Everything CPA and Private Equity with Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl

Ep 25: What Happens When You Build a Firm Around People, Not Just Profit

Can you grow fast, stay independent, and still put your people first?
 
In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, Ron Weiner shares how his firm scaled from 20 to 80+ team members while staying true to its values—no shortcuts, no compromises. From turning down private equity to implementing an ESOP, Ron walks through the real-life decisions that shaped one of the most profitable, people-centered firms in the industry.
 
In this episode, you will be able to:
Learn how firm culture drives both retention and profitability
Explore why Perelson Weiner LLP chose an ESOP—and how it’s evolving
Hear how the wrong growth strategy can damage client trust
Get leadership insights from someone who’s scaled multiple firms
Understand how to stay independent in a consolidating industry
 
This one’s for firm leaders who believe strong values lead to strong returns. Listen now.
 
#EverythingCPAandPE #FirmLeadership #PeopleFirst #GrowthWithoutSellingOut #ESOPStrategy

Ep 24: Double Your Firm in 3 Months? PE-Backed Firms Are Doing It

Still think private equity is a passing trend in accounting? Think again.
 
In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl unpack what they’re seeing across the country as they attend top CPA conferences—and how firm leaders can make sense of it all.
 
In this episode, you will be able to:
Understand why PE-backed firms are now dominating the CPA event landscape.
Hear real-world stories of firms that doubled in size within months after partnering with PE.
Discover the shift from “PE curiosity” to “PE strategy” among firm leaders.
Learn why staying independent is still a viable path—but only if you prepare smartly.
Get tips on how to educate your team and evaluate your competition in this evolving market.
 
Whether you’re PE-curious or committed to independence, this episode will help you see what’s coming next—and how to position your firm to thrive.
 
Listen now!
 
#PrivateEquity #CPAIndustry #FirmLeadership #MergersAndAcquisitions #EverythingCPAandPE

Ep 23 - Built Boutique: How Platform Accounting Quietly Scaled 50+ Firms

What happens when a firm chooses legacy, culture, and long-term growth over flashy headlines and fast exits?
 
In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, David Wolfskehl sits down with Noah Beery, Head of Corporate Development at Platform Accounting, to uncover how a quiet, boutique-focused strategy led to 50+ acquisitions and lasting success.
 
In this episode, you will be able to:
Discover the powerful founding story behind Platform Accounting and its values-driven approach
Understand how family office capital supports sustainable, long-term strategy
Learn why they don’t operate under one brand—and how this preserves firm culture
Explore their personalized, non-cookie-cutter integration model post-acquisition
Hear why execution—not more ideas—is the real difference-maker in firm growth
 
Tune in to the full episode!
 
#CPAfirmSuccess #PrivateEquity #AccountingMergers #StrategicGrowth #EverythingCPAandPE #Podcast

Ep 22 - How Frazier & Deeter Turned Caution into Confidence

Is Private Equity the Future of CPA Firm Growth—or Just a Risky Shortcut?
 
In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, Frazier & Deeter’s Jeremy Jones and Seth McDaniel join Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl to reveal how their firm went from cautious observers to confident partners with General Atlantic. It’s an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the strategy, process, and real impact of private equity in the accounting world.
 
In this episode, you will be able to:
•Understand why Frazier & Deeter initially said “no” to private equity—and what changed their minds.
•Learn how they narrowed down 35 offers to one perfect-fit partner based on values, culture, and vision.
•See how they brought all 61 partners into the process with transparency, alignment, and buy-in.
•Hear their roadmap for national expansion, people development, and tech investment post-deal.
•Get clarity on quality concerns, partner control, and the realities of PE “turns” over time.
 
If your firm is exploring what’s next—don’t miss this real-world case study in strategic transformation!
 
#PrivateEquity #CPAIndustry #FirmLeadership #AccountingGrowth #EverythingCPAandPE

Ep 21 - Are CPA Firms Losing Their Edge After PE Deals?

Is Private Equity Killing Quality in Accounting? Let’s Set the Record Straight.
 
In this episode, join David Wolfskehl, Phil Whitman, and special guest Reyes Florez as they address one of the most talked-about concerns in the industry: Does private equity hurt quality? The answers may surprise you.
 
In this episode, you will be able to:
•Understand why fears about post-deal quality drops may be misplaced
•Hear firsthand accounts from firms thriving after PE investment
•Learn why alignment and leadership matter more than ownership model
•Explore the long-term impact of PE from those who’ve seen it evolve
•Get clarity on the real risks—and real opportunities
 
Listen now to get the inside perspective and decide for yourself!
 
#PrivateEquity #AccountingIndustry #PodcastEpisode #MergersAndAcquisitions #CPAInsights

Ep 20: Audit Integrity vs. Outside Investment: Can Firms Have Both?

Is Private Equity Really Putting CPA Firm Quality at Risk? That’s what a recent Wall Street Journal article suggests—but is it the full story?
 
In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, David Wolfskehl, Phil Whitman, and Dave Kells dig into the growing conversation around quality control in accounting firms backed by private equity or strategic investors. With decades of leadership experience and over 30 deals behind them, they’re not just guessing—they’ve seen the inside.
 
In this episode, you’ll be able to:
•Hear why larger firms—with PE or strategic backing—often strengthen quality control.
•Understand the real role of skepticism and audit culture in safeguarding standards.
•Explore how regulations (like PCAOB oversight) impact CPA firms today.
•Discover how experienced CPAs maintain independence despite outside capital.
•Learn why comparing CPAs to healthcare might be misleading—and even dangerous.
 
Tune in to hear what’s really happening behind the scenes—and why not all criticism holds up!
 
#CPAandPrivateEquity #AuditStandards #FirmIntegrity #AccountingInsights #RegulatoryReality

Ep 19: What Makes a Firm ESOP-Ready? Real Talk for CPA Leaders

Is an ESOP the right next step for your CPA firm?
In this episode of Everything CPA and ESOP, David Wolfskehl is joined by Cristine O’Keefe and Tabitha Croscut to unpack what firms need to know about Employee Stock Ownership Plans—from legal structure to strategic fit. Whether you’re actively exploring succession options or just want to future-proof your firm, this conversation offers clarity and direction.
 
In this episode, you’ll be able to:
•Understand how ESOPs work and why more CPA firms are considering them
•Learn the legal and tax benefits that make ESOPs attractive
•Discover what makes a firm a good fit for ESOP implementation
•Hear insights from real-world firm experiences
•Avoid common pitfalls that can derail an ESOP transition
 
If you’re exploring options beyond traditional succession, this episode is a must-listen!
 
#ESOP #CPAIndustry #SuccessionPlanning #FirmLeadership #AccountingStrategy

Ep 18: The Luck Myth: Why Proactive Leaders Win More

Do you believe luck plays a role in success? Or is it all about showing up and putting in the work?
 
In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, Richard Kopelman, CEO of Aprio, joins Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl to share powerful insights on mindset, leadership, and creating your own opportunities. They dive into what it really means to build a culture-first firm, why mindset drives results, and how the most successful leaders create their own momentum.
 
In this episode, you will be able to:
• Understand the difference between a fixed and growth mindset in leadership
• Discover how proactive behavior increases your chances of “getting lucky”
• Learn why showing up matters more than ever in today’s CPA landscape
• Hear how culture-first firms like Aprio align values with performance
• Gain perspective on navigating missed opportunities and staying future-focused
 
Tune in to the full episode!
 
#CPAFirms #LeadershipMatters #MergersAndAcquisitions #PrivateEquity #WhitmanTransitionAdvisors