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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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