Everything CPA and Private Equity with Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl

Ep 28: Chemistry Over Cash: The Truth About PE Alignment

Is your firm ready for private equity—or just reacting to a phone call?
In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, hosts Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl are joined by guest David Kells, leader of WTA’s Profit Team, to uncover what really separates high-value deals from short-sighted decisions.
 
In this episode, you’ll be able to:
Understand why meeting 1 or 2 PE firms is never enough to make a smart decision
Learn how cultural alignment matters more than a high multiple
Discover how WTA helped one firm boost cash upfront from 40% to 60% by knowing buyer patterns
Get clarity on deal types: Topco vs. Local equity, short vs. long holders, minority vs. majority stakes
See how education and advocacy protect sellers from bad fits and future regret
 
Listen now to learn how Whitman Transition Advisors guides firms through one of the most important decisions they’ll ever make!
 
#CPAFirmGrowth #PrivateEquityDeals #StrategicAdvisory #MergersAndAcquisitions #AccountingLeadership

Ep 27: Minority Investment, Major Impact: A New Model for CPA Firm Growth

How can minority investments transform CPA firms—and what role does Bitcoin play in the future of finance?
 
In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, Mike Williams, Managing Partner of Truvestments, shares how his team is helping CPA firms scale, retain control, and lead clients into the next generation of financial strategy.
 
In this episode, you’ll be able to:
Understand how minority investments offer cash infusion without loss of control
Learn why EBAC may be more valuable than EBITDA when it comes to firm valuation
See how CPAs can integrate wealth management to deepen client relationships
Explore the growing relevance of Bitcoin and digital assets in long-term planning
Hear how future-focused firms are preparing for the digitization of finance
 
Listen now and explore how your firm can lead in the next era of opportunity!
 
#CPALeadership #WealthManagement #PrivateEquity #DigitalAssets #FutureOfFinance

Ep 26: From Startup to $300M: Inside a New PE Model for CPA Firms

What happens when a CPA sees the gap—and decides to build the solution?
 
In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, Josh Funk, Chief Development Officer at Crete Professionals Alliance, shares how his journey from firm owner to PE-backed leader is transforming how CPA firms grow, scale, and lead in today’s market.
 
In this episode, you will be able to:
Learn how Josh took Crete PA from zero to 21 firm partnerships and $300M+ in revenue
Understand the power of local-level rollover equity—and why it benefits high-performing firms
Explore how Crete helps partner firms scale by taking admin, compliance, and tech off their plate
Hear how one $20M firm grew to $45M in less than three years through organic and inorganic growth
Get insights into how Thrive Capital and Crete are building a tech-enabled, people-first future for the profession
 
Listen now to hear how Josh Funk and Crete PA are rewriting the CPA-PE playbook!
 
#FirmGrowth #PrivateEquity #CPALeadership #CretePA #EverythingCPAandPE

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