Everything CPA and Private Equity with Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl

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

Ep 17: Tariffs, Markets & M&A: A Wake-Up Call for CPA Firm Owners

Worried about how tariffs and market volatility could impact your CPA firm’s future? In this special episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, David Wolfskehl and Philip Whitman dive into how rising tariffs and stock market volatility are impacting the M&A landscape and the mindset of CPA firm leaders.
 
In this episode, you will be able to:
•Understand how global economic news, like tariffs, could affect your firm’s future.
•Hear why leadership during times of uncertainty is more important than ever.
•Learn why some CPA firm owners may delay exits—and how P/E can step in.
•Explore the ripple effects of a volatile stock market on succession planning.
•Get practical tips for staying proactive, flexible, and opportunity-ready.
 
Don’t miss this timely conversation—listen now to the podcast and stay ahead of the curve.
 
#CPA #PrivateEquity #Tariffs #AccountingFirms #MergersAndAcquisitions

Ep 16: Smaller CPA Firms Are Winning Big in Mergers!

Are you a $1M–$5M CPA firm thinking private equity isn’t for you? Think again.
 
In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, David Wolfskehl and Phil Whitman dig into why smaller, profitable firms are more valuable than ever—and how geography, succession planning, and firm mindset play a bigger role than you think.
 
In this episode, you will be able to:
•Understand why valuations for smaller CPA firms are on the rise
•Learn how profitability trumps size when it comes to private equity interest
•Discover why “flying under the radar” is no longer a winning strategy
•Get real-world examples of firms turning modest revenue into major value
•Explore how succession and talent struggles are actually attracting investors
 
Don’t miss this powerful conversation—listen to the full episode now and discover what’s possible for your firm.
 
#CPA #PrivateEquity #FirmValuation #SuccessionPlanning #MergersAndAcquisitions

Ep 15: Private Equity is not Prostitution!

Is private equity saving the accounting industry—or slowly taking it over? On this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, hosts David Wolfskehl and Philip Whitman, CPA, CEPA dive into the hot topic with Michael Horwitz, Executive Director of BDO Alliance USA and industry trailblazer Stanley Goldstein.
 
In this episode, you’ll be able to:
• Hear unfiltered insights on the pros and cons of private equity in accounting
• Discover how the BDO Alliance is shaping firm strategy nationwide
• Learn why Stanley Goldstein believes now is the time to be boldly optimistic
• Explore overlooked growth strategies beyond PE
• Understand how to invest in your firm and team the right way
 
Whether you love or question the PE wave, this episode is a must-listen!
 
#CPAIndustry #PrivateEquity #AccountingLeadership #BDOAllianceUSA #AccountingPodcast

Ep 14: Is your EBITDA holding you back from big deals?

Is your EBITDA the real reason your firm isn’t reaching its full potential?
 
In this episode, hosts Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl dive deep into the critical role EBITDA plays in determining your company’s value and its impact on mergers and acquisitions. They explore how profitability is now at the forefront of business growth, challenging the traditional focus on firm size alone!
 
In this episode, you will be able to:
Understand how EBITDA impacts profitability and company valuations.
Learn how EBITDA is becoming a crucial factor in mergers and acquisitions.
Discover how to assess whether your pricing strategy is aligned with your revenue goals.
Get tips on improving profitability by evaluating pricing and client relationships.
Hear from industry experts with firsthand experience in handling multiple private equity deals.
 
Listen now to gain valuable insights and improve your profitability!
 
#EBITDA #Profitability #MergersAndAcquisitions #BusinessGrowth #PrivateEquity

Ep 13: How to Make Your CPA Firm More Valuable in Just 18 Months

Is it really possible to drastically increase your CPA firm’s value in just 18 months?
 
It may sound too good to be true, but with the right strategies in place, it’s absolutely achievable. In this episode, David Wolfskehl and Phil Whitman, joined by expert guest Dave Kells, dive deep into actionable steps that can help elevate your firm’s profitability and valuation in less than two years. 
 
In this episode, you will be able to:
Uncover why profitability is a critical factor in boosting your firm’s value.
Learn how operational efficiency can lead to huge improvements in valuation.
Discover the low-hanging fruit that can increase your bottom line quickly.
Find out how offshoring and technology can help optimize margins.
Get expert advice on how to position your firm for a successful sale or private equity deal.
 
Listen now to learn the strategies that can make your CPA firm more valuable in just 18 months!
 
#CPAFirm #Profitability #FirmValuation #PrivateEquity #Offshoring #AccountingGrowth

Ep 12: The Shoemaker’s Children Syndrome Can Ruin Your Deal

Is Your CPA Firm Guilty of the Shoemaker’s Children Syndrome?
Many CPA firms are excellent at helping clients stay financially strong but struggle to keep their own house in order. In this episode, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl dive into why internal disorganization can ruin private equity deals—and how to fix it before it’s too late.
 
In this episode, you will be able to:
Recognize how neglecting your firm’s financial readiness can cost you a deal
Learn why inconsistent messaging among partners raises red flags for investors
Discover how delays in providing financials can weaken your negotiating power
Understand the importance of preparation in making a strong first impression
Adopt best practices to ensure your firm is seen as a valuable investment
 
Don’t let poor preparation derail your private equity opportunities. Listen now. 
 
#CPAFirm #PrivateEquity #BusinessGrowth #MergersAndAcquisitions #LeadershipMatters