About

Applied AI that actually works. Led by a CPA.

We exist because firms deserve an AI partner who understands their world.

Meet the Founder

Preston Cardwell - Founder of Memorial Ridge

Preston Cardwell is a licensed CPA who combines financial expertise with hands-on AI and automation implementation to help businesses modernize their operations. Over the past few years, he's gone deep on AI and automation - building agents, designing agentic workflows, and helping businesses implement systems that actually get used. He also writes The AI Accountant, a weekly newsletter for accountants who want insights on AI news and practical applications.

Preston brings a decade of consulting experience, including his time at PwC where he became a leading internal resource on automation. At PwC, he built systems for internal use on client projects that saved over $100,000 annually in staff time, as well as client-facing systems that reduced quarterly close processes by more than 20%.

He later spent about 2 years in business operations for a large private company where he oversaw financial reporting for more than 150 franchises. This combination of public accounting experience and hands-on operations work led him to start Memorial Ridge.

At Memorial Ridge, Preston works with firms looking to execute their AI initiatives who need expert guidance to understand and implement effectively.

When he's not working, Preston enjoys time with his wife and two young kids and is a two-time champ of his fantasy football dynasty league.

Preston Cardwell - Founder of Memorial Ridge
Methodology

How we work.

We don't just throw AI at problems. We take a methodical approach that ensures every project delivers real value.

01
Assess

We interview stakeholders, map your processes, identify bottlenecks, and audit your tech stack.

02
Design

We architect solutions with clear ROI, select the right tools, and plan for real-world adoption.

03
Build

We implement using proven platforms with proper testing, error handling, and documentation.

04
Support

We train your team on what we build and stay engaged to optimize and expand over time.

Differentiators

What makes us different.

01
Strategic AI Placement
We identify where AI adds value vs. where simple automation is better. AI isn't the answer to everything. Knowing when not to use it is just as important.
02
Hybrid Workflows
We don't chain AI tasks together in ways that compound errors. We build hybrid workflows that combine automation and AI at the points where each shines.
03
Adoption Focused
Building a system is easy. Getting people to actually use it? That's the hard part. We train teams on what we build and support change management.
04
Continuous Evolution
AI capabilities expand monthly. We stay engaged as your partner to identify new opportunities and keep your systems at the cutting edge.