The Unique CPA

Forget everything you know about the billable hour. On Episode 230 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree welcomes Chris Vanover, CEO of CPA Club, who’s rewriting the rules of accounting with a subscription-based model and a bold focus on quality management. Learn how Chris and his team work directly with firms to tackle new compliance standards, champion work-life balance, and build a culture where accountants and clients both win. Packed with real-world stories and fresh ideas, Chris’s entrepreneurial journey is a must-listen for anyone ready to rethink what an accounting firm can be. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com  

Randy Crabtree welcomes John Jordan, a small firm owner from Raleigh, North Carolina, and fellow member of the Intuit Tax Council, for Episode 229 of The Unique CPA. John shares his journey from working at large and regional accounting firms to founding his own people-focused practice, where building lasting client relationships is at the heart of his business. Sales-oriented by nature, John enjoys running a small firm and forging very strong personal relationships with his clients, and he talks to Randy about how he still manages to stay in business mode while doing so. He discusses his approach to pricing, technology, and staff management, as well as how important his connections on the Intuit Tax Council and other accounting groups has been both for his mental health and the growth of his firm. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

What do accountants and NFL broadcasters have in common? More than you might think. The Unique CPA goes in an entirely different direction on Episode 228 to kick off the football season, with host Randy Crabtree joined by Jeff Joniak, the iconic voice of the Chicago Bears, for a conversation that’s equal parts practical wisdom and behind-the-scenes storytelling. Jeff reflects on his journey to the “toy department of life,” the sports broadcast booth, sharing lessons on preparation, finding your voice, and the art of communicating under pressure. Along the way, Randy and Jeff particularly focus on the effectiveness of storytelling—the value of a well-told tale can’t be understated. Wisdom for accountants can come from the most unexpected places, and you’re sure to find something to take away from this thoughtful and entertaining episode. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com  

Randy welcomes Hank Berkowitz, founder of HB Publishing and Marketing, for an insightful conversation on content, communication, and credibility in the accounting profession on Episode 227 of The Unique CPA. With over 25 years of experience helping CPAs and financial advisors amplify their voices, Hank shares practical strategies for building thought leadership, pitching stories to editors, and turning content into a valuable asset. Discover the difference between influencers and true thought leaders, the power of repurposing content, and why authenticity matters more than perfection. If your goal is to publish your first article, write a book, or simply get your ideas heard, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world examples to help accounting professionals stand out and make an impact. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com  

What happens when an IT pro with an entrepreneurial streak transforms a side hustle into a thriving accounting firm? On Episode 226 of The Unique CPA, Tony Proctor, founder and principal of Proctor & Associates, talks to Randy about how he built Proctor & Associates from the ground up, navigated the high-stakes acquisition of a legacy practice, and brought tech-driven innovation to traditional accounting. Discover Tony’s passion for financial literacy, his candid take on firm leadership, and the lessons he’s learned empowering clients and communities. Tony shared his wisdom, humor, and inspiration at Bridging the Gap 2025, and you won’t want to miss this episode whether you were fortunate enough to see him speak there or not. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Episode 225 of The Unique CPA features Amy Franko, the author of the Amazon Bestseller The Modern Seller and a leading expert in sales strategy for professional services. Though covering a broad range of topics, Randy dives deep with Amy into the challenges and opportunities accounting firms face when building a strong sales and growth culture, noting that sales is often an afterthought in the profession, and how this can stunt the growth potential of firms from the very start. They look at the impact of private equity and mergers and how to approach them as a likely long-term fixture in the accounting space. Amy also stresses the importance of energizing your team through skill development and positive firm culture, sharing actionable insights on compensation, training, and leadership, as well as her own journey of staying motivated and evolving in her career.  Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Gail Perry, Editor-in-Chief of CPA Practice Advisor Magazine, joins Randy Crabtree on Episode 224 of The Unique CPA. Gail’s fascinating four-decade career began as an aspiring musician, shifted to journalism, and ultimately led her to become a CPA, author of 34 books, and the owner of a small tax practice in Indianapolis. She shares stories of her early influences, her journey through diverse roles—including writing several Dummies and Idiots books—and her passion for teaching and writing in the profession. As Editor-in-Chief, Gail offers a unique perspective on the accounting world, discussing the impact of technology and AI, the evolution of remote work, the rise of advisory services, and how modern accountants must redefine their roles far beyond traditional bookkeeping. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree welcomes Alex Drost, Managing Principal of Connection Builders, to discuss the evolving landscape of private equity in the accounting profession on Episode 223 of The Unique CPA. They delve into Alex's background in investment banking and his insights into how private equity is transforming accounting, and they spend time going over the increasing prevalence of PE-backed firms, the implications of private equity on firm culture and partner roles, and strategies for accounting firms to prepare for potential PE investment. Alex also shares his views on the importance of niche specializations and the future impacts of technology and consolidation within the profession. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Courtney De Ronde, co-founder and CEO of Forge Financial and Management Consulting, joins Randy for Episode 222 of The Unique CPA. Courtney's groundbreaking approach to the accounting profession, with an emphasis on physical and mental well-being, efficiency, and a healthy work-life balance, takes center stage as she shares her journey from working nights and weekends to implementing practical strategies for better time and energy management. Forge has abolished timesheets and reduced working hours, including all the way down to 40 max during tax season, leading to increased productivity and more fulfilled lives for her team. Courtney’s Simple ScaleUp System, a framework designed to help organizations grow intentionally while aligning finance, structure, and execution, stresses mindset shifts and being intentional about team dynamics. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree welcomes Nick Boscia, The Balanced CPA, to Episode 221 of The Unique CPA. Perhaps unsurprisingly considering that moniker, Nick, like Randy, is a big advocate of maintaining balance in your work and personal life, and they focus their discussion on using modernization and technology to improve that balance. Nick joined his father’s CPA firm after several years at the Big Four and while he felt very out of control at first, he was able to put major efficiency gainers into place to the point where the firm has both grown to seven employees and he is able to take ten vacations a year. Setting boundaries and both physical and mental health have played a key role in Nick’s professional success, and he talks about how firm owners can make that happen, while also being intentional about ensuring employees understand they are the first priority—even (and especially) above the firm’s clients.  Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

We have a very special Episode 220 of The Unique CPA for our listeners, focused on the massive changes brought about by the newly passed Reconciliation bill. Michael Warady moderates a discussion between Randy Crabtree and Phil Williams, and these Tri-Merit experts provide insights on immediate expensing for R&D, adjusting cost segregation strategy in light of permanent 100% bonus depreciation, the implications of changes in energy tax credits, the phased approach to certain tax provisions, the urgency for businesses to act swiftly to optimize their tax planning strategies, and more. You won’t want to miss this absolutely vital summary of just some of the implications of the massive tax bill and what the immediate next steps are for both client and firm alike. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

We’re looking forward to Bridging the Gap 2025 at The Unique CPA, and on Episode 219, Randy sits down with Denise Thomas, founder of the Effective Communication Coach, about her journey into effective communication and leadership. With over two decades of experience working with Fortune 500 companies and educational institutions, Denise shares insights on the importance of effective communication in transforming professionals into extraordinary leaders, and previews her BtG keynote, “Leading from Within: Embracing Your Best Self with Authentic Mind and Powerful Leadership.” From personal leadership growth and embracing vulnerability, to fostering innovation within organizations, you definitely want to catch Denise’s insights into leadership and making communication work for you and your organization. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 218 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree concludes the ongoing CAS block by welcoming Jeremy Estey, founder of AmberSky Marketing. They diverge from the pure CAS discussions of the first two episodes of the block, turning their focus to digital marketing for accounting firms, with an emphasis on niche marketing and SEO. Jeremy has built his digital marketing expertise first through founding a golf news website, then explicitly moving into marketing, and he discusses how he now helps accounting firms transition from traditional services to high-value advisory roles while making sure their marketing provides them with the leads they need to generate substantial revenue. He educates Randy on optimizing website content, the significance of local SEO, strategies for productizing services to enhance scalability and profitability, and the importance of attracting the right clients through targeted digital marketing. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com  

We continue our special CAS block on The Unique CPA as Kane Polakoff, the Client Advisory Services Practice Leader at CohnReznick, joins Randy on Episode 217. Kane has nearly three decades of experience in starting CAS practices, and they discuss the evolution, challenges, and best practices in building and managing CAS. Kane goes into significant detail on the importance of integrating technology, the opportunity of expanding operations globally, and of hiring dynamic individuals who can handle CAS’s unique challenges, but he is also a passionate advocate for culture and mental health awareness within accounting, and he stresses that a supportive work environment is just as vital in ensuring the success of any practice, CAS or otherwise. Ultimately, he and Randy agree that above all, the profession is highly collaborative, and you will find support with anything you need, particularly CAS, if you simply ask for help from those who have been there before. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Episode 216 of The Unique CPA kicks off a three-episode CAS block, starting with Randy Crabtree’s conversation with Christine Triantos. Christine, who has over 30 years of experience as one of the trailblazers of CAS within the profession, discusses its fundamentals, differentiating it from traditional accounting services like bookkeeping and write-ups. She highlights the importance of proactive guidance and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency, and explores how her own service providers, Infinite Advisors and Infinite Ties, can smooth this process. Delving into best practices, pricing strategies, managing client expectations, and the significance of industry-specific niches, Christine emphasizes the value of effective client communication and the boon to work-life balance that maintaining a successful CAS practice can provide. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com  

Randy Crabtree welcomes Terrell Turner back to The Unique CPA for his third appearance in anticipation of the upcoming Bridging the Gap Conference 2025 in Denver, Colorado, July 22nd-24th. Terrell will be interviewing several participants this year as well as giving his own talk, as he did each of the first two years, and he and Randy take this opportunity to discuss the history and unique aspects that have come out of the conference as it’s found its identity. Perhaps unsurprisingly for longtime listeners of The Unique CPA, community and relationship building are among the central themes. Randy and Terrell also preview a few sessions and speakers for the conference, including discussions on topics like vulnerability in leadership and redefining the accounting industry. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree connects with Carlos Garcia, co-founder of the Reframe Conference with his brother, former Unique CPA guest Hector, on Episode 214. Carlos’s focus is on transforming how accounting professionals communicate with clients by promoting confidence and clear messaging. Sporting a certification in the “Exactly What to Say” methodology, which aids accountants in becoming strategic partners rather than mere compliance officers, Carlos emphasizes the importance of curiosity, empathy, and trust in interactions with both clients and your team, and delves into the impact of language on trust building. The Reframe Conference takes these important ideas into its mission to rebrand the accounting profession as innovative and forward-thinking. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Mike Whitmire returns to The Unique CPA to share his unique perspective on the profession on Episode 213. The co-founder and CEO of FloQast, Mike talks to Randy about the expansion and shift in responsibilities for controllers and others within accounting, going beyond traditional functions to include operational efficiency and strategic planning. Focusing on the impact of technology and AI in automating mundane tasks, Mike explains that accountants’ ability to focus on more high value work is key to this transformation. Rather than the talent pipeline issue being a major concern, Mike emphasizes that by using oft-discussed themes of the show like mental health awareness, strong workplace relationships, and putting people in positions to do work they love, everyone can get more out of their careers and see increased engagement and fulfillment, which can benefit every person and organization from top to bottom. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

On Episode 212 of The Unique CPA, Randy Crabtree digs into an extraordinary alternative firm model with Jacob Schroeder, the founder and CEO of Ascend Consulting. In addition to balancing multiple businesses, Jacob’s entrepreneurial journey has been informed by his passion for innovation and invention in the context of the accounting profession. Jacob’s bold move to split Ascend Consulting into three separate firms to allow for separate focuses on advisory services, tax, and bookkeeping has so far been a resounding success, and he and Randy delve into the central role that collaboration, partnerships, and allowing each individual to focus on their strengths and passions have played in driving that success. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com

Randy Crabtree goes in-house with Tri-Merit’s Barry Devine, a veteran in the specialty tax incentive space, on Episode 211 of The Unique CPA. Renewable energy tax credits have come to the forefront as a way for nonprofits to fund community-strengthening projects, and Barry pulls from his extensive experience in leveraging these credits and incentives to illustrate the incredible opportunities that are out there right now. Highlighting the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on making these credits accessible to nonprofits, they discuss real-world examples Barry was a part of, including projects for the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County and a Minnesota hospital, while delving into the legislative landscape and future prospects for renewable energy incentives. Barry’s strong advice to CPAs on how to support their nonprofit clients in taking advantage of these lucrative credits is a must-listen. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com