Traction with the Tiger

Minnesota’s New Tax Bill: What Businesses Need to Know Now

In this solo episode of Traction with the Tiger, Chris Wittich breaks down Minnesota’s newly signed 2026 tax bill and what it means for business owners, pass-through entities, and taxpayers across the state. Chris walks through the most important changes in the legislation, including the extension of the Minnesota Pass-Through Entity (PTE) tax through 2027, new conformity updates tied to recent federal tax law changes, and several surprising areas where Minnesota chose not to conform. He also explains what taxpayers should do next if they’ve already filed their 2025 returns and how estimated tax payments may need to change before the June 15 deadline. Topics covered include: * Minnesota’s extension of the PTE tax for 2026 and 2027 * Estimated payment catch-up rules and interest relief * Section 174 R&D expense conformity changes * New Minnesota limitations on charitable contribution deductions * 529 plan nonconformity issues * Whether taxpayers should amend returns or wait for state adjustments If you file Minnesota returns, own a business, or advise clients on tax planning, this episode provides a practical breakdown of what changed, what didn’t, and what actions should be considered now.

What Should You Really Take Away From a Conference?

In this solo episode of Traction with the Tiger, Chris Wittich dives into conference season, a familiar rhythm for CPAs and business professionals after the intensity of tax season. From salon industry conferences to major CPA events like AICPA ENGAGE, Chris breaks down the different reasons professionals attend conferences, what makes them valuable, and how to approach them intentionally. He shares insights on networking, learning opportunities, vendor relationships, CPE credits, and why preparation before, and reflection after, a conference matters just as much as attending. Most importantly, Chris explains the single question he uses to decide whether a conference is worth returning to year after year: “Did I get something out of this conference that I could not have gotten another way?” Whether you attend industry events, leadership summits, or technical conferences, this episode offers a practical framework for making conferences more meaningful, productive, and worthwhile.

How to Measure a Successful Tax Season: The 2 Metrics That Actually Matter

Tax season is over. Now comes the real question: how should you measure it? In this solo episode of Traction with the Tiger, Chris Wittich breaks down the most common ways CPA firms evaluate tax season performance, and why many of them fall short. From revenue and returns filed to extensions, new clients, and staff workload, there’s no shortage of metrics. But not all of them drive better decisions. Chris shares his perspective as a tax department leader overseeing 50+ professionals and explains why he focuses on just two metrics to evaluate success: * Total hours worked across the team as a measure of efficiency and sustainability * The experience of 10 key client relationships as a proxy for overall client success You’ll also hear: * Why revenue can lag and distort performance insights * How tracking returns vs. extensions impacts workflow strategy * The connection between staff hours and stress levels * A practical way to simplify client satisfaction across thousands of engagements Chris closes with a transparent look at his firm’s recent tax season, including where performance improved, where it didn’t, and how it ultimately graded out. If you’re a CPA firm leader looking to refine how you measure performance and set clearer expectations going into the next busy season, this episode offers a focused, practical framework.

Recruiting Strategies, Firm Growth & Candidate Experience: A Conversation with Josh Gerdes

In this episode, Chris Wittich sits down with Josh Gerdes, Director of Recruiting Solutions at Boyum Barenscheer, to discuss strategies for attracting and retaining top talent in CPA firms. Josh shares insights on building a candidate-first experience, using proactive recruiting techniques, and creating a work environment that balances career growth with employee engagement. They also explore how internal recruiters can help firms scale efficiently, improve workforce planning, and enhance hiring outcomes. Whether you’re a CPA firm leader or HR professional, this episode provides actionable strategies for strengthening your recruiting process and building a high-performing team.

Manufacturing in Minnesota: A Conversation with James Woelfel

In this episode of Traction with the Tiger, host Chris Wittich sits down with James Woelfel, Audit Senior Accountant in Boyum Barenscheer’s Manufacturing Group, to discuss the current state of manufacturing in Minnesota and what the economic data suggests for 2026. They break down key economic indicators, including business confidence, new orders, capacity utilization, and manufacturing GDP, and explain how manufacturers can use both historical and forward-looking data to make more informed business decisions. The conversation also covers the real concerns Minnesota manufacturers are raising, including tariffs, interest rates, workforce challenges, and the state’s policy and regulatory environment. James introduces Boyum Barenscheer’s Manufacturing Economic Report, a one-of-a-kind resource built specifically for Minnesota manufacturers. The report provides monthly insights into Minnesota, Midwest, and national manufacturing trends, helping business leaders understand the broader market and plan with greater clarity and confidence. This episode is designed for manufacturing owners, CFOs, controllers, and operations leaders who want practical, data-driven insight to support growth, investment decisions, and long-term planning.