Growing Your Firm | Strategies for Accountants, CPA's, Bookkeepers , and Tax Professionals
Business & Finance
About
Growing Your Firm is the top podcast for ambitious firm owners to find tips, tactics, and strategies on how to grow their firm (or practice). In this podcast we'll be interviewing unique thought leaders in accounting, tax, and bookkeeping about topics including: practice management, marketing, social media, succession planning, partner relations, hiring, pricing, and much more.
Episodes
- How to Scale Your Firm Without New Hires with Isaac Perdomo
Host David Cristello and Isaac Perdomo, founder of Opzer, explore how accounting firms can scale without new hires by implementing AI and low-code tools. They discuss the critical window for AI adoption, building bespoke internal software,…
- How to Build a 90% Automated Accounting Firm
Host David Cristello speaks with Jeff Seibert, CEO of Digits, about rebuilding accounting software to be AI-native. They explore the concept of "Agentic Accounting," automating processes like the month-end close, and how AI adoption will r…
- Why Accountants Are Leaving Money on the Table (And How to Fix It)
This episode of Growing Your Firm discusses tax resolution as an overlooked revenue stream for accounting professionals. Host David Cristello speaks with Michael Rozbruch, who explains how to generate leads through a "stealth" referral let…
- The M&A Shift Toward Adjusted EBITDA Margins
This episode discusses the evolving M&A landscape for accounting and bookkeeping firms, focusing on the shift from gross revenue multiples to Adjusted EBITDA. It covers the higher valuations for Client Accounting Services (CAS), the influe…
- The EOS Lite Framework for Growing a Remote Firm
Host David Cristello speaks with Ben Curtis, co-founder of Good Measure Financial, about scaling a remote accounting business using the EOS Lite framework. The discussion covers a 50/50 partnership model, the Vision Traction Organizer (VTO…
- Why Accounting Firm Owners Burn Out (And How to Fix It with Better Operations)
Burnout is often misdiagnosed as a lack of effort, but the true culprit is usually a lack of infrastructure. From excessive rework to murky processes, operational friction is what actually drains a team. The solution isn't to work harder;…
- Why Talent Is the Real Growth Constraint for Accounting Firms: Insights from Jennifer Wilson
If your firm's growth has hit a plateau, you might be looking for answers in outsourcing or capital infusions. However, Jennifer Wilson suggests a different perspective: the primary constraint facing firm leaders today is the people-power…
- GYF Summit: Future of Professional Roundtable
Discover why industry leaders are feeling more optimistic than ever about the future of professional accounting. This roundtable discussion explores a pivotal shift from a culture of burnout toward one centered on high-value advisory and l…
- How Matt Gardner Scaled a Niche Accounting Firm Without Chasing Referrals
Matt Gardner scaled Hiline by moving beyond referral-only growth and building systems designed to scale. By niching down, investing ahead of demand, restructuring sales roles, and embracing automation and technology, Hiline created a predi…
- Fixing Turnover and Capacity Problems Inside Growing Accounting Firms with Erin Daiber
Growing accounting firms often misdiagnose turnover and capacity issues. Erin Daiber explains why these problems usually start at the partner level, how trust breakdowns create hidden churn, and what firms must fix first before hiring or o…
- How William Hamilton Breaks Down Pricing, Packaging, and Value for Accounting Firms
On an episode of the Growing Your Firm podcast , David Cristello spoke with William Hamilton IV , founder of SmartPath , about why pricing problems often sit underneath many operational issues firms experience. William has spent more than…
- How Justine Lackey Turned a Focused Bookkeeping Firm Into a Successful Exit
Justine Lackey built a sellable bookkeeping firm by staying hyper focused on one service, one platform, recurring revenue, documented systems, and ethical leadership. Long before selling in 2023, her firm was structured to operate independ…
- AI Tools That Help Accounting Firms Scale Faster: Insights from Anderson Petergeorge
Anderson Petergeorge , co-founder of Quanto , explains how accounting firms can scale from startup to multi-million-dollar operations by using ChatGPT, meeting transcript tools, and modern ledgers. He argues that AI will not replace accoun…
- The Future of Accounting Firms in an AI Driven World with Ryan Lazanis
The accounting industry is changing faster than ever. Automation, artificial intelligence, and remote work are rewriting the way firms operate. Yet one principle remains clear: firms that balance technology with human connection will lead…
- How Coaching Transforms Accounting Leaders: Lessons from Douglas Slaybaugh
Douglas Slaybaugh began his career in public accounting at Arthur Andersen, where he admits he nearly lost his internship due to chronic lateness. Mentors stepped in and advocated for him, giving him another chance. That early experience s…
- Firm as a Service: How Dark Horse is Transforming the Accounting Firm Model
Firm as a Service (FaaS) is a model that gives accountants the entire infrastructure of a firm technology, staffing, marketing, and support so they can focus on serving clients and scaling their practice. Unlike traditional partnerships or…
- From CPA to Software Entrepreneur: How Ben Taylor Launched SoftLedger
In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello welcomes Ben Taylor, CEO of SoftLedger, to discuss the emerging trend of CPAs transitioning into technology entrepreneurs. With over a decade of experience as a practicing CPA, Ben…
- Scaling Accounting & CAS Beyond $5M with Dave Olsen
In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello welcomes Dave Olsen, founder of an accounting firm and Nimbl Staffing. Dave shares his unique journey in the accounting industry, discussing the success of his staffing service and…
- Navigating Talent Trends in CPA M&A with Geoff Bruskin
In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Crostello welcomes back Geoff Bruskin, founder of White Tiger Connections, to discuss the evolving landscape of talent in the accounting profession. Geoff shares insights from his extensive…
- Unlocking the Secrets of Client Accounting Services with K.C. Eames
In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello welcomes K.C. Eames, the Director of Client Accounting Services at Dark Horse CPAs. The conversation delves into the complexities of pricing in client accounting services (CAS) and…
- The Billion Dollar Accounting CEO w/ Alan Whitman
In this episode of the Growing Your Firm podcast, host David Cristello welcomes Alan Whitman, the former CEO and chairman of Baker Tilly. Alan shares his remarkable journey of transforming Baker Tilly from a $475 million firm to a $1.5 bil…
- How to Stay Focused and Become a 'Smarter Accountant' w/ Dawn Goldberg
In this episode of the Growing Your Firm podcast, David Cristello welcomes Dawn Goldberg , a seasoned CPA and a Certified Professional Coach. Dawn shares her incredible story of maintaining her productivity even after a stage four cancer d…
- The Right Way to Plan Accounting Compensation w/Dominic Piscopo
In this episode of the Growing Your Firm Podcast, host Dave Cristello welcomes Dominic Piscopo , the founder of Big 4 Transparency. An expert in salary benchmarking within the accounting industry, Dominic shares insights into compensation…
- The Current State of Accounting Firm M&A W/Todd Steinberg
In this episode of the Growing Your Firm podcast, host David Cristello welcomes Todd Steinberg, founder and managing partner of Thrive Financial Group. David and Todd dive into the evolving landscape of accounting firm mergers and acquisit…
- The Zero Cost Accounting Client Acquisition Method w/Alyssa J. Dillon
In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello welcomes Alyssa J. Dillon , a fellow entrepreneur who shares her inspiring journey of starting her own business. The conversation kicks off with Alyssa recounting the pivotal momen…
- Launching an Accounting Firm While Battling Cancer w/Kelly Mann
In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello welcomes Kelly Mann , co-founder and CEO of AuditMiner . Kelly shares her journey of launching her own CPA firm, a decision that surprised her given her background in audit and the…
- What This Owner Learned After 10+ Acquisitions and Divestitures w/Marcus Dillon, CPA
In this episode of The Growing Firm Podcast, host David Cristello welcomes Marcus Dillon, president of Dillon Business Advisors . The conversation delves into Marcus's journey of acquiring a book of business valued at $400k and the evoluti…
- How to Raise Rates on Current Clients w/Loren Fogelman
In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello welcomes back returning guest Loren Fogelman , a sports psychologist turned business coach specializing in helping accounting professionals. Loren shares her insights on a crucial…
- Building a $500K Lifestyle Accounting Firm in Under 24 months w/Michael Meihaus, CPA
In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello speaks with Michael Meihaus , the owner of Meihaus CPA , who transitioned from a decade in public accounting to launching his own firm focused exclusively on retirement plan audits…
- Is This the Most Profitable Accounting Firm? w/ Jesse & Tom from FinOptimal
In this episode of the Growing Your Firm podcast, host David Cristello welcomes Jesse and Tom from FinOptimal , a company that uniquely combines accounting services with innovative QuickBooks applications designed specifically for accounta…
- Not Being An 'Order Taker' and Ditching $250/$300 Clients w/ Shannon Weinstein
In this episode of the Grow Your Firm Podcast, host David Cristello welcomes Shannon Weinstein , the CFO for small businesses transitioning from seven to eight figures and President of Keep What You Earn . Shannon shares her unique approac…
- From Closing Offices to a Successful Exit in 7 Years w/ Wendy Barlin, CPA
In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello welcomes Wendy Barlin , a consultant specializing in helping professional service firms transition from frustration to freedom. Wendy shares insights from her decade-long experienc…
- The Big Opportunity Tax Planners are Leaving on the Table w/ Rory Henry
In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello welcomes Rory Henry , a certified financial planner and behavioral financial advisor. Rory, who is also the director Arrowroot Family Office , co-founder of AFO Wealth Management F…
- Accounting Firm Acquired for 11X EBITDA? State of M&A and More w/ Geoff Bruskin
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 acc…
- Behind the Scenes of a Private Equity Backed Accounting Firm w/Tim Brackney
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 e…
- Adding $2M in Accounting Services in 36 months w/ Greg O'Brien CPA, CTS
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…
- Using LinkedIn to Drive $500K+ in CAS Services w/Roman Villardd
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 achievin…
- Scaling Down Post Covid and Designing the Ideal Lifestyle, w/Jeremy Wells
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, recogn…
- How Did this Firm Owner 2X Revenue Without Burning Out? w/Logan Graf
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 t…
- Doubling Revenue to $2M within 12 Months of Acquisition w/Patrick Dichter's
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…
- AI's Impact on Tax Research and More w/ Piritta Van Rijn
In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello welcomes Piritta Van Rijn, the Global Head of Product and SVP for the accounting tax and practice division at Thomson Reuters. They delve into the exciting potential of AI and gene…
- How to Spin Out and Grow a Wealth Management Firm W/Michelle Neiswender, CFP
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 valuabl…
- 300 Client Consults in Year 1? Learn How and More w/ Max Minsker
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 bookkeepi…
- Talent Crunch!? This Guy Has 500 Accounting Candidates Ready for Hire
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 su…
- AI in Accounting, How to Offboard Clients, Optimizing Your Firm w/Billy Angelo
In this episode, host David Cristello interviews Billy Angelo , the managing partner of Angelo and Associates , who brings over 20 years of experience in the accounting industry. Billy shares insights on steering small businesses, specific…
- 3 Things Holding Back the Accounting Industry w/Seth Fineberg
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 serv…
- 7 Accounting Firm Acquisitions in Nine Years w/ Cory Gayman, CPA
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 s…
- Moving from Local to National, Designing Culture for Working Moms, Acquisition Offers w/Katie Lilly
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,…
- Building Diverse Accounting Teams, Vaca's During Tax Season, & More w/ Nayo Carter-Gray
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 ta…
- Hitting $800K in Year 1, Building Culture, and more w/ Randy Crabtree
In this episode of Growing Your Firm, host David Cristello interviews Randy Crabtree , a top influencer in the accounting industry. Randy, co-founder of Tri-Merit , discusses R&D, tax credits, and cost segregation, sharing insights on the…