Episodes
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Welcome back to Thrivecast, where we dive deep into the mechanics of running a firm and the trends shaping the professional landscape. In today's episode, we're excited to have Tom Hood, EVP of the AICPA and Business Learning Institute, join us to unravel the complexities surrounding the CPA profession.We tackle the hotly debated 150-hour rule for CPA exam eligibility and discuss its ten-year journey to legislative reality. As we navigate the impacts of this requirement on professional mobility and the talent pipeline, Tom sheds light on the formation of the National Pipeline Advisory Group (NPEG) by the AICPA, aiming to align the accounting world amidst varying state regulations.Our discussion leads into concerns over the profession’s outlook, from legislative challenges affecting mobility to the potential risks of an anti-licensing movement. But it's not all hurdles and high jumps; the silver lining reveals itself as we dissect the necessity for CPAs to find balance – charging fair prices, avoiding burnout, and staying ahead of technology, including AI, to thrive in their roles.Tom reminds us of the importance of asserting value and provides insights on maintaining professional standards while nurturing work-life harmony. His insight will leave you pondering on the vision of a profession empowered by AI, a discipline that continues to demand the brightest minds to innovate and evolve.So, tune in, as we reflect on these pressing issues, explore the necessary legislative landscapes, and ultimately, chart a course for a hopeful future in accounting. Talent Pipeline & Survey – National Pipeline Advisory Group https://www.accountingpipeline.org/participate/ Future of Finance – Forbes article – fits CAS Practices CFO Ongoing Evolution: From “CF-No” To “CF-Know” https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesfinancecouncil/2023/08/23/cfo-ongoing-evolution-from-cf-no-to-cf-know/?sh=57ddf2aa2acc
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Welcome back to the Thrivecast, where we dive into the heart of what makes firms thrive. In today's episode, we're honored to host Seth David, the founder and chief nerd at Nerd Enterprises, who's here to share his unique and inspirational journey with us. Seth takes us from his former life on Wall Street to 25 years of sobriety and entrepreneurship in sunny California.
This episode also spotlights the evolution of Nerd Enterprises from a side hustle to a sought-after firm and how Seth's genuine and helpful content carved out a niche on YouTube. We'll touch upon the future of accounting, the integration of AI and advisory services, and the radical transformations within the industry.
Seth talks about the art of making banking fun and how his passion led him to challenge the norms within the accounting industry. We'll dissect the concept of impact over numbers as we discuss the growth of Seth's YouTube channel, breaking down why influence is more significant than subscriber count while exploring Seth's discomfort with being labeled as an ""influencer.""
Join us as we dive into Seth's innovative use of AI in his business practices, where his AI assistant, Sandy, is revolutionizing the way he works. We'll hear why Seth believes in nurturing community, selflessness, and the importance of ""esteemable acts"" in both recovery and business success. -
Our special guest, Dr. Josh McGowan from Troy University, brings his wealth of knowledge as a university professor with a robust background in public accounting, teaching, and serving as a CFO. He offers insights into the professorial life and the importance of incorporating modern technology like AI into the classroom. Also, we'll glimpse into the high flex classes at Troy University, designed to adapt to various student needs.
Our host, Jason Blumer, also emphasizes the critical role of mentorship and real-world experience in shaping future accountants. Meanwhile, firms are grappling with increasing salaries to combat a talent shortage and adjusting their operations to reflect the true value of their services.
Their discussion will not just revolve around the figures; they’ll also tackle recent changes to the CPA exam structure, the implications of these changes for students, and career trajectories. There's a buzz about whether the 150-hour rule is serving its purpose, amidst concerns of a shrinking pool of accounting major graduates.
Stay tuned, as Jason and Josh unpack these topics and much more, breaking down everything you need to know to understand the evolving landscape of the accounting profession. -
Venture into the accounting realm with none other than Chase Birky, founder of Dark Horse CPAs— a firm that's galloping ahead of the competition by empowering small businesses and accounting professionals alike.
With an innovative platform designed to incorporate outsourced teams and private wealth management, Dark Horse is redefining value for CPAs and clients.
Explore the personal entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the balance between commitment to business and personal life, as well as the emotional toll that comes with the territory of being a business owner. Chase opens up about his transition from big four accounting to the helm of Dark Horse and the innovations that keep them unique amid private equity's watchful eye.
The journey doesn't stop there. Learn how Dark Horse stands out by offering CPAs growth, equity, and incentives— a cocktail of opportunities rivalling what some might expect from a private equity model, yet still personifying a touch of entrepreneurial freedom and support. And of course, we'll touch upon the crucial support networks required in such a demanding field, underscoring the importance of community, family, and technological tools like Bill, our exclusively featured sponsor, that glue businesses together.
So, whether you're a CPA looking to leap onto a new saddle or simply keen on the foresight that's driving modern firms forward, grab your headphones, and let's embark on a journey into the evolving world of accounting with Chase Birky and Jason Blumer as your guides. -
Tune into the latest episode of Thrivecast, where Jason dives deep into the art of strategic calendar planning. Learn how to maximize productivity without crashing into chaos – a must-listen for all leaders and aspiring business owners! In this episode, Jason takes a sprightly walk through the concept of containering and strategic calendar work blocking. Explore how Jason masterfully runs not one, but two successful full-time businesses, using an ordered and comprehensive approach to time management. Steal a glimpse into Jason's calendar. Discover their secrets of managing time between team, leadership meetings, and content creation sessions organized meticulously. Get insights into his use of efficient tools like Todoist and Twist, supporting day-to-day tasks and team communications. This newest episode unravels the art of saying “yes” to strategic goals while knowing when to say “no” to distractions. Counter chaos with Jason's tips to achieve healthier priorities, rhythm, and work-life balance, all crucial for business growth. This insightful episode wouldn't have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, Divi and Bill. And if you're wondering how to keep your spend management streamlined, you'll want to hear what Divi has to offer. Savor insights about pre-planning your strategic life with practices and tools that can enable you to achieve bigger goals with less overwhelm. As Jason puts it, “Intentionality and structured planning can create a bigger impact.” Don’t forget to join us for the second part of this essential series on strategic calendar work blocking.
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Did y'all know that rhythms define and contain your commitments and that a rhythmic calendar will align your team for success? Jason Blumer is solo on the newest episode of Thrivecast to discuss the role of strategic, pre-planned calendars in forming intentional and fulfilling work. A pre-blocked calendar prevents time wastage on trivial tasks and keeps you focused on the important goals—contributing to your overall success. Jason further unpacks the significance of attention as a precious resource. He'll discuss how misuse of attention can spiral into chaos and how you, as an entrepreneur, can preserve it best. Owning a firm often feels like a rollercoaster ride, and it's imperative to build your own structure and order using tools like calendar-blocking. Listen to learn about implementing the methodology of strategic work calendar-blocking, which Jason and his partner, Julie, use in their businesses and coach others on. This powerful tool involves blocking out your calendar an entire year in advance, and how this simple action can drastically augment your strategic planning and execution. Remember, while entrepreneurship empowers you to carve your own future, it's not about succumbing to your emotional whims. Jason dives into the dangers of an "unintentional future" and how pre-planned calendar can help you stay on track. Listen to the full episode for a sneak peak of part 2 where Jason will be focusing on the practical aspects of strategic calendar work blocking. Stay tuned for more insights!
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In this episode, Jason Blumer is joined by Jason Staats, founder of Realize and podcast host of Jason Daily to discuss the rise of AI in the accounting industry. Jason talks about job displacement and the evolving role of entrepreneurs. Jason Staats shares his experience in public accounting and sheds light on the impact of AI on specialized tasks. It's a fascinating topic that'll have you rethinking the future of work. But don't worry, entrepreneurship and a dash of accounting will always have their place!
Don't worry, Jason and Jason also share how you can level up your skills. Jason and Jason emphasize the power of video and how it can take your expertise to new heights. From honing your editing skills to becoming a captivating presenter, there's no doubt that incorporating video into your routine can give you the edge you need. Plus, it's a chance to show off your personality and connect with your audience on a deeper level.
And there's more! They also touch on the rapid pace of change in the software industry, the rise of AI-first companies, and the exciting future of conversational software. Trust us, this is the stuff you need to know to stay ahead in the game. And speaking of staying ahead, Jason Staats spills the beans on how he dominated the social media scene and amassed over 10 million impressions a month. That's serious visibility!
Last but not least, family time matters too! Jason Staats shares his personal journey of finding a balance between work and family, making sure to prioritize quality time with his little ones. It's a powerful reminder that success isn't just about business glory but also about finding fulfillment and joy in all aspects of life. -
In the new episode of Thrivecast, Jason Blumer and Brannon Poe dive deep into the world of buying and selling businesses, exploring the frustrations buyers face when sellers decide not to sell. They also discuss the efforts made to ensure that sellers are truly ready to sell and the support offered to help them prepare their practice.
Brannon shares insights on gathering crucial information through inquiry and tax returns, highlighting what exactly gets added back in the process. He'll uncover the challenges faced by traditional firms with overworked owners who are resistant to change and stuck in their ways.
But it's not all about the obstacles - Jason and Brannon also uncover the strategies employed by progressive firms that are thriving in today's market. From the risks involved in earnouts to the importance of buyer motivation in maintaining the practice, they leave no stone unturned.
But the focus of this episode isn't just limited to the world of accounting firms. They also explore the shifting landscape of retirement and succession planning and the importance of building teams that can operate without the owner. Jason and Brannon uncover the common mistakes made by baby boomers and how the game is changing for future generations.
Listen in on the discussion of the crucial role of accountants specializing in areas like margin analysis, cost structure, and pricing services. Jason and Brannon share a specific example of someone who needs assistance in these aspects and how they can find the right accountant. Brannon sheds light on the different levels of growth for accounting firms and the factors that contribute to their value growth. Jason and Brannon will discuss the options firms have - focusing on higher-level advisory work or automation and specialization - and the importance of finding the right niche.
Get ready for lots of knowledge and insights in the newest episode of Thrivecast! -
Get ready to uncover valuable insights and practical tips on how to effectively reach your firm's target audience, create a strong online presence, and build a successful brand with Thrivecast guest, Karen Reyburn. Join Karen and Jason as they explore the importance of understanding your audience's needs and tailoring your marketing efforts accordingly. They'll dive into how to address the issues and problems your audience faces, ensuring your brand connects and resonates with them on a deeper level. But that's not all! Karen shares the secrets of creating a captivating website that reflects your firm's unique approach and way of doing things. Learn why it's more beneficial to focus on explaining your methodology or approach rather than overwhelming your audience with multiple services pages. Discover why quick wins may not always be the key to success and why investing time and effort for at least two to three years is necessary for long-term results. And brace yourselves, as Karen and Jason take a detour into the world of whiskey, exploring the art of distillation, the magic of aging, and the joy of savoring good whiskey slowly. You might ask how they do it, but Karen and Jason draw parallels between the time and effort required to create a successful brand and the process of whiskey-making. Listen as Karen shares her expertise in marketing strategies and her involvement in the exciting upcoming Deeper Weekend conference. Don't miss out on valuable insights and actionable advice—grab your headphones and get ready for a jam-packed episode of The Thrivecast! Let's dive into the world of marketing, branding, and a little bit of whiskey. It's going to be a wild ride!
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On this episode of The Thrivecast, we dive into the growth paths. Acquire. Sell. Merge. Scale. We have assembled a dynamic panel of over 20 nationally known experts with diverse experience in expanding their firms. They will share their stories, including their mistakes, lessons learned, and things they wish they had considered during the process. This year’s Deeper Weekend conference in Greenville, South Carolina, will address the challenges faced by the accounting profession and guide participants through disruptive transitions in a healthy way. During the conference, attendees can expect interactive sessions followed by panel discussions and Q&A providing valuable insights from industry experts actively engaged in acquisitions, selling, merging, and scaling. We also explore traditional ways of acquiring a firm, the importance of due diligence, and the crucial role of messaging during the acquisition process. Merging a company is discussed as an alternate form of selling, requiring careful cultural integration and brand identity alignment. We also dive into the nuances of scaling, including the gradual nature of growth and the potential need for funding. In addition to the main sessions and panel discussions, Deeper Weekend offers daily roundtables where participants will be divided into smaller groups to have more intimate and guided learning experiences to directly apply to their firms and journeys. The conference is carefully designed with a thematic approach to provide consistency and depth throughout the event. Jason has curated questions to extract impactful content from the expert panelists. Join us on this episode as we explore the complexities and strategies behind acquiring, selling, merging, and scaling in the business world. Don’t miss out on the practical sessions, high-level strategic information, and mind-blowing insights from our panelists. Tune in and get ready to deepen your knowledge and make informed decisions.
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Nellie Akalp is the CEO of CorpNet, a business filing service that streamlines compliance across multiple states. CorpNet isn't Nellie's first business venture, though. Fresh out of law school, Nellie and her husband began working on an online business at the beginning of the internet boom that was similar to CorpNet but under the B2C umbrella. Their first business saw so much success that they were able to sell it to a publicly traded company and retire early. Nellie and her husband decided they weren't done being entrepreneurs, so they got back into the game—with a fresh twist. And that's just the beginning. Listen to Nellie share her tips for entrepreneurial success on the newest episode of the Thrivecast.
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Scott Scarano might not fit the typical accountant mold, and that's just how he likes it. Scott's career got off to a rocky start—he started his own firm after finding his footing, but he quickly realized that he missed flexing his creativity. He wanted to exercise both the analytical and creative sides of his brain to live out his authentic self. Listen to Scott's story and hear how industry leaders—including Jason—inspired him to turn his "pipe dream ideas" into a reality on this episode of Thrivecast.
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Randy Crabtree is the co-founder of Tri-Merit, a niche tax service that serves tax preparers. But, Randy's professional career has been a wild ride, and he's learned a lot from his experiences. He shares his predictions on the future of the accounting profession and provides some tips on how you can apply them to your firm. Elevate your firm with Jason and Randy on the newest episode of Thrivecast today!
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The accounting industry is changing. Are you keeping up? Best-selling author and talk-show host Ron Baker is on the newest episode of Thrivecast. Buckle up—he's bringing the heat with insights from his new book with Paul Dunn, Time's Up!: The Subscription Business Model for Professional Firms. Ron and Jason break down ever-changing client needs and how you can keep your business thriving. Take the first step in your firm's transformation and listen to the Thrivecast today!
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Creativity is a foundational aspect of accounting. Why do we overlook that fact so often? Enter James Graham, the founder and CEO of Richtr Financial Studio. Managing finances and running a firm might be his day job, but traveling and climbing all around the world has defined James and his worldview. James knew that he wasn't going to be content working a corporate job that he wasn't passionate about, so he looked to traveling and other hobbies to help him find his way. After several expeditions that broadened his perspective, James came back to America ready to pursue accounting—with a twist. Listen to James and Jason break down the structure of firms, teams, and the power of a brand.
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Economists have got it wrong, and they always will. Economic theories continue to develop and affect all aspects of life, so it's time to figure out how to position yourself in the market to withstand its inevitable dips. Jason is joined by renowned economist, award-winning author, and captivating storyteller Adam Davidson to dissect economic theory and its influence on your business. Don't worry if economics isn't in your wheelhouse; Jason and Adam will cover the basics of micro vs. macroeconomics, the leadups to major economic crises, and ideologies to avoid when looking at your company's financials.
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As a leader, one of your many responsibilities is balancing your team's capacity with the work that you're selling to clients. Over the past few years, the workforce's relationship with their own capacity has changed pretty drastically. On this educational episode, Jason is going to school you on the concept of "capacity" and how you can best manage your team to optimize their output while keeping them happy. You'll also learn how to handle an employee that is underperforming—an incredible valuable skill that will set your apart.
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This isn't your typical episode of the Thrivecast. In this solo show, Jason dives deep into the most common wrong assumptions about leading a team. There's a chance your approach to hiring, workflow, role clarity, and personality tests are all wrong! Don't miss this opportunity to level up your firm, so grab a notebook, pen, laptop, iPad, or whatever you use to take notes—Jason's class is in session.
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On this new episode of Thrivecast, Jason welcomes legendary speaker, highly sought-after consulting guru, and author, Alan Weiss. Alan formed Summit Consulting Group in 1985 and has published over 64 books along with an impressive public speaking career that has taken him to 60+ countries. Jason and Alan dig into the roots of consulting, debunking popular myths and stereotypes to prove why the consultants will never go away. You're not going to want to miss this explosive episode from one of the world's greatest consultants as Alan shares the lessons and secrets he's learned over the course of his extensive career.
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We have a special guest on Thrivecast for this episode—and it's a voice you'll recognize if you joined us at Deeper Weekend last year. J.Dew is a well-known emcee around Greenville, and we're stoked to have him back for #DW22. He joins us on the Thrivecast to discuss what the life of an emcee is like behind-the-scenes and draw some parallels with entrepreneurial firm owners. Jason and J. Dew walk through Deeper Weekend and how the two of them came together to create an experience that catered to attendees, not speakers (for once). Give this podcast a listen to get an idea of how Deeper Weekend comes together, starting with signing a stellar emcee.
Sign up for Deeper Weekend to hear J.Dew: https://bit.ly/3prdG9h - Show more
