Running a business is more than putting out fires and checking boxes. Thinking like an owner changes how you make decisions and lead your team.

Chad Davis, co-founder at LiveCA LLP & AutomationTown.io, joins the conversation to explore what it truly means to behave like a business owner. You'll hear real talk on financial ownership, setting priorities, letting go of control, and why emotional detachment can lead to better decisions. Chad breaks down how to step into a leadership mindset, even when the day-to-day feels overwhelming. Chad also explains why stepping back emotionally helps you decide with clarity. And above all, it’s okay to slow down—because sustainable businesses are never built on burnout. Tune in to the full episode here: ▶️ Stability Over Scale: A Smarter Way to Build a Business That Lasts.

Episode resources:

● Website: https://anderscpa.com/

● If you have questions or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at mcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.com

● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:

https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/

Quotes

• Chad Davis: "When you sell something to somebody, that time is budgeted to them. No one else should infringe on it. That's how you protect stability."
• Jody Grunden: "A well‑built team gives leaders confidence they can leave for weeks without the business falling apart, and often the team performs better without constant oversight."
• Adam Hale: "When planning an exit, owners must clarify their future involvement, whether they want to keep working as a CFO or simply reduce their role after taking some chips off the table."

Chad Davis is the Co-founder of LiveCA LLP and AutomationTown.io, where he champions a smarter, more stable approach to business. At LiveCA, he helps Canadian businesses streamline controllership services with scalable tech and a focus on reliability over rapid growth. Chad also leads AutomationTown, a vibrant community for accounting pros exploring the practical side of AI and automation. His philosophy? Build intentionally, stay curious, and focus on what truly matters. In both ventures, Chad is setting the standard for how to grow a business that lasts.

Website: https://www.liveca.ca/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/myliveca/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaddavis1/?originalSubdomain=ca

https://www.linkedin.com/company/liveca-chartered-accountant/?originalSubdomain=ca

The Modern CPA Success Show is the go-to podcast for accounting firm owners eager to enhance profitability and master Virtual CFO services. This podcast leverages combined expertise in delivering top-tier Virtual CFO services across North America.

Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458888

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndersCPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anders-cpa/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anderscpa/&

As a small business owner, you wear a lot of hats and it’s easy to feel like the pressure never stops.

Randy Crabtree, Co-Founder of Tri-Merit Specialty Tax Professionals, shares lessons that push you to rethink how you run your finances. He talks about passion, problem solving, and building systems that help you get better cash flow, and long‑term stability for your business. You’ll hear how he reshaped his career and his thinking helps business owners improve tax planning and adapt to the future of accounting. He goes straight into billable hours, pricing, advisory work, AI, offshoring, burnout, and what small business owners should expect from great financial partners. Tune in now and hear insights that shift the way you think about your financial future. ▶️People You Should Know: Randy Crabtree.

Episode resources:

● Website: https://anderscpa.com/

● If you have questions or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at mcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.com

● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:

https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/

Quotes

• Randy Crabtree: "If we free ourselves from compliance work, don’t fill that space with more of the same. That’s where advisory comes in, helping clients get to outcomes they didn’t even know were possible."
• Tom Wadelton: "Supporting nonprofits by handling their accounting and guiding new treasurers has been a great way to contribute."
• Adam Hale: "A lot of people starting their own practices deal with imposter syndrome. Supporting them and helping them build confidence has been rewarding.”

Randy Crabtree is the Co-Founder and Partner at Tri-Merit Specialty Tax, where he helps accounting firms maximize value through R&D tax credits, cost segregation, and energy incentives like 179D and 45L. As host of The Unique CPA podcast and founder of the Bridging the Gap conference, Randy is a leading voice in redefining how CPAs deliver impact beyond compliance. Recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting, he brings deep insight and energy to every conversation. His passion for supporting firms and spotlighting innovation has made him a trusted figure in the profession.

Website: https://tri-merit.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/TriMerit

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-crabtree-cpa-1945a67/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/tri-merit-llc/

The Modern CPA Success Show is the go-to podcast for accounting firm owners eager to enhance profitability and master Virtual CFO services. This podcast leverages combined expertise in delivering top-tier Virtual CFO services across North America.

Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458888

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndersCPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anders-cpa/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anderscpa/

YouTube:

Being the boss doesn’t automatically make you a business owner. Running a business requires you to think differently, act strategically, and lead with clarity.

Chris Papin, CPA, Attorney & Business Advisor at Papin Speaks, talks about what it really means to behave like a business owner. From facing hard truths about failed marketing to balancing emotional attachment with accountability, Chris shares how small business owners can shift their mindset and take ownership at a higher level. He breaks down how to build processes, set priorities, make tough calls, and communicate with more intention. This is a must-listen for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the day-to-day and ready to get back in control. Tune in to the full episode here: ▶️ "Chris Papin and how to "Behave Like a Business Owner"

Episode resources:

● Website: https://anderscpa.com/

● If you have questions or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at mcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.com

● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:

https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/

Quotes

• Chris Papin: "Many owners default to what feels easy or fun, but behaving like a business owner means facing hard truths and making disciplined decisions."
• Tom Wadelton: "The phrase 'financially speaking' helps ground tough conversations in facts. When clients resist hard decisions, math makes the reasoning clear and harder to dispute."
• Adam Hale: "Managing difficult conversations is something people only learn after doing it poorly. Avoiding direct conversations always comes back later."

Chris Papin is a licensed Attorney and Certified Public Accountant based in Oklahoma, specializing in advising closely held businesses and their owners. With a dual focus on legal structure and financial health, he guides entrepreneurs through startup formation, business development, and strategic tax planning. Chris brings a unique perspective to client advisory by helping business owners think and act like true operators, not just service providers. As a trusted advisor, Chris empowers business owners to behave like CEOs and lead with clarity.

Website: https://www.papinspeaks.com/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispapin/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/papin-speaks/

The Modern CPA Success Show is the go-to podcast for accounting firm owners eager to enhance profitability and master Virtual CFO services. This podcast leverages combined expertise in delivering top-tier Virtual CFO services across North America.

Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458888

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndersCPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anders-cpa/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anderscpa/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andersvcfo

Tom Wadelton is a Virtual CFO at Anders, bringing over 20 years of financial expertise from his tenure at a Fortune 500 company. He has exten