The Unique CPA

When Paul Peterson looks across his firm, he sees a new generation rewriting the rules. On Episode 238 of The Unique CPA, he joins Randy Crabtree to trace the ripple effects of Gen Z's arrival in accounting as young professionals who expect flexibility, are driven by their purpose, and challenge the status quo while setting new standards for everyone. Paul recounts how a twenty-something team member became the office's AI expert, teaching partners to rethink their approach to technology. He describes Gen Z's insistence on open dialogue and their willingness to question outdated practices, and the way they bring their whole selves to work. From the pressures of private equity to the importance of mental health, Gen Z's presence is forcing even the most established leaders to adapt and build a culture where everyone can belong—something that is paying dividends economically even now. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Tara Whitney, CEO of White Birch Advisory, steps into the studio with a confession: she was drawn to accounting for its clear rules and right answers. But as the conversation unfolds, Tara reveals how the very habits that once defined her success, like perfectionism, self-reliance, and yes, rule-following, became obstacles as she rose to leadership. On Episode 237 of The Unique CPA, she and Randy trace the burnout and stress plaguing members of the profession, and recounts the moment she realized that breaking her own rules and embracing vulnerability would open the door to creativity and growth. Having found her "zone of genius," Tara explores how letting go of old scripts can transform your life and career, as well as your entire organization. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

When Bob Doyle stepped into the role of CEO at the Michigan Association of CPAs, the world shut down three weeks later. Instead of retreating, Bob drew on his background in engineering and association leadership to reimagine what it means to be a CPA. On Episode 236 of The Unique CPA, he tells Randy he subsequently borrowed a pair of white sunglasses, embraced the "Coolest Profession Around" mantra, and set out to shatter the stereotype of accounting as dull. From Bob's sneakerhead sons helping him appeal to high school students, to ice rinks in Michigan backyards, to the real impact of private equity and AI on the profession, Bob and Randy explore how trust, joy, and innovation are keys to the future of accounting. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Lori Zukin's path began in a small-town family drugstore, where work and love blurred together behind the counter. Years later, after earning a PhD in industrial and organizational psychology, she found herself coaching leaders at Booz Allen Hamilton and, eventually, guiding the transformation of Baker Tilly's executive team. On Episode 235 of The Unique CPA, Lori shares how a single phone call, received in the shadow of personal loss, sparked a partnership that would reshape a major accounting firm's culture. She reveals the real impact of trust, particularly given the hidden costs of the stories we tend to tell ourselves when we don't have all the information. Randy and Lori trade insights on vulnerability, missed opportunities, and the courage to lead with empathy, and along the way, Lori's passion for mental health and her belief in the intersection of passion and skill shine through, offering a rare glimpse into the heart of modern leadership. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

When the pandemic shuttered her thriving travel and Airbnb businesses overnight, Allanté Collier faced a crossroads, and she tells Randy all about that journey and more on Episode 234 of The Unique CPA. Instead of retreating, Allanté rebuilt from scratch, this time designing a business that could weather any storm. Sharing the hard-won lessons behind her "famine-proof" approach to operations and leadership, Allanté reveals how her engineering background shaped her methodical audits of business bottlenecks, why so many founders become their own biggest obstacle, and how she helps clients move from "chasing paper to chasing purpose." Along the way, Allanté unpacks the real meaning of work-life harmony, the art of hiring for passion and alignment, the systems that turn chaos into resilience, and much more. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Episode 233 of The Unique CPA centers on Dr. Kristy Short's raw account of living with anxiety, depression, and burnout throughout her 25-year accounting career. Kristy tells Randy about the origins of her struggles, from her first "spiral" in her 20s—marked by relentless work, academic pressure, and suicidal ideation—to her more recent breakdown in her 50s, which ultimately led to her writing her memoir and "self help-ish" book, Civil Warrior. Kristy recounts a particular turning point, signing a suicide contract with her therapist and the dream that inspired her to write her book. Key to her success was personalizing a program for her own mental health, which she encourages anyone struggling to do for themselves as well. Kristy, like Randy, doesn't shy away from the stigma and isolation professionals face, and she offers a candid, hopeful look at building resilience and community in accounting. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Erica Goode, the "15 Hour Accountant" and host of the Consultants & Money Podcast, joins Randy Crabtree on Episode 232 of The Unique CPA and proves you can build a thriving, six-figure accounting firm without sacrificing your life. From burnt out Big Four auditor and Fortune 50 finance director to solo firm owner, Erica now earns over $200K a year working just 15 hours a week. Having made intentional choices she made to design a business around her family and values, Erica reveals how she set ironclad boundaries, found her niche with consultants and agency owners, and developed a pricing model that supports both her clients and her lifestyle. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Small firms are facing a new era, and on Episode 231 of The Unique CPA, Randy sits down with Steve Shein, the co-founder of Franklin Alliance, to talk about a new partnership model in the profession. Steve shares his journey from capital markets to building a collaborative network that grants firms access to capital, while they maintain their independence. Franklin Alliance brings with it a vibrant community of strategic advisors and forward-thinking leaders, Randy included. Find out how you can grow your firm on your terms while keeping its identity and autonomy. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Forget everything you know about the billable hour. On Episode 230 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree welcomes Chris Vanover, CEO of CPA Club, who's rewriting the rules of accounting with a subscription-based model and a bold focus on quality management. Learn how Chris and his team work directly with firms to tackle new compliance standards, champion work-life balance, and build a culture where accountants and clients both win. Packed with real-world stories and fresh ideas, Chris's entrepreneurial journey is a must-listen for anyone ready to rethink what an accounting firm can be. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree welcomes John Jordan, a small firm owner from Raleigh, North Carolina, and fellow member of the Intuit Tax Council, for Episode 229 of The Unique CPA. John shares his journey from working at large and regional accounting firms to founding his own people-focused practice, where building lasting client relationships is at the heart of his business. Sales-oriented by nature, John enjoys running a small firm and forging very strong personal relationships with his clients, and he talks to Randy about how he still manages to stay in business mode while doing so. He discusses his approach to pricing, technology, and staff management, as well as how important his connections on the Intuit Tax Council and other accounting groups has been both for his mental health and the growth of his firm. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com