The Unique CPA

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

What do accountants and NFL broadcasters have in common? More than you might think. The Unique CPA goes in an entirely different direction on Episode 228 to kick off the football season, with host Randy Crabtree joined by Jeff Joniak, the iconic voice of the Chicago Bears, for a conversation that’s equal parts practical wisdom and behind-the-scenes storytelling. Jeff reflects on his journey to the “toy department of life,” the sports broadcast booth, sharing lessons on preparation, finding your voice, and the art of communicating under pressure. Along the way, Randy and Jeff particularly focus on the effectiveness of storytelling—the value of a well-told tale can’t be understated. Wisdom for accountants can come from the most unexpected places, and you’re sure to find something to take away from this thoughtful and entertaining episode. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com  

Randy welcomes Hank Berkowitz, founder of HB Publishing and Marketing, for an insightful conversation on content, communication, and credibility in the accounting profession on Episode 227 of The Unique CPA. With over 25 years of experience helping CPAs and financial advisors amplify their voices, Hank shares practical strategies for building thought leadership, pitching stories to editors, and turning content into a valuable asset. Discover the difference between influencers and true thought leaders, the power of repurposing content, and why authenticity matters more than perfection. If your goal is to publish your first article, write a book, or simply get your ideas heard, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world examples to help accounting professionals stand out and make an impact. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com  

What happens when an IT pro with an entrepreneurial streak transforms a side hustle into a thriving accounting firm? On Episode 226 of The Unique CPA, Tony Proctor, founder and principal of Proctor & Associates, talks to Randy about how he built Proctor & Associates from the ground up, navigated the high-stakes acquisition of a legacy practice, and brought tech-driven innovation to traditional accounting. Discover Tony’s passion for financial literacy, his candid take on firm leadership, and the lessons he’s learned empowering clients and communities. Tony shared his wisdom, humor, and inspiration at Bridging the Gap 2025, and you won’t want to miss this episode whether you were fortunate enough to see him speak there or not. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com