The Unique CPA

On Episode 175 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree connects with John J. Fenton who discusses his transformative journey from college athletics to public accounting to leadership coaching. John served as managing partner at BDO USA, and his experience of the profession drives his insights on leadership, employee engagement, trust, and progressing beyond the billable hour. John has drawn upon his time as a college athlete and his black belt certification to help him better appreciate the role of mindfulness and continuous self-improvement in effective leadership. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

It’s once again time to dive into the ERC and update the profession on its current status! Nick Pantaleo joins Randy Crabtree for a special live streamed Episode 174 of The Unique CPA where they delve into the Employee Retention Credit’s journey. The two experts review the current state of play, with everything from legal updates, to IRS interpretations and processes, including their new risk assessment system, a second opportunity for amnesty, and further forecasting for the future. They then conclude their discussion by answering questions directly from the listeners! You won’t want to miss this to find out how best to serve your clients as the era of the ERC reaches its twilight. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree is joined by Rafael Casas, Director of Strategic Alliances and Partnerships at QuickFee, on Episode 173 of The Unique CPA. Rafael opens by explaining QuickFee’s mission to aid accounting and legal firms in accelerating AR while leading the way in the profession on thought leadership around mental health, AI and automation, technology, and more. Through these initiatives, Rafael hopes to elevate the accounting profession, and on those lines, he touches upon the value of intellectual curiosity, resourcefulness, and community collaboration. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

In this engaging conversation, Jody Padar, an influential figure in accounting technology and an early adopter of cloud computing, discusses the evolution of accounting. She highlights the transformative impact of cloud technology and AI on the profession. Jody emphasizes the need for accountants to embrace these tools to improve efficiency and work-life balance. The chat also touches on the importance of navigating AI risks while sharing personal passions like outdoor adventures and the value of community connections among CPAs.

Randy welcomes back Roman Villard from Full Send Finance for Episode 171 almost a year after the recording date of Roman's first appearance on The Unique CPA. They discuss the progress and growth Full Send has seen in nearly a year, including updates on new service lines, team expansion, and a re-focus of how to track what progress actually means for the firm and its clients. Roman stresses that looking at internal operations over revenue metrics means that they are measuring something that is more impactful than just making money for the firm, and discusses the successful implementation of a data intelligence vertical. They also touch upon maintaining a strong company culture and the positive impact of letting go of a major client for the sake of team well-being. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Roman Villard joins Randy Crabtree for Episode 170 of The Unique CPA to discuss his social media marketing approach and his founding of Full Send Finance. In a conversation recorded nearly a year ago, Roman discusses establishing his niche: Seed to Series B, primarily tech, startups. The key for Roman is his passion for working with early-stage companies, drawing from his family's entrepreneurial background and his own career choices. He also emphasizes the importance of creating a positive workplace culture, leveraging relationships for client acquisition, and his strategic use of social media for outreach and education. Roman won the “Social Media Influencer” of the 2024 Bridging the Gap conference, and shared that one of his goals nearly a year ago was to increase his social media presence. Well we have to say you did a great job, Roman, and Randy will be checking back in with you in the next episode to see how your plans have panned out over the past year! Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 169 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree connects with Katie Thomas, founder of Leaders Online, a marketing firm focused on business-to-accountants (B2A) services. They discuss Katie's journey from her entrepreneurial childhood to her professional experience in a Big Four accounting firm and her eventual venture into establishing Leaders Online to help accountants market their firms. Exploring the shift in marketing strategies for accounting firms, Katie emphasizes the importance of niche marketing, creating demand, and leveraging social media. Randy and Katie also touch on the evolving business development roles within firms, the necessity of following one’s professional passion, and the critical role of a long-term marketing plan. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

For our third and final bonus episode of The Unique CPA, Rob Brown from The Accounting Influencers talks to Kasidy Kersey and Robb Zbierski about their upcoming appearances at Bridging the Gap 2024. Kasidy, the founder of Marina Bay Yoga, will be the Wellness Coordinator for this year's Wellness Room, reprising her role from the 2023 edition. Bringing her own personal experience with burnout, her passion is to show overworked and stressed professionals how to better look after themselves. Robb Zbierski is a professional speaker, trainer and personal coach with Freedom Personal Development. The author of Train Your Brain for Success, Robb talks about taking an active role in managing your mind and thoughts and turning them towards working for you, rather than against you. Tune in to hear these last two guests' great insights, and be sure to attend Bridging the Gap 2024 to see them in person! Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Join Randy Crabtree on Episode 167 of The Unique CPA as he talks with Jake Kessenich, former COO and Partner at Encurio, about their recent rebranding journey, developing niche markets, and unique pricing strategies. Jake shares his insights into their industry transition, client relationships, and the importance of aligning personal values with business goals, which led to Encurio entering the death care services industry niche—an invaluable episode for accounting professionals looking to elevate their practice. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On this second bonus episode of The Unique CPA, host Rob Brown from the Accounting Influencers Podcasts returns to preview the Bridging the Gap Conference 2024, scheduled for July 22-24 in Rosemont, Illinois. This time, he is joined by speakers Nancy McClelland, Kristen Keats, Seth Feinberg, and Dawn Brolin as they discuss their roles and sessions at the event. Highlighting the conference's unique focus on mental health, professional growth, and community among accountants, all the speakers agree that Bridging the Gap is not like any other conference they’ve attended. The emphasize the elements of vulnerability, mental well-being, practical insights, and peer support that you don’t see anywhere else. Listeners are encouraged to attend for actionable advice, networking opportunities, and a chance to reinvigorate their careers, as well as end the conference with the red carpet gala event! Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com