Transforming: Tales of Business Evolution

Randy Crabtree, Co-Founder and Partner at Tri-Merit, shares his journey through mental health challenges and how they shaped his leadership style. He discusses the importance of leading with vulnerability and advocating for mental health awareness in the workplace. Randy offers practical tips for managing burnout and fostering a supportive culture, emphasizing the need for open dialogue about grief and mental health. His insights highlight the evolving landscape of the accounting profession and the critical balance between work and personal life.

What defines a thriving business development culture in public accounting? Josh Axelrod, Chief Operating Officer of Aldrich CPAs + Advisors, shares the elements of a successful business development environment. Learn how intentional efforts pave the way for strategic action and how to overcome challenges you may face. Packed with actionable insights and real-world advice, you’ll obtain strategies on how to ensure your firm not only grows but thrives in a rapidly changing profession. To find out more about transforming your business model, explore our business model transformation resources at aicpa-cima.com/tybm. You'll also see a link there to all of our previous podcast episodes. This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here. Your feedback and comments welcomed at podcast@aicpa-cima.com

Gary Thomson, CPA, Founder and Principal of Thomson Consulting, and Sarah Johnson Dobek, Founder and President of Inovautus Consulting, explore how strong governance can drive successful business model transformation. They share practical insights on how firms can adopt effective governance frameworks to guide their transformation strategies, ensuring sustainable growth and adaptability. You’ll learn key approaches to structuring governance that can help your firm navigate change for new opportunities. To find out more about transforming your business model, explore our business model transformation resources at aicpa-cima.com/tybm. You'll also see a link there to all of our previous podcast episodes. This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here. Your feedback and comments welcomed at podcast@aicpa-cima.com  

Tim Brackney, CEO of Springline Advisory, and Josh Beck, Managing Partner at MarksNelson Advisory LLC, discuss the transformative power of private equity in accounting. They unveil how platform firms leverage private equity to drive growth and enhance operations while maintaining core values. Insights on leadership alignment, a people-first culture, and the importance of transparency in growth vision are shared. The duo emphasizes the necessity of cultural fit in partnerships and the role of technology in innovation and employee satisfaction.

Starting your own firm can be tough, but finding the right clients makes all the difference. In this episode, Yuri Kapilovich, CPA, a managing partner of Kapilovich & Associates shares his ideas about the importance of choosing quality clients and building strong relationships, rather than just focusing on quantity, He also discusses how to balance work, family and personal goals. If you’re thinking about starting your own firm, this episode has helpful tips to guide you. For more information on starting your own firm, explore the Starting Your CPA Practice - Planning Checklist. To find out more about transforming your business model, explore our business model transformation resources at aicpa-cima.com/tybm. You'll also see a link there to all of our previous podcast episodes. This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here. Your feedback and comments welcomed at podcast@aicpa-cima.com    

In this episode with Dan O’Hare, CPA, CGMA, Principal at Glenn Burdette, we explore why CPA firms might choose to implement an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). With Dan's insights and expertise, we explore how ESOPs can facilitate smooth succession planning, boost employee retention and engagement and offer significant tax benefits. Additionally, we discuss how this alternative practice structure can improve performance and make the firm more attractive to potential hires. This conversation will help you understand the potential power of ESOPs in reshaping your firm’s future.   To find out more about transforming your business model, explore our business model transformation resources at aicpa-cima.com/tybm. You'll also see a link there to all of our previous podcast episodes.  This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here. Your feedback and comments welcomed at podcast@aicpa-cima.com  

Are you curious about how to empower your employees and fuel your firm’s growth? Listen as we explore employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) with Mike Bannon, vice president at CSG Partners. You’ll discover how this powerful tool can help your firm achieve its long-term goals and implementation plans, from planning and financing to valuation and ownership transition. This episode offers insights into the benefits of leveraged ESOPs, which include not only tax advantages but also the ability to boost employee engagement and create lasting value for accounting firms. Discover why more firms are turning to this innovative ownership model and how it can shape the future of your business. Tune in and unlock the potential of shared ownership. To find out more about transforming your business model, explore our business model transformation resources at aicpa-cima.com/tybm. You'll also see a link there to all of our previous podcast episodes.  This is a podcast from AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. To enjoy more conversations from our global community of accounting and finance professionals, explore our network of free shows here. Your feedback and comments welcomed at podcast@aicpa-cima.com        

Chet Buchman, managing partner at Swindell, Jansen Hawk and Loyd, discusses his firm's inspiring path to reduce work hours to 45 a week, balancing productivity and employee satisfaction. Sandy Johns, a small firm owner from Atlanta, shares her transition to a remote team, focusing on subscription-based client accounting to ease stress. They both emphasize the power of networking, understanding individual and firm goals, and the importance of reshaping business practices for better work-life harmony. Their stories highlight innovation in accounting with a personal touch.

Abbey Bemis, the First Chief Operating Officer of Payne Nickles & Company, and Mike Miller, its Managing Partner, share valuable insights on navigating the evolving accounting landscape. They discuss how technology and AI are reshaping tax seasons and the profession itself. The duo highlights innovative recruitment strategies that prioritize diverse backgrounds to attract talent. They also emphasize the importance of effective client communication and value delivery, showcasing how adaptability and fresh thinking are key to fostering firm growth.

Jeff Wald, CEO of Pinion, a thriving $125 million firm focused on food and agriculture, dives into the nuances of corporate governance. He discusses strategies for major firm transformations and emphasizes the need for transparency in strategic planning. Jeff explains how to secure stakeholder buy-in amidst changes and the importance of fostering strong board relationships. He also explores evolving decision-making models and the significance of quick communication in adapting to challenges. Tune in for actionable insights that can empower your firm's governance practices.