Everything CPA and Private Equity with Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl

Ep 46: Inside Crete's $500 Million CPA Firm Growth with Josh Funk

Are you evaluating your firm’s future but unsure which growth and ownership model is right for you?   In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl sit down with Josh Funk of Crete Professionals Alliance to discuss a different approach to CPA firm growth, ownership, and partnership.   In this episode, you will be able to: • Understand the difference between partner equity and traditional private equity models. • Learn how CPA firms can maintain entrepreneurial independence while accessing additional resources. • Discover how local ownership and culture can be preserved during growth. • Explore how technology partnerships are helping firms prepare for the future. • Gain insights into the opportunities and challenges shaping the next generation of CPA firms.   Listen now to hear Josh’s perspective on the evolving CPA landscape and what it means for firm leaders planning for growth, succession, and long-term value!   #EverythingCPAandPE #CPAFirms #PrivateEquity #PartnerEquity #AccountingIndustry

Ep 45: The CPA Firm Model That Buyers Want Most with Mark Martukovich

Thinking about building a more valuable CPA firm—but not sure where to start?   In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl sit down with Mark Martukovich of Business Advisory & Accounting Partners to discuss how shifting from transactional accounting work to structured advisory services transformed his firm’s value, predictability, and growth potential.   In this episode, you will be able to: • Learn how advisory services can increase firm value and predictability • Understand why recurring revenue changes the way firms are valued • Discover how to systematize advisory work instead of delivering it ad hoc • Identify simple ways to start introducing advisory services to clients • See how long-term planning can create more leverage in M&A conversations   Listen to this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity to learn how intentional growth and advisory-driven strategy can reshape the future of your CPA firm!   #EverythingCPAandPE #CPAFirmLeadership #AdvisoryServices #CPAFirmGrowth #PrivateEquityInAccounting

Ep 44: Inside a Real CPA Firm Deal From First Call to LOI with Dave Kells

Thinking about a deal—but not sure what the process actually looks like?   In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, host, David Wolfskehl and guest, Dave Kells walk through a real transaction—from the very first conversation to signing an LOI—sharing what firms actually experience, learn, and decide along the way.   This isn’t theory. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how a firm navigates education, evaluates options, and ultimately reaches clarity in one of the biggest decisions they’ll make.   In this episode, you will be able to:   • Understand how a CPA firm moves from initial curiosity to signing an LOI • Learn what the early conversations look like and why education is critical • Discover how firms evaluate different buyer models and compare offers • See why having multiple LOIs changes both clarity and negotiating power • Identify what happens during busy season when a firm is actively pursuing a deal   Listen to this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity to get a real-world view of what it takes to navigate a CPA firm transaction—from first call to LOI!   #EverythingCPAandPE #CPAFirmLeadership #MergersAndAcquisitions #PrivateEquityInAccounting #FirmGrowth

Ep 43: The Difference Between a Good CPA Firm and a Valuable One with David Kells

Not every CPA firm receives the same offer—and the difference often comes down to one thing: how the firm is run.   In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, Phil Whitman, David Wolfskehl, and Dave Kells break down why some firms receive exciting offers while others feel underwhelmed—and what firm leaders can do to change that. As private equity continues to reshape the accounting profession, the focus has shifted from top-line revenue to EBITDA, efficiency, and operational fundamentals. The firms that understand this shift are positioning themselves for significantly stronger outcomes.   In this episode, you will be able to: • Understand why private equity now evaluates CPA firms based on EBITDA rather than just gross revenue • Learn how operational fundamentals like pricing, time capture, and client selection impact firm valuation • Discover how offshoring, technology, and better processes can improve profitability • See why some firms receive strong offers while others struggle to reach the LOI stage • Identify practical steps your firm can take today to increase value before pursuing a transaction   Listen to this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity to learn how to move from being a good CPA firm to becoming a truly valuable one.   #EverythingCPAandPE #CPAFirmLeadership #PrivateEquityInAccounting #FirmValuation #FutureOfAccounting

Ep 42: Thirty One Flavors and a Billion Dollar Decision

Are CPA firm leaders underestimating how complex these deals really are?   In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl break down the real lessons from 22+ investor meetings in a single month—and why “the multiple” is only one small scoop in a much bigger ice cream shop.   With 31 flavors, 12 cones, and endless toppings, today’s transactions are more nuanced than ever. The firms that win are the ones that understand the full menu—not just the headline number.   In this episode, you will be able to:   • Understand why the multiple alone does not determine total enterprise value • Learn how EBITDA adjustments, add-backs, and flexibility can dramatically change outcomes • See why smaller firms are experiencing increased competition and rising valuations • Recognize the importance of chemistry and culture in both high-trust and low-trust deals • Discover why having multiple offers improves leverage, clarity, and negotiating power   Listen now to gain the education most firm leaders never get—and make sure your next conversation is strategic, not reactive!   #EverythingCPAandPE #CPAFirmLeadership #PrivateEquityInAccounting #FirmValuation #CPAMergers