AFO|Wealth Management Forward

Reyes Flores, founder and CEO of Platform Accounting Group, shares insights from his journey transforming boutique accounting firms. He discusses how combining AI technology with rich, multi-generational relationships enhances service quality. Reyes explains why family offices are ideal partners for patient capital, enabling long-term planning. The conversation covers staffing challenges, the retirement of senior partners, and innovative strategies for firm acquisitions, all aimed at ensuring local firms can evolve without losing their personal touch.

In this episode, Rory speaks with Allan Koltin, CEO of Koltin Consulting Group, recognized as one of the most influential figures in the accounting profession. Allan dives into the dramatic changes reshaping the profession—from the rise of private equity to the war for talent. Learn how firms are adapting to increased demand for capital, leveraging technology, and rethinking traditional business models to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. Discover Allan's perspective on why being adaptable is more crucial than ever and what firms need to stay relevant. Find out why Allan believes that accountants can move from the most trusted advisor to being the most valued and the importance of guiding clients through significant business and personal decisions. Curious about how to future-proof your firm in an evolving landscape? Want to understand the impact of private equity on the accounting world? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this conversation with Allan Koltin.

In this episode, Rory speaks with Trevor Greenway, CEO of InterVal, a leader in automated discovery for accounting firms, financial institutions, and wealth advisors. Trevor shares his journey from M&A to founding Interval, highlighting how AI can help firms uncover revenue opportunities hidden in accounting data. Learn how InterVal's technology provides better insight into business valuations—especially critical for the 98% of business owners who don't know the true value of their companies. Discover how Trevor and his team use AI to help business owners understand their worth, optimize their enterprise value, and bridge the gap between accounting and wealth advisory services. Find out why focusing on "money in motion" and creating a holistic service offering can help advisors build better relationships and retain clients during major wealth transfers. Curious about how AI-driven discovery tools can transform your advisory services? Want to learn how to create proactive, relationship-based value with your clients? Find out more in this insightful conversation with Trevor Greenway.

In this episode, Rory speaks with Amber Setter, Chief Enlightenment Officer and executive leadership coach at Conscious Public Accountants. Amber shares her journey from tax accounting to leadership coaching, highlighting how focusing on the "whole human" can transform both individual well-being and professional effectiveness. Discover why resilience and self-care are essential for leaders, why conscious leadership matters in navigating complex challenges, and what true transformational development looks like in practice. Amber also explains the value of meeting clients where they are, using effective questioning to help them uncover what they truly want. Find out how coaching can help individuals move past burnout, embrace change, and create deeper, more impactful relationships—both professionally and personally. Are you curious about how self-care can boost your leadership effectiveness? Want to learn how to guide your clients through deeper transformations? Find out more in this engaging episode with Amber Setter.

In this episode, Rory speaks with Amanda Watts, a passionate strategist and the driving force behind the Business Advisory Academy at Oomph Global, who has empowered over 3,000 practices across 23 countries. Discover how Amanda overcame her fear of marketing by embracing authenticity, and how embracing her introverted nature allowed her to build deep, meaningful connections that have been key to her success. Learn about Amanda's 'Netflix effect' concept in content marketing, and how building relationships over time can convert even the most reluctant prospects into raving fans. She shares practical insights into overcoming the fear of marketing, leveraging old-school tactics that still work today, and using content formats like video and writing to connect with your audience. Are you curious about how to market yourself authentically as an introvert? Want to know how to create meaningful connections that can boost your business? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this engaging conversation with Amanda Watts.

In this episode, Rory speaks with Matt Halloran, podcasting expert and co-founder of ProudMouth, about how to create content that get people to know, like, and trust you. Matt shares his journey from a therapist to financial services, highlighting the importance of resilience and optimism after near-death experiences. He explains the concept of "Return on Influence" and why creating genuine connections can be done using digital media and by speaking in your authentic voice. Matt also offers practical advice on using content creation to build trust and attract clients by sharing personal stories and valuable insights. Are you wondering how to turn everyday moments into opportunities for connection? Want to know how to create content that resonates with your audience? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this inspiring episode with Matt Halloran.

In this episode, Rory sits down with Kendale King, a CPA and entrepreneur who's flipping the script on how the world sees accounting by blending media, culture, and tech. Discover how Kendale is helping content creators and entertainers manage and grow their wealth while creating CPA Con—an event designed to bring some serious fun and competition to the accounting world. Learn about the innovative games like the Ledger Labyrinth and how Kendale is reimagining what it means to attend an accounting convention. Find out why owning your content and diversifying revenue streams is critical for creators in today’s digital landscape, and how Kendale is guiding them to build sustainable businesses. Wondering how you can inject excitement into the accounting profession? Want to learn how entertainment and finance can merge to create new opportunities? Get the answers to these questions and more in this entertainment meets accounting conversation with CPA Kendale King.

In this episode, Rory speaks with Matt Tait, co-founder and CEO of Decimal and host of After Your First Million, about his firms growth, AI, and the latest accounting the accounting world. Discover how Matt's company, Decimal, is using AI to reduce manual work, allowing accountants to focus on high-level advisory services. 7 Find out how Decimal's decision to fully embrace AI, coupled with a global team model, has led to rapid growth and improved client experiences. Explore the major shifts happening in the profession including the untethering of employees from traditional work locations and the growing demand for flexible work models. Curious how AI can elevate your firm’s advisory services? Want to learn how forward-thinking companies are using technology to improve both employee satisfaction and client outcomes? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this engaging conversation with Decimal Co-Founder and CEO Matt Tait.

In this episode, Rory speaks with Dominic Piscopo, founder of Big 4 Transparency, about his mission to bring salary transparency to the accounting profession. Discover how Dominic’s own experience with underpaid roles at a Big 4 firm inspired him to create a platform where CPAs can anonymously share and access compensation data. Learn how Big 4 Transparency grew from a no-code tool shared on Reddit into a leading resource for real-time salary insights, used by professionals and firms alike. Get key insights from hiring data, such as differences in compensation between internal promotions and external hires, the persistence of the gender pay gap, and trends in job satisfaction within the accounting profession. Are you curious to know how much more external hires typically earn compared to internal promotions? Want to learn how real-time compensation data can benefit your firm or career? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this fascinating conversation with Dominic Piscopo.

In this episode, Rory speaks with Jeff Bartsch, founder of Story Greenlight and veteran content creator for networks like ABC, NBC, and Netflix, about the transformative power of strategic storytelling. Jeff shares his insights on how the elements of a compelling story: character, desire, obstacles, and transformation can be applied to client relationships to create deeper, more meaningful connections. Learn why moving beyond transactional communication and embracing a “human-first” approach is key to engaging clients in a way that resonates with clients on an emotional level. Jeff also dives into how strategic storytelling can help advisors guide clients through complex decisions by framing data within a narrative that speaks to what matters most to them. Are you looking to elevate your communication skills and build stronger client relationships? Curious about how storytelling can unlock growth in your practice? Find out the answers to these questions and more on this Human First storytelling episode with Jeff Bartsch.