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 acc...
Jul 01, 2025•29 min•Ep. 218
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...
Jun 24, 2025•33 min•Ep. 217
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,...
Jun 17, 2025•31 min•Ep. 216
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 longtim...
Jun 10, 2025•39 min•Ep. 215
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 t...
Jun 03, 2025•34 min•Ep. 214
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 k...
May 27, 2025•42 min•Ep. 213
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 f...
May 20, 2025•31 min•Ep. 212
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 cr...
May 13, 2025•33 min•Ep. 211
Randy Crabtree connects with business development specialist Chris Cocca on Episode 210 of The Unique CPA . The President of Strategic Sales and former actively practicing CPA, Chris now specializes in helping accounting firms grow and scale by identifying and leveraging their rainmakers, implementing effective business development processes, and formalizing sales methodologies. Focusing on efficiency in business development and highlighting the importance of having a sales leader within the fir...
May 06, 2025•31 min•Ep. 210
Randy Crabtree welcomes Geni Whitehouse, an influential figure in the accounting profession known for her diverse roles including founder of The Impactful Advisor, ITA president, and winery consultant, on Episode 209 of The Unique CPA . Geni talks about things that made a difference in her career trajectory, highlighting her transition from an uninspired CPA to a passionate advocate for enhancing the accounting profession and the experiences of everyone involved. She stresses effective communica...
Apr 29, 2025•29 min•Ep. 209
Questian Telka and Nancy McClelland join Randy on Episode 208 of The Unique CPA to discuss their new podcast, She Counts , aimed at addressing the unique experiences of women in the accounting profession. The podcast will focus on authentic conversations with subject matter experts and leaders in the profession, with discussions about breaking through isolation, challenging industry norms, both providing and receiving support and practical advice, #MeToo, mentorship, vulnerability, the importanc...
Apr 22, 2025•42 min•Ep. 208
Randy hosts a very special Episode 207 of The Unique CPA, with now three-time guest Dawn Brolin. Dawn, the “Designated Motivator,” discusses her latest book, The Elevation of Empathy: Leading for the W.I.N., and she delves into how empathy transforms leadership, organizational culture, and mental health. Dawn’s impactful personal stories about dealing with leaders who lack empathy highlights the importance of vulnerability, transparency, and intentionality if you want to be the kind of leader th...
Apr 15, 2025•38 min•Ep. 207
Randy Crabtree is joined by Annette Wehrli of Effectivity Consulting on Episode 206 of The Unique CPA to talk about aligning business strategy with people strategy. They discuss the significant challenge many accounting firms face: transitioning professionals from technical experts to effective leaders, the importance of identifying the right leadership types and styles, and the need for a balance of technical, visionary, thought, and people leadership within firms. Annette highlights storytelli...
Apr 08, 2025•36 min•Ep. 206
Randy Crabtree concludes his conversation on community with Nancy McClelland, The Dancing Accountant, on Episode 205 of The Unique CPA . They focus particularly on the vital role bookkeepers play in the accounting world, and the importance of collaboration between them and tax professionals. This, along with creating effective systems, are keys to building a culture of shared resources, proper communication, and continuous learning—essentially, forming stronger bonds within the community will le...
Apr 01, 2025•32 min•Ep. 205
Randy Crabtree kicks off a two part conversation with Nancy McClelland, the Dancing Accountant, on Episode 204 of The Unique CPA . Their discussion will conclude the series on the impact of community in the accounting profession, where they delve into Nancy's journey from bookkeeping to becoming a CPA and the evolution of her business and identity. Nancy shares her insights on how pivotal relationships are to everything she does as owner of a “hyperlocal” firm, and the inspiration behind her ini...
Mar 25, 2025•37 min•Ep. 204
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. ...
Mar 18, 2025•33 min•Ep. 203
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...
Mar 11, 2025•31 min•Ep. 202
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 encou...
Mar 04, 2025•29 min•Ep. 201
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 t...
Feb 25, 2025•32 min•Ep. 200
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, Re...
Feb 18, 2025•42 min•Ep. 199
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 s...
Feb 11, 2025•29 min•Ep. 198
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 t...
Feb 04, 2025•27 min•Ep. 197
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 hi...
Jan 28, 2025•39 min•Ep. 196
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...
Jan 21, 2025•28 min•Ep. 195
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 ...
Jan 14, 2025•31 min•Ep. 194
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, a...
Jan 07, 2025•34 min•Ep. 193
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 ...
Dec 31, 2024•49 min•Ep. 192
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...
Dec 24, 2024•30 min•Ep. 191
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 ...
Dec 17, 2024•29 min•Ep. 190
On episode 189 of The Unique CPA, Randy is joined by Anthony Venette of DeJoy to discuss the intricacies of succession, gift, and estate planning. Anthony shares insights from his career journey, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning for business continuity and ownership transfer, and he delves into succession planning's critical aspects, such as defining goals, internal vs. external transitions, and the impact of current legal landscape changes. Anthony outlines practical approaches ...
Dec 10, 2024•34 min•Ep. 189
