Growing Your Firm | Strategies for Accountants, CPA's, Bookkeepers , and Tax Professionals

In this episode of the Growing Your Firm podcast, host David Cristello welcomes Geoff Bruskin, founder and managing partner of White Tiger Connections.  They dive into the dynamic landscape of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) within the accounting industry, exploring how recent trends have created a surge in acquisition interest.  Geoff discusses the impact of cloud technology and the shift towards distributed employment, which have transformed the M&A space.  The conversation also touches on the importance of viewing accounting as a nucleus for offering diverse services, particularly for young professionals entering the field. Tune in for insights on navigating M&A and recruitment in today's evolving market.

In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello welcomes Tim Brackney, the Chief Executive Officer of Springline Advisory, a firm backed by private equity. They delve into the philosophy of utilizing talent from small firms to enhance shared services, while also discussing the complexities and nuances of private equity in the industry. Tim shares insights from his experience as a CEO and his background in scaling a professional services line to over $800 million in revenue. Listeners can expect a candid conversation about the good, the bad, and the realities of private equity, alongside potential discussions around AI in the professional services sector. Tune in for valuable strategies and behind-the-scenes perspectives on navigating growth in a competitive landscape.

In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello welcomes back Greg O'Brien, Co-CEO of Anomaly CPA, for an insightful discussion about the evolution of his firm since their last conversation three years ago.  They reflect on the growth of Anomaly CPA, including the firm's current headcount and revenue, as well as the strategic decisions made to invest in alternative positions beyond client-facing roles, such as marketing, IT, and operations.  Greg shares valuable lessons learned on scaling a successful accounting firm and offers advice for listeners looking to achieve similar growth. Tune in to discover the latest updates from Greg and the innovative practices that have shaped his firm's journey.

In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello welcomes Roman Villard, CPA, founder of Full Send Finance and co-founder of Full Send Design. The conversation kicks off with a focus on the importance of consistency in achieving success across various endeavors, including social media and business. Roman shares insights from his experiences on LinkedIn, where his consistent efforts have significantly increased awareness of his brand and services over the past year and a half. The discussion then delves into Roman's journey in building Full Send Finance, exploring strategic thinking for growing firms, and how modern practices can enhance operations. Tune in for valuable takeaways on leveraging social media and maintaining momentum in your professional endeavors.

In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello welcomes Jeremy Wells, EA and CPA, owner of JWellsCFO and Chief Operating Officer Steadfast Bookkeeping.  Jeremy Wells is a distinguished entrepreneur and financial expert, recognized for his innovative approach to accounting and business strategy. He has dedicated his career to empowering small businesses and solopreneurs through comprehensive tax planning and strategic business advisory services. Jeremy specializes in tax planning and business strategy for small businesses and has been active in the field since 2018.  Before his accounting career, he spent a decade as a college instructor. The conversation delves into Jeremy's unique approach to business, which emphasizes a subscription-based model rather than traditional billing methods, making his services accessible to small businesses and individuals starting their entrepreneurial journeys.  Listeners can expect insights into navigating the challenges of running a business during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with Jeremy's expertise shared through his substack, J. Wells Tax, and his roles in various professional organizations. Tune in for valuable advice on tax strategy and business planning tailored for small businesses.  

In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello interviews Logan Graff, a virtual CPA firm owner (The Graf Tax Co. PLLC) based in Central Texas and a rising star on YouTube.  Logan Graff is a dynamic and innovative figure in the accounting industry, known for his unique approach to running a virtual CPA firm and his engaging content creation on platforms like YouTube and Twitter. Logan shares his journey of starting his firm at the age of 30 and the challenges he faced, including pricing his services competitively despite having less experience than some of his peers.  The conversation delves into Logan's unique approach to content creation, his rapid growth on YouTube, and the lessons he's learned while building his successful firm.  Tune in to discover valuable insights on firm management, pricing strategies, and leveraging social media to enhance your business.

In this episode of the Growing Your Firm Podcast, host David Cristello welcomes Patrick Dichter, the owner of an acquisition engine specializing in acquiring accounting firms. And owner of Appletree Business Services, a modern accounting and tax firm for small businesses.  The  conversation delves into Patrick's successful strategies for acquiring firms, his approach to client mix, and how his model differs from conventional accounting practices.  With a focus on efficiency and client care, Patrick emphasizes the importance of flexibility and performance-based compensation in the workplace. Tune in to discover valuable insights on navigating the accounting landscape and achieving growth through strategic acquisitions. Client selection is vital for maintaining profitability and operational efficiency in accounting firms. As discussed in the podcast episode with Patrick Dichter, a firm's approach to client selection can have significant downstream implications for pricing, compensation, fulfillment, and overall capacity.

Piritta Van Rijn, Global Head of Product at Thomson Reuters, dives into the revolutionary effects of AI on tax research and accounting. She discusses a report highlighting productivity trends and the urgent need to close the talent gap in the industry. Piritta emphasizes how AI tools can enhance efficiency while preserving human expertise and addresses ethical considerations in adopting such technology. The conversation also humorously hints at the future of cloned avatars in sales, adding a fun twist to the dialogue on AI's evolving role.

On this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello interviews Michelle Neiswender, CFP the founder and CEO of FIRE Wealth Management. Michelle shares insights from her experience in the wealth management industry, offering valuable lessons applicable across different sectors.  As a fee-only certified financial planner, Michelle specializes in serving physicians, dentists, and high-income families with comprehensive planning. Listeners can expect discussions on workflow, process, tech stack, AI, and more as Michelle delves into her journey from a 15-year partnership to launching her own firm. The listener will learn about Michelle Neiswender's journey in the wealth management industry, including her transition to launching her own firm, utilizing workflow, process, tech stack, and AI in her business.  As well as, decision-making process behind launching a new firm, importance of compliance, transition to niche clientele, virtual financial planning, client acquisition strategies, developing workflow project management, personalizing financial planning, managing meetings effectively, running weekly staff meetings, incorporating AI into tech stack, and maximizing returns for accounting firms and CPAs.

On this episode of Growing Your Firm, David Cristello interviews Max Minsker, the founder and CEO of Bookmate, a remote accounting firm. Max shares insights into his journey of establishing Bookmate, focusing on tax returns and bookkeeping services.  The discussion delves into his unique approach to packaging and pricing, highlighting his atypical path to success in the industry. Tune in for valuable insights on building a successful accounting firm. The listener will learn about how Max Minsker founded and runs Bookmate, a remote accounting firm focused on tax preparation for new companies, as well as the atypical path he took to building a successful firm.