The Unique CPA

Randy Crabtree is joined by Dave Lane, founder of Grove & Grain Leadership, on Episode 199 of The Unique CPA. As a business executive, leader coach, keynote speaker, and fractional COO, Dave discusses his journey and philosophy around the concept of being a “force of awesome.” He elaborates on the importance of self-awareness, vulnerability, and identifying your true self for both personal fulfillment and professional success. Sharing methodologies and tools he uses, such as the “Listen, Reflect, and Ask” model, Dave seeks to help individuals and teams overcome challenges, improve their emotional intelligence, and foster a more cohesive and effective work environment, with focuses on the impact personal growth can have on business outcomes, and the importance of integrating personal passions with professional duties. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy welcomes Michael Haynes, go-to-market specialist and Director of Listen Innovate Grow, on Episode 198 of The Unique CPA. Michael explains how accounting firms can transition from transactional to advisory services, focusing on the importance of understanding client needs and conducting internal analysis to create a comprehensive go-to-market strategy. Michael instructs firms to identify their niche, develop the relevant advisory services, and leverage existing expertise for growth, as he stresses the importance of depth of expertise and strategic client engagement, shedding light on various advisory offerings and revenue opportunities. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Greg Adams, Senior VP and CFO at the American Management Association and author of 'Green Shade$,' shares his journey and passion for elevating the accounting profession. He highlights the essential role of soft skills, like communication and leadership, in redefining accountants’ public image. Discussions include the exciting and diverse challenges faced by accountants, a fictional narrative spotlighting their problem-solving abilities, and the importance of enhancing education to attract new talent. Relational dynamics and personal passions are also key to achieving success in the field.

Liz Farr, a CPA and freelance writer with a unique background spanning biochemistry and linguistics, shares her journey through accounting. She discusses the transformative shifts in the profession, emphasizing how younger generations are embracing entrepreneurial mindsets and prioritizing work-life balance. Liz reflects on the importance of a strong firm culture and leadership, while also finding joy in personal pursuits like hiking and crafting. Her optimism about the future of accounting shines through, highlighting the evolving landscape of this vital profession.

Randy Crabtree hosts Brian Floriani on a special Episode 195 of The Unique CPA. The founder of Bernie's Book Bank, Brian shares his moving story behind how he founded the organization in memory of his father, with the goal of addressing educational inequity through book ownership. Brian discusses the significant impact of providing books to under-resourced communities and reveals that a small increase in literacy could dramatically boost the economy. He highlights the organization’s achievements in Chicagoland, their expansion plans, and their commitment to efficient and sustainable operations. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 194 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree chats with Kelly Rohrs, founder of her own CPA firm and co-host of the podcast From Zero to Millions: Accounting Edition. Kelly shares her journey from working in a traditional CPA firm to establishing her own practice and the strategies she employed to make it a success, such as leveraging LinkedIn for exposure and building authentic relationships. Kelly has been recognized by CPA Practice Advisor, making their “Top 40 Under 40” list, and she shares her insights on boundary setting, discusses her efforts to help other professionals through her mastermind groups, known as Fiscal Minds, and her podcast, and she emphasizes the importance of openness to innovation, of community, and maintaining work-life balance, as keys to her continuing success. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Happy new year to The Unique CPA community! David Hartley joins Randy on Episode 193 to kick off 2025 with a chat about a timely topic: The profession’s future and looking forward to the key things that will drive change within accounting. The Partner in Charge of Advisory at Anders CPAs and Advisors, David hits on the shift towards advisory services, emphasizing innovation and the future readiness of firms. Outlining Anders' proactive approach to strategic planning, compensation transparency, and technology integration, Dave also highlights the mental health and work-life balance initiatives at the firm while delving into the evolving importance of value over billable hours in the accounting industry. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree welcomes Megan Tarnow on Episode 192 of The Unique CPA to discuss Megan’s unique niche: the intersection of nonprofits and QuickBooks. A speaker, trainer, and Top 100 Pro Advisor, Megan has lent a hand to numerous nonprofits over the years and even developed a Facebook group for nonprofit finance that boasts over 11,000 members. She explains the concept of fiscal sponsorship and its benefits, discussing tools like Ribbon which help streamline nonprofit administration, and she and Randy go over hypothetical and real-life examples of nonprofit operations and sponsorship, showcasing the vital aspects and potential challenges in running a nonprofit. If nonprofits intersect your accounting world this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Loren Fogelman, a keynote speaker and business coach specializing in assisting accounting professionals, shares transformative insights for firm owners. She highlights the parallels between athletes and growth-oriented accountants, advocating for value-based pricing over hourly fees. Loren introduces her 'Raise Your Rates' formula and tiered pricing models to enhance earnings while reducing hours. The conversation emphasizes recognizing one's worth, effective delegation, and achieving a healthier work-life balance, crucial for financial success in the accounting field.

Join Randy in his conversation with Josh Malancuk, a state property tax specialist, on Episode 190 of The Unique CPA. Josh discusses his role and the complexities of property tax reductions for businesses. He highlights how most businesses overpay on taxes due to a lack of expertise in reviewing tax assessments and compliance, especially in particular states where the rules differ significantly from most others. Josh explains the importance of bringing in specialists to find savings and ensure accurate assessments, with 20% savings across the board not an uncommon result when collaborating in this fashion. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com