Meet Ryan!

In this conversation, Ryan Brinkman discusses the importance of being bold in client relationships, particularly when advising on financial decisions. He emphasizes the need for transparency and honesty, even when it may not be what clients want to hear. The discussion also touches on the financial risks associated with certain decisions, highlighting the CPA's role in guiding clients through these complexities.

Takeaways

- It's important to be bold with clients.

- Transparency is key in client relationships.

- Advising clients can sometimes mean delivering hard truths.

- Financial risks must be clearly communicated to clients.

- Not all financial decisions are straightforward or beneficial.

- CPAs have a responsibility to guide clients wisely.

- Clients may not always understand the implications of their choices.

- Being honest can strengthen client trust.

- It's crucial to navigate financial complexities carefully.

- The role of a CPA includes risk management and client education.

Sound bites

"This is dumb. And they look at me like..."

"You could lose a lot of money."

"We can't just write off a motor home."

Connect with Ryan Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-brinkman-cpa/

Meet Brit!

In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane Stevens interviews Britt Summerill, a seasoned CFO with over 20 years of experience in accounting. Britt shares his journey from starting as an auditor to becoming a partner at Now CFO, discussing the importance of audit experience, the growth of Now CFO, and the impact of private equity on the firm. He emphasizes the significance of networking, the evolving role of AI in accounting, and the need for a balanced work-life approach. Britt also offers valuable insights on how to succeed in the accounting industry and the importance of being a connector in business.

Takeaways

- Britt Summerill has over 20 years of experience in accounting.

- He transitioned from auditing to a leadership role at Now CFO.

- Audit experience provides valuable insights into business operations.

- Networking is crucial for success in the accounting industry.

- AI will change the landscape of accounting but won't replace it.

- The accounting profession needs to adapt to attract new talent.

- Britt emphasizes the importance of personal connections in business.

- Data-driven decision-making is key to sustaining growth.

- Work-life balance is essential for long-term success.

- Being a connector can lead to mutual benefits in business relationships.

Sound bites

"You have to put in the work."

"You want to touch them on a personal level."

"You have to jump in and go right."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Britt Summerill and His Journey

01:55 Britt's Early Career and Transition to Now CFO

04:59 The Value of Audit Experience

12:45 Unique Audit Experiences and Lessons Learned

16:26 Transitioning to Now CFO and Initial Challenges

19:29 Overview of Now CFO and Its Growth

21:35 Impact of Private Equity on Now CFO

25:23 Sustaining Long-Term Growth at Now CFO

29:38 Training for Success 31:17 The Art of Connection

34:08 Building Relationships and Reciprocity

36:41 The Importance of Follow-Up

39:42 Navigating the Accounting Landscape

41:50 Short-Term Goals and Work-Life Balance

44:02 AI in Accounting: Opportunities and Challenges

46:40 Addressing the Pipeline Issue

48:45 Advice for Success

51:49 Personal Insights and Rapid Fire Questions

Connect with Brit Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brit-summerillnowcfo/

Meet Mike!

In this conversation, Zane Stevens interviews Michael Bark, CPA, CVA, the founding partner of Bull Moose Financial. They discuss the unique approach of Bull Moose Financial, focusing on a subscription model that enhances client relationships and work-life balance.

Mike shares insights from his journey in accounting, the importance of nurturing younger partners, and the impact of private equity and AI on the industry. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective communication, the value of mentorship, and the challenges of misinformation in the accounting space.

Takeaways

- Mike Bark emphasizes the importance of developing young partners in accounting firms.

- The subscription model allows for better client relationships and predictable revenue.

- Effective communication is key to client retention and satisfaction.

- Private equity can provide liquidity for retiring partners and enhance service offerings.

- AI is seen as a tool to assist accountants, not a threat to their jobs.

- Networking and personal relationships are crucial for acquiring clients in niche markets.

- Work-life balance is achievable in accounting with the right firm structure.

- Misinformation in the accounting space can mislead new professionals and clients.

- Mentorship and providing opportunities for growth are essential for retaining talent.

- The name 'Bull Moose Financial' reflects a respect for business owners taking risks.

Sound bites

"We try to be proactive."

"AI is going to help our job."

"We're not that important."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bull Moose Financial and Mike Bark

02:39 The Journey into Accounting and Early Career Experiences

05:30 The Value of Big Firms and Work-Life Balance

08:32 Creating a Sustainable Work Environment in Accounting

11:19 The Subscription Model and Client Relationships

13:57 The Importance of Communication and Client Retention

17:09 Navigating the Niche Market and Flat Fee Structure

19:49 The Role of Younger Partners in Accounting Firms

22:42 Private Equity and Its Impact on the Accounting Industry

25:36 The Future of AI in Accounting

28:21 Tackling Misinformation in the Accounting Space

31:12 The Meaning Behind Bull Moose Financial

34:16 A Day in the Life of Mike Barak

37:02 Advice for New Accountants and Leadership Insights

Connect with Mike

Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebark/

X - https://x.com/mikebarkcpa

Meet Serena!

Episode Summary

In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane sits down with Serena Shoup, CPA, founder of Of Course Financial and The Ambitious Bookkeeper®. Serena shares her journey from a small-town girl in New Mexico to building a thriving accounting firm and launching a mentorship and education platform for bookkeepers worldwide. She opens up about entrepreneurship, balancing two businesses, parenting, creativity, and why embracing imperfection has been her greatest lesson.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

- How Serena transitioned from corporate accounting to launching her own virtual firm.

- The story behind The Ambitious Bookkeeper®

— from a simple blog to a thriving community, coaching program, and podcast.

- Why choosing a niche and aligning technology (like Xero) with client needs has been key to her firm’s success.

- Serena’s approach to balancing her firm, mentorship, family, and creative passions like music.

- Honest reflections on using (and pulling back from) AI in content creation and the importance of keeping things authentic.

- The mantra that changed her entrepreneurial journey: “Done is better than perfect.”

Connect with Serena

Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/serenashoup/

The Ambitious Bookkeeper® - https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/

Meet Chad!

In this conversation, Zane interviews Chad Davis, co-founder of LiveCA, a pioneering virtual CPA firm in Canada. They discuss Chad's unique lifestyle of living in an RV while running a successful accounting firm, the evolution of accounting conferences, and the importance of embracing technology and AI in the accounting profession.

Chad shares insights on building a remote work culture, the challenges of selling accounting services, and the significance of community in professional growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for accountants to adapt to technological advancements while maintaining a focus on client relationships and work-life balance.

Takeaways

- Chad Davis is a co-founder of LiveCA, a virtual CPA firm in Canada.

- Living in an RV has allowed Chad to balance work and family life.

- Conferences are evolving to be more intimate and focused on specific topics.

- Embracing technology and automation is crucial for modern accounting firms.

- Building a remote work culture can enhance employee satisfaction.

- Accountants should be cautious about who has access to their AI tools.

- Community and networking are essential for professional growth.

- Accountants can learn a lot from sharing experiences with peers.

- It's important to take time to double-check work before finalizing it.

- Finding a niche and focusing on what you enjoy can lead to a successful business.

Sound bites

"We will not have an office."

"You can learn anything right now."

"Find your community, show up."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Chad Davis and LiveCA

05:41 The Evolution of Conferences in Accounting

11:26 Chad's RV Lifestyle and Its Impact on Work

16:59 The Journey into Accounting and Entrepreneurship

24:53 Navigating the Sales Landscape

28:42 Building a Supportive Work Environment

34:06 Growth Strategies and Business Models

37:54 Embracing AI in Accounting

49:09 Community and Collaboration in Accounting

52:44 Final Thoughts and Rapid Fire Questions

Connect with Chad:

LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaddavis1/

Find your community with Automation Town - https://automationtown.io/

Meet Joe!

In this conversation, Joe Manganelli shares his journey from working at Goldman Sachs to founding and scaling Calculate, an outsourced accounting firm, and now leading Amalgam, a data aggregation and automation platform for the accounting industry.

He discusses the importance of building relationships in business, the value of smaller conferences, and the role of automation in enhancing efficiency within accounting practices. Joe emphasizes the need for persistence and trust in business, and he provides insights into the challenges and successes he faced while growing his ventures.

Takeaways

- Joe emphasizes the importance of building relationships in business.

- Conferences can be valuable for networking and relationship building.

- Trust is the cornerstone of successful sales in accounting.

- Automation can significantly reduce manual work in accounting.

- Persistence and time are crucial for business growth.

- Joe's experience at Goldman Sachs shaped his approach to business.

- Launching Calculate was a pivotal moment in Joe's career.

- The growth of Calculate was driven by quality work and client referrals.

- Amalgam aims to streamline data processes for accountants.

- Joe believes in the value of continuous learning and adaptation.

Sound Bites

"Give it time and persistence."

"Automation is the way forward."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Joe Manganielli and Amalgam

02:49 The Value of Conferences in Building Relationships

05:41 Journey from Engineering to Accounting

08:30 Experiences at Goldman Sachs

11:13 Launching Calculate: The Early Days

14:04 Growth and Success of Calculate

17:01 Recruitment Strategies for Rapid Growth

19:47 Niche Hiring and Employee Integration

22:42 Deciding to Sell Calculate

25:21 Reflections on the Sale and Future Plans

27:20 Navigating the M&A Process

30:40 Lessons from Selling a Business

31:33 Introducing Amalgam: A New Venture

36:58 The Role of Automation in Accounting

41:40 Future Goals and Entrepreneurial Spirit

42:45 Advice for New Accountants

46:29 Personal Insights and Rapid Fire Questions

Connect with Joe:

LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemanganelli/

Amalgam - http://www.amalgam.me

Meet Justine!

In this episode of Protea Conversations, host Zane Stevens welcomes Justine Lackey, a pioneer in the virtual bookkeeping industry. Justine shares her journey from starting a business to successfully selling it, offering valuable insights and lessons learned along the way.

The Accidental Entrepreneur

Justine's entry into the world of bookkeeping was unplanned, beginning with her work in New York City's creative industry. She discusses the transition from in-person bookkeeping to virtual services, driven by personal circumstances and the evolving business landscape.

Building and Growing Good Cents Management

Justine reflects on the growth of her business, from a small operation to a thriving firm. The importance of asking questions and continuous learning in her journey. How she maintained strong client relationships and built a reputation for reliability and excellence.

The Decision to Sell

Justine shares her thought process behind deciding to sell her business, including personal and professional considerations. The challenges and strategies involved in preparing a business for sale. Insights into the selling process, including working with brokers and finding the right buyer.

Lessons Learned and Future

Endeavors Key takeaways from Justine's experience, including the importance of client retention and communication. Her transition to mentoring and educating other entrepreneurs through the Bookkeepers Business Incubator. The role of community and support networks in professional success.

Quotes:

"Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength."

"Your relationships are your equity."

Justine's story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to learn. Her journey offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs at any stage of their business journey.

Tune in to hear Justine's full story and gain insights into the process of selling a business, the importance of community, and the value of continuous learning.

Connect with Justine:

LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinelackey/

Meet Erin!

In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane interviews Erin Pohan, founder of Upkeeping, who shares her unique journey from customer service to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the accounting industry.

They discuss the importance of intentional growth, the challenges of pursuing a CPA, and the significance of creating relevant educational content.

Erin also talks about her experiences in public accounting, the launch of her own bookkeeping firm, and the community-building efforts through the Wave Seattle conference. The conversation emphasizes the value of connections, mindset, and the entrepreneurial spirit in the accounting world.

Takeaways

- Erin transitioned from customer service to accounting after discovering her passion for it.

- She emphasizes the importance of making accounting relevant and understandable.

- Erin's journey includes significant international experience while working in Japan.

- She faced challenges in passing the CPA exam but found success in her own firm.

- Creating educational content is a way to contribute to the future of accounting.

- Erin started Upkeeping after attending a bookkeeping workshop and quickly gained clients.

- Her firm serves a diverse client base, focusing on joy in the work.

- Continuous improvement in client communication is a key goal for Erin's business.

- Building a supportive team has been crucial for managing workload and stress.

- Networking through social media has helped Erin find her community in the accounting industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Modern Accounting

02:26 The Journey to Accounting

06:12 Career Development in Public Accounting

08:50 Life and Work in Japan

10:59 Remote Learning Experience

12:02 Navigating CPA Aspirations

16:03 Creating Educational Content

19:56 Becoming an Entrepreneur

21:12 Growth of Upkeeping

23:16 Client Base and Niche Exploration

24:58 Future Goals and Continuous Improvement

27:05 Navigating Burnout and Team Support

32:19 Creating Connections Through Conferences

37:43 The Importance of Vulnerability in Business

42:37 Long-Term Goals and Future Aspirations

44:40 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Connect with Erin: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinpohan/