joining Spero, Joe spent the last few years in Austin, Texas, selling property & casualty insurance before working as an account executive selling medical software to physician practices and health systems across the country. Joe is passionate about forming connections with people and creating a positive impact for the firm and its clients. Joe grew up in Mobile, AL and graduated from Auburn University with a degree in finance. In his free time, Joe loves staying active and spending time outdoors, whether it's on the golf course, out on the water, or sitting in a deer stand. He is excited to test out the Birmingham food scene and to be able to cheer on his Auburn Tigers in person more often. War Eagle!
Jeannie Hoffman
Marketing
Jeannie Hoffman handles marketing and communications for Spero Partners. She has over twenty years of experience in project and account management. She holds a degree from the University of Alabama and began her marketing career in Birmingham, where she gained diverse experience working across several industries, including the corporate marketing department of a major regional bank, a top Birmingham-based advertising agency, and a boutique contracting firm. Jeannie’s passion for marketing and advertising stems from her love of both creativity and process. She lives in Birmingham with her husband, Mark, and their two children. In her free time, she enjoys attending her children's cross country and track meets, reading, spending time outdoors, and traveling.