Thinking about building a more valuable CPA firm—but not sure where to start?

In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl sit down with Mark Martukovich of Business Advisory & Accounting Partners to discuss how shifting from transactional accounting work to structured advisory services transformed his firm’s value, predictability, and growth potential.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Learn how advisory services can increase firm value and predictability

• Understand why recurring revenue changes the way firms are valued

• Discover how to systematize advisory work instead of delivering it ad hoc

• Identify simple ways to start introducing advisory services to clients

• See how long-term planning can create more leverage in M&A conversations

Listen to this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity to learn how intentional growth and advisory-driven strategy can reshape the future of your CPA firm!

#EverythingCPAandPE #CPAFirmLeadership #AdvisoryServices #CPAFirmGrowth #PrivateEquityInAccounting

Thinking about a deal—but not sure what the process actually looks like?

In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, host, David Wolfskehl and guest, Dave Kells walk through a real transaction—from the very first conversation to signing an LOI—sharing what firms actually experience, learn, and decide along the way.

This isn’t theory. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how a firm navigates education, evaluates options, and ultimately reaches clarity in one of the biggest decisions they’ll make.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand how a CPA firm moves from initial curiosity to signing an LOI

• Learn what the early conversations look like and why education is critical

• Discover how firms evaluate different buyer models and compare offers

• See why having multiple LOIs changes both clarity and negotiating power

• Identify what happens during busy season when a firm is actively pursuing a deal

Listen to this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity to get a real-world view of what it takes to navigate a CPA firm transaction—from first call to LOI!

#EverythingCPAandPE #CPAFirmLeadership #MergersAndAcquisitions #PrivateEquityInAccounting #FirmGrowth

Not every CPA firm receives the same offer—and the difference often comes down to one thing: how the firm is run.

In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, Phil Whitman, David Wolfskehl, and Dave Kells break down why some firms receive exciting offers while others feel underwhelmed—and what firm leaders can do to change that. As private equity continues to reshape the accounting profession, the focus has shifted from top-line revenue to EBITDA, efficiency, and operational fundamentals. The firms that understand this shift are positioning themselves for significantly stronger outcomes.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand why private equity now evaluates CPA firms based on EBITDA rather than just gross revenue

• Learn how operational fundamentals like pricing, time capture, and client selection impact firm valuation

• Discover how offshoring, technology, and better processes can improve profitability

• See why some firms receive strong offers while others struggle to reach the LOI stage

• Identify practical steps your firm can take today to increase value before pursuing a transaction

Listen to this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity to learn how to move from being a good CPA firm to becoming a truly valuable one.

#EverythingCPAandPE #CPAFirmLeadership #PrivateEquityInAccounting #FirmValuation #FutureOfAccounting

Are CPA firm leaders underestimating how complex these deals really are?

In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl break down the real lessons from 22+ investor meetings in a single month—and why “the multiple” is only one small scoop in a much bigger ice cream shop.

With 31 flavors, 12 cones, and endless toppings, today’s transactions are more nuanced than ever. The firms that win are the ones that understand the full menu—not just the headline number.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand why the multiple alone does not determine total enterprise value

• Learn how EBITDA adjustments, add-backs, and flexibility can dramatically change outcomes

• See why smaller firms are experiencing increased competition and rising valuations

• Recognize the importance of chemistry and culture in both high-trust and low-trust deals

• Discover why having multiple offers improves leverage, clarity, and negotiating power

Listen now to gain the education most firm leaders never get—and make sure your next conversation is strategic, not reactive!

#EverythingCPAandPE #CPAFirmLeadership #PrivateEquityInAccounting #FirmValuation #CPAMergers

Are firms overlooking what truly matters long term?

In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl sit down with Nishaad Ruparel, President of Ascend, to unpack one of the most misunderstood parts of private equity conversations: equity quality—and why ownership structure matters.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand why equity quality matters

• Learn how new ownership models can create more opportunity for younger partners and future firm leaders

• Learn how different equity structures influence control, upside, and durability over time

• Rethink how CPA firms can grow, stay independent, and still create lasting value

Listen in and enjoy the conversation to learn why the best deal isn’t always the loudest—and how smart ownership decisions shape the future of CPA firms.

#EverythingCPAandPE #CPAFirmLeadership #PrivateEquityInAccounting #EquityQuality #FutureofCPA

Are CPA firms truly prepared for what 2026 will bring—or are they underestimating what’s coming next?

In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl look ahead to 2026 and beyond, breaking down what CPA firm leaders must understand now as private equity activity accelerates, models diversify, and competition intensifies.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand why 2026 is shaping up to be the year of the tuck-in—and what that means for firms of every size

• Learn how new PE models, niche rollups, and specialization are reshaping firm value

• See why education—not just multiples—is the biggest differentiator in successful deals

• Discover how firms are professionalizing operations before a transaction to drive higher enterprise value

• Explore what lies ahead for independence, minority investments, and continuation vehicles

Listen now to get ahead of the shifts coming in 2026—and make sure your firm is planning strategically, not reacting late!

#EverythingCPAandPE #CPAFirmLeadership #PrivateEquityTrends #FirmValuation #FutureOfAccounting

Feeling overwhelmed by all the private equity noise—and not sure what it really means for your firm?

In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl sit down with Dave Kells to recap Accounting Today’s PE Summit, break down what they’re seeing in the market, and talk frankly about how firm leaders can get educated before a term sheet hits their inbox.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand the key takeaways from the PE Summit and what they signal for firms in the $2M–$20M range.

• Clarify the different “flavors” of capital partners—platforms, roll-ups, minority deals, debt structures—and why they’re not all created equal.

• Learn how to start the internal work: partner “soul searching,” defining your legacy, and aligning on what you actually want.

• See why culture, chemistry, and governance matter just as much as multiples when evaluating potential partners.

• Recognize why you need a Sherpa—someone who’s seen dozens of deals—to help you compare options rather than jumping at the first big check.

If you’re weighing your firm’s next move—or you just want clarity amid the PE buzz—listen to this episode and get the guidance every CPA firm leader needs before entering the conversation!

#CPAFirmLeadership #PrivateEquityInsights #AccountingIndustryTrends #CPAFirmGrowth #StrategicAdvisory

Worried your clients will ask, “Why didn’t you tell me about Bitcoin sooner?”

In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl sit down with Mike Williams of TrueVestments to unpack the Bitcoin Legacy Fund—what it is, why Wall Street is leaning in, and how CPA firms can educate and protect high-net-worth clients while still managing risk.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand why Bitcoin’s volatility is normal for a high-upside asset and how to think beyond day-to-day price swings.

• See how the Bitcoin Legacy Fund is structured specifically for CPA firm owners and their high-net-worth clients.

• Learn how to position Bitcoin as a long-term wealth silo, not a short-term trading play.

• Explore practical ways CPA firms can educate clients—using webinars, documentaries, and joint meetings with Mike’s team.

• Decide how your firm wants to show up: as the advisor who avoided the conversation, or the one who helped clients navigate it intelligently.

Tune into this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity to get the education you need before your clients start asking the hard questions!

#CPAFirmLeadership #DigitalAssetsEducation #PrivateEquityInsights #BitcoinLegacyFund #AdvisorStrategy