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.  

In this episode of the Growing Your Firm podcast, host David Cristello, founder and CEO of Jetpack Workflow, welcomes Laurence Whittam, the Managing Director at Impact Global Solutions. Laurence specializes in helping CPA firms build successful outsourced teams.  The discussion delves into the evolving landscape of the industry, where the challenge is no longer about finding talent but selecting the right fit for each firm.  They explore criteria, best practices, and the importance of building strong relationships with team members. Tune in to gain insights on how to effectively integrate outsourced teams and enhance your firm's performance. Key Takeaways: Importance of knowing and building relationships with your team members. How to assess and select the right outsourced team. Best practices for integrating outsourced teams into your firm. Join David and Laurence for a deep dive into optimizing your firm's approach to outsourcing and team management.

In this engaging conversation, Billy Angelo, a managing partner with over 20 years of accounting expertise, discusses key strategies for navigating the accounting landscape. He delves into the process of offboarding clients to focus on core strengths, emphasizing the balance between revenue and fulfillment. Billy highlights the impact of AI innovations in accounting, showcasing tools that enhance efficiency and creativity. The duo also tackles the challenges of tax season, stressing the importance of effective communication and ethical pricing for strong client relationships.

Today's guest, Seth Fineberg, a veteran in the accounting industry and founder of Accountants Forward, shares insights on how firm leaders can lead by example to move the profession forward. He discusses his career journey and current services, emphasizing the importance of instituting positive practices in the industry. Tune in to learn from Seth's wealth of experience and expertise in shaping the future of accounting. The listener will learn about the importance of firm leaders setting an example, addressing issues in the accounting profession, work-life balance, leadership, managing capacity, structuring business, pricing, diversity and inclusion, salary and compensation, transitioning to advisory services, communication, technology, and healthy debate for business growth. Overall, the episode highlighted work-life balance as a crucial factor in the success and well-being of firm leaders and accounting professionals.

On this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello welcomes Cory Gayman, CPA, the CEO/CFO/Founder of JCG Tax & Advisory Firm. Cory shares insights on establishing common ground with entrepreneurs, addressing the accounting talent shortage, improving accounting efficiencies, and navigating the world of virtual firms. Tune in for valuable tips from a firm owner in the trenches. You will learn about the challenges and strategies of balancing pricing, demand for employees, and growth in a CPA firm, as well as the benefits and challenges of acquiring accounting firms as a retirement strategy. Cory is a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader with a wealth of experience in the accounting industry. With a career spanning over nine years, Cory has successfully grown his firm through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. His firm now boasts seven offices and a team of 45 employees, serving clients across multiple regions.

In this episode of the Growing Your Firm Podcast, host David Cristello welcomes back Katie Lilly of Lillyfield Accounting Solutions. Katie discusses the transformative changes her firm has undergone since her last appearance on the show, pre-COVID.  She shares insights on her firm's transition from serving primarily local clients to expanding regionally and nationally, and how they navigated the shift to remote work with ease, having been originally designed as a remote firm for stay-at-home moms since its inception in 2016.  Katie also highlights the importance of maintaining a strong remote work culture, the logistics of moving her own presence without disrupting the firm, and the value of annual retreats for her team. Tune in to learn about Katie's innovative approaches and the secrets behind her firm's growth and adaptability. The listener will learn about the growth and transformation of Lillyfield Accounting Solutions, including their shift to national clients, focus on remote work culture, and success with QuickBooks Online.

On this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello welcomes back Nayo Carter-Gray, owner of 1st Step Accounting. Nayo, an enrolled agent and Advanced Certified QuickBooks Online Pro Advisor, is known for making accounting less taxing.  The conversation also covers the importance of diversity and inclusion in various aspects of business, setting boundaries in work, and prioritizing work-life balance, accounting automation, and technology in the accounting industry. Nayo Carter-Gray is a distinguished figure in the accounting industry, known for making accounting less taxing for her clients. With over 25 years of experience in the field, Nayo has established herself as an enrolled agent, a QuickBooks Online Advanced Certified Pro Advisor, and a Gusto Ambassador.  Her impressive credentials also include being recognized as one of Hubdoc's top 50 cloud accountants, a former Intuit Accounting Council member, and one of Forbes' top 100 tax Twitter accounts. Nayo's commitment to diversity and inclusion in the accounting profession is evident through her active involvement in promoting underrepresented voices.  As the founder of 1st Step Accounting, Nayo prioritizes setting boundaries and emphasizes that other people's emergencies do not constitute emergencies for her. This philosophy reflects her dedication to work-life balance and prioritizing personal well-being while delivering exceptional service to her clients.