Tom Hustead, The Referent Group

Ann Fisher, Ann Fisher CPA & Associates

Episode Summary What happens when a tenth-grade tragedy reshapes an entire career? In this episode, Andrew Schory sits down with Ann Fisher, CPA and owner of Ann Fisher CPA & Associates in Elizabethtown, KY. Ann shares the deeply personal story of how her father's sudden death set her on an unexpected path — from cosmetology school to becoming a CPA who is fiercely committed to never making a client feel "less than." Whether you're a business owner, a leader navigating high-pressure seasons, or someone thinking about long-term financial planning, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and genuine insight. In this episode, you'll learn: • How Ann's origin story shaped her empathy-first approach to client service • What it really takes to survive (and thrive) through tax season • Why long-term tax planning matters — and who needs it most • The clear difference between a bookkeeper, a controller, and a fractional CFO Guest Information Guest Name: Ann Fisher, CPA Bio: Ann Fisher is the owner of Ann Fisher CPA & Associates in Elizabethtown, KY. A self-described math nerd, Ann's path to accounting began in a 10th-grade business class — and was profoundly shaped by her father's passing that same year. After earning her cosmetology license to help her mother run the family hair salon, Ann went on to earn her CPA and spent years working at firms across the country alongside her husband's military career. She specializes in business and individual tax preparation, estate and trust work, long-term tax planning, and fractional CFO services. Her mission: to ensure every client feels informed, respected, and never "less than." Website: annfisher.cpa [https://annfisher.cpa] Episode Outline The Decision to Go Out on Her Own (00:41) Ann reflects on why she left established CPA firms to start her own practice — driven by a desire for deeper client relationships, personal freedom, and more control over how she serves people. A great segment for any leader considering the leap to entrepreneurship. Ann's Origin Story: Tragedy, Cosmetology, and a CPA's Calling (02:18) After her father's sudden death in 10th grade, Ann chose vocational school over the college track to help her mother run the family hair salon. Watching how their CPA treated her grieving, financially inexperienced mother left a lasting mark — and became the defining "why" behind Ann's entire approach to client service. Meeting Clients Where They Are: Communication & Simplicity (06:46) Ann discusses how she intentionally speaks at her clients' level — not to condescend, but to ensure they truly understand their financial picture. Her principle: "Complication confuses." A must-hear for any professional in a technical field. Surviving Tax Season: Mindset, Physical Health & Team Leadership (11:14) Tax season is Ann's marathon — and she prepares for it like one. She shares how she maintains mental sharpness, sets realistic limits with clients, conducts annual after-action reviews with her team, and leads with honesty rather than pressure. Valuable for any leader navigating high-intensity cycles. Long-Term Tax Planning & Estimated Taxes (18:25) Ann explains who needs long-term tax planning, when to schedule check-ins with your CPA, and what to do if you're struggling to make estimated tax payments. Practical, actionable advice for business owners at every stage. Bookkeeper vs. Controller vs. Fractional CFO — What's the Difference? (22:07) Ann breaks down the three distinct financial roles in plain language. A bookkeeper lives in the detail. A controller reviews, reconciles, and closes the books. A CFO brings analysis, forward vision, and strategic recommendations. If you've ever wondered which one your organization actually needs, this is your answer. Speed Round (25:46) Books & Resources Mentioned • Integrity by Dr. Henry Cloud — On the character of a leader • The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon — On leading with positivity and energy • Bulletproof by Evy Pomopouras — Ann's current nonfiction read • The Memory Library by Kate Story — Ann's recent fiction read — a story about how miscommunication fractures relationships • Diary of a CEO Podcast — Recommended by Ann for in-depth leadership interviews Host & Show Info Host: Andrew Schory, Business Coach About the Host: Andrew Schory is a business coach dedicated to helping leaders build momentum through small, intentional actions. Each episode of the Small Stones Podcast features conversations with business and thought leaders to uncover the habits and decisions that move life and business forward — one small stone at a time. Podcast Website: smallstonespodcast.com [https://smallstonespodcast.com] Community • Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts — The most impactful way to support the show and help other listeners find it. • Work with Andrew: Interested in one-on-one or group business coaching? Visit www.jplcoach.com [http://www.jplcoach.com] to schedule a session. • Join the Mailing List: Get tools, insights, and episode updates delivered to your inbox at smallstonespodcast.com [https://smallstonespodcast.com] Share this episode with a business owner or leader who could use a reminder that the path to success is rarely a straight line — and that small, intentional steps make all the difference.

Tom Hustead, The Referent Group

Tom graduated from West Point in the top 3% of his class and subsequently from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. As a retired Army Colonel, highlights from his distinguished 24-year career include being awarded Flight Surgeon of the Year for his service in combat, Outstanding Faculty of the Year for his medical teaching, and board selection as Department Chair for a family medicine residency department. As a result of his appointment by the Army Surgeon General to be the "face of military medicine" to recruit and share the Army Medicine story, Tom recognized a need and developed a passion for teaching physicians across the country to be effective, engaged leaders. In his final appointment in the military, Tom was the commander/CEO of a NATO military medical facility at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers. After retiring from the military in 2017, Tom has served as the Chief Medical Officer for Hardin Memorial Health and most recently Catawba Valley Health System. He currently serves as the CEO of the The Referent Group, a company committed to excellence in leadership development. Andrew and Tom discuss leadership development, authenticity, and shared success. Website: www.thereferentgroup.com [http://www.thereferentgroup.com] LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tom-hustead-m-d-2384585 [http://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-hustead-m-d-2384585] To join the Small Stones Podcast mailing list, visit www.smallstonespodcast.com [http://www.smallstonespodcast.com]. To find out about Andrew's one-on-one or group coaching, visit www.jplcoach.com [http://www.jplcoach.com].

Christy Pritchard, Environmental Research Group

Christy holds a M.A.Sc. in cultural heritage management and brings almost 30 years of experience in archaeological research and program development for environmental sciences. She strongly influenced the development and growth of ERG's cultural and environmental compliance services. She also supports company-wide project quality, coordination, execution, and completion. Since joining the company in 2015, her integrity and focus on collaboration has proven invaluable ERG's top-tier compliance and training services to federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Professional Highlights: Supporting the ERG team's growth has, by far, been my most valued experience in my career. Steering Committee member for nationally award-winning Living Archaeology Weekend Program education and outreach. Research Associate and Field School Principal for American Foreign Academic Research. ERG Ethos: "Serving as a resource to our SMEs and playing a small role in the meaningful work they do is what I lovemost about what I do at ERG." Off-the-Clock Pursuits: Christy is the proud mom of two young adults. Her special power is finding "the perfect gift" for others. She fills her soul with outside activities and time with friends and family. Website: https://www.envrg.com/ [https://www.envrg.com/] Andrew and Christy discuss learning from failure, the art of listening, and connectedness. To join the Small Stones Podcast mailing list, visit www.smallstonespodcast.com [http://www.smallstonespodcast.com]. To find out about Andrew's one-on-one or group coaching, visit www.jplcoach.com [http://www.jplcoach.com].

Ryan Clagett, Derby City Specialists

Ryan is a private practice periodontist and the owner of Derby City Specialists in Louisville, KY. He started his own practice in 2006 and navigated various business changes before founding Derby City in 2024. After twenty years in business, he remains passionate about patient care and refining patient experience. He is married with three children, and he is actively involved in youth baseball. Andrew and Ryan discuss the importance of organizational mission, the patient/client focus, and leadership lessons from baseball. To find out more about Derby City Specialists: Website: www.derbycitydental.com [http://www.derbycitydental.com]. To join the Small Stones Podcast mailing list, visit www.smallstonespodcast.com [http://www.smallstonespodcast.com]. To find out about Andrew's one-on-one or group coaching, visit www.jplcoach.com [http://www.jplcoach.com].

Megan Stith, Vice President of Advancement & Marketing, ECTC

Dr. Megan Stith combines her passion for education and empowering others to reach their full potential as Elizabethtown Community and Technical College's Vice President of Advancement, KCTCS Chief Advancement Officer, and Executive Director of the KCTCS Foundation. In these roles, she helps generous donors change students' lives, provides system-wide fundraising leadership, and supports ECTC's marketing and grants teams. She has raised and supervised over $25M in gifts and grants from individuals, foundations, and federal funders, and previously served as CEO of Kentucky's 5th largest United Way. A Kentuckian by choice, educational opportunities brought Stith to the commonwealth in 2007. She has spent her career in nonprofit leadership and is driven to help students overcome barriers to their education. Having continued her education at the graduate and doctoral level while working full-time, she identifies with the challenges students face as they balance academic, professional, and family commitments. She invests time in her community through multiple volunteer roles, including as a board member for the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce, Meade County Public Library, and as a pro bono consultant. She is a graduate of Leadership Kentucky, a Certified Fund Raising Executive and contributing author to three books on women's leadership. She is an avid endurance athlete, the proud mom of two sons, and lives on her husband's third-generation family farm in Payneville. Andrew and Megan discuss authenticity, women in leadership, and embracing discomfort. Website: www.ectcforbetterlives.com [http://www.ectcforbetterlives.com] To join the Small Stones Podcast mailing list, visit www.smallstonespodcast.com [http://www.smallstonespodcast.com]. To find out about Andrew's one-on-one or group coaching, visit www.jplcoach.com [http://www.jplcoach.com].