A Fresh Start: Building the Firm of Your Dreams

The Unique CPA

#MBA #Entrepreneur #Business #CPA #Randy Crabtree #Accounting #Finance #Randy Crabtree, CPA #Firmdevelopment #Leadership #Mentalhealth #Modernaccounting

24:42

Episode Notes [01:14] Unexpected Email from Employer [05:49] The Deferred Resignation Program [06:34] Initial Reactions and Concerns [08:01] Evaluating the Offer [08:21] Enhanced Standards of Conduct [08:55] Personal Reflections and Concerns [12:21] Seeking Advice and Making a Decision [13:01] Option One: Do Not Resign [14:56] Option Two: Resign [16:44] Insights from Conversations [21:30] Making The Decision [23:51] Final Thoughts and Gratitude Resources Mentioned Sebastian Junger The Soul of Shame by Curt Thompson Donald Trump Elon Musk Steve Bannon Russell Vought Derek Sivers Sumner Crenshaw Brian Fretwell at Finding Good Chad Littlefield The Thought Leaders Practice by Matt Church Simon Cowell Beauty Pill Producer Ben Ford Questions Asked Is it legitimate, and can it be trusted? How are you feeling? What questions come to your mind? Where does your mind go? Are you seeking safety? Would this have been an adrenaline rush as you raced to send the resignation response? What an "enhanced standard" regarding loyalty and trustworthiness was? What are these new "enhanced standards?" Are they beyond what my Constitutional oath requires? If I don't resign, how bright will the target on my back glow? My leadership has supported all my work, but would termination direction come from higher up the chain of command? What would you recommend if we talked over coffee? What questions would you ask? How would you use listening? How would you use silence? How is this scenario playing out in your mind and body? What is coming to the surface for you? How might that influence what you are about to say to me? What are the chances of my name popping on a list and getting fired? How about the chances of being part of an official Reduction in Force and early retirement? Would the administration make a better offer? What do I know about the pending job market? What did I expect the workplace to be like and did I want to be there as the contractions took place? Will the administration pay me through the end of September or will they renege? Can I sufficiently build the Curated Questions business to transition by 1 October? - Do I have the faith or confidence to step into this future as a sole practitioner and grow Curated Questions into all I envisioned? Was this purpose calling? What would I expect the job market to look like at the end of summer if I hadn't developed the income streams to maintain our lifestyle? What is your recommendation? Did it change from your initial recommendation? Where in your body are you feeling the uncertainty? Are you processing this scenario in parallel with your decision as if you had received the email? What additional questions should I have considered? Who else should I have consulted with? How would you have changed my risk rating? What is the correct length of the pregnant pause before making an important announcement? What processes would you use in my circumstance, and what would be different? What questions are at the top of your list to get to a decision? Who would be the members of your pantheon you would counsel with to gain clarity? Apart from the heady analysis, what other key practices would you include in your journey through a similar situation?…

about a year ago 31:17

MP3•Episode home

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

204 episodes

The Unique CPA

A Fresh Start: Building the Firm of Your Dreams

The Unique CPA

0-10 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

204 episodes

#MBA #Entrepreneur #Business #CPA #Randy Crabtree #Accounting #Finance #Randy Crabtree, CPA #Firmdevelopment #Leadership #Mentalhealth #Modernaccounting

All episodes

The Unique CPA

1
Bringing Community and Fun to Accounting 32:53

5 days ago32:53

32:53

Randy continues his focus on community in accounting with Yuri Kapilovich on Episode 203 of The Unique CPA . Also known as #TheFunCPA, Yuri shares his mission to redefine accounting, making it more dynamic and engaging through his social media content, networking events, and YouTube series. Discussing his journey of building a full-service accounting firm with a focus on work-life balance, Yuri explains how he maintains a limited work schedule while providing high-value services to his clients. Yuri’s continuing efforts to create unique and enjoyable networking events are just one of the many ways that he contributes to the accounting community. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com…

The Unique CPA

1
Running Counter to Tradition: Building Community 30:35

12 days ago30:35

30:35

Logan Graf returns to The Unique CPA to continue the show’s focus on community in the accounting profession on Episode 202. The owner of Graf Tax and founder of Counter, Logan talks to Randy about the community he’s built with Counter, which was inspired by his YouTube channel and the transparency he had around sharing his financials there. This had prompted a lot of questions for many people around the profession, especially those with an entrepreneurial bent, and Logan’s response was to create a welcoming, supportive group for new and aspiring firm owners. Logan shares some of his insights on overcoming barriers in the profession, the need for accounting professionals to have confidence in themselves when approaching client interactions, and the impact innovative practices can have on the entire profession. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com…

The Unique CPA

1
Breaking Free from Burnout: Psychological Safety 28:51

19 days ago28:51

28:51

Episode 201 of The Unique CPA kicks off a block of episodes focused on building community in the accounting profession, and to start, Randy talks with Ashley Carroll, founder of Operations House, about addressing burnout while driving firm profitability. Ashley details her mission to help accounting firms rethink their business structures and cultures and think of their employees more as human beings. Ashley recently introduced a “professional pep talk” initiative that provides support and encouragement to accounting professionals, and she discusses her own journey from accounting to operations, her mental health struggles, and her passion for fostering psychologically safe and profitable work environments. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com…

The Unique CPA

1
The Unique CPA at 200: Community, Innovation and More 31:56

26 days ago31:56

31:56

We have reached yet another mile episode of The Unique CPA , number 200, and Randy Crabtree joins producer Justin Grant to celebrate the show’s journey. They reflect on the supportive community that has sprung up around the show, the Bridging the Gap Conference , and plans for the future, while having some fun too with a bloopers segment that’s sure to make you laugh along with them. Randy also shares his thoughts on new directions for the podcast, such as becoming a go-to source for specialty tax news and analysis, and the rise of private equity in the accounting profession, before closing things out looking forward to the next hundred episodes. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com…

The Unique CPA

1
Harnessing Your Own Unique Force of Awesome 42:04

5 weeks ago42:04

42:04

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…

The Unique CPA

1
Advisory Focus: Your Blueprint for Success 28:53

6 weeks ago28:53

28:53

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…

The Unique CPA

1
Soft Skills and Accounting Adventures 26:46

7 weeks ago26:46

26:46

On Episode 197 of The Unique CPA , Randy Crabtree welcomes Greg Adams, Senior VP and CFO at the American Management Association and author of the novel Green Shade$ . Greg discusses his career journey, his passion for the profession which served as inspiration for his novel—which features an accountant protagonist—and his advocacy for improving the image and perception of accountants. He emphasizes the importance of soft skills in the accounting profession and offers insights on how to address the declining number of CPA exam takers by improving the image and appeal of accounting as a whole. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com…

The Unique CPA

1
Redefining Success in Accounting: Looking Ahead 38:46

8 weeks ago38:46

38:46

Episode 196 of The Unique CPA brings Liz Farr, a CPA and influential freelance writer, in conversation with Randy Crabtree. Liz discusses her diverse career path and how she transitioned from biochemistry to linguistics, then eventually to accounting, and finally writing within the profession. Taking a 30,000 foot view, they discuss the significant shifts happening in accounting such as innovative firm models, improvements in work-life balance, and the importance of a strong firm culture. Liz highlights the new generation’s entrepreneurial approach and the increasing emphasis on leadership and technology integration, as both reflect on their personal experiences and the evolving landscape, expressing optimism about the future of the profession. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com…

The Unique CPA

1
From Fairways to a Founder: A Charitable Drive 28:29

9 weeks ago28:29

28:29

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…

The Unique CPA

1
A Fresh Start: Building the Firm of Your Dreams 31:17

10 weeks ago31:17

31:17

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…

The Unique CPA

1
Accounting Success in 2025 and Beyond 34:07

11 weeks ago34:07

34:07

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…

The Unique CPA

1
Navigating Nonprofits and Fiscal Sponsorship 48:53

12 weeks ago48:53

48:53

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…

The Unique CPA

1
Crashing Through Accounting's Upper Limit Problem 29:35

13 weeks ago29:35

29:35

Loren Fogelman joins Randy Crabtree on Episode 191 of The Unique CPA to reveal her keys to enhance accounting firm owners’ earning potential while reducing their hours. Having transitioned from sports psychology to business coaching, Loren emphasizes the similarities between athletes and growth-minded firm owners, translating these similarities into concepts like value-based pricing and the importance of moving away from hourly billing to enhance earning potential without increasing hours worked. Loren shares actionable strategies including her Raise Your Rates formula and Good, Better, Best pricing model to help accountants price their services effectively. Underscoring the need for accountants to recognize their own value, Loren and Randy stress the need to adopt new pricing models to achieve a better work-life balance and financial success. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com…

The Unique CPA

1
Hidden Value: The Gem of Property Tax Strategy 29:22

14 weeks ago29:22

29:22

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…

The Unique CPA

1
Succession Success: Navigating Business Transition 33:41

15 weeks ago33:41