Who's Really the BOSS?

Marcus Dillon, Rachel Dillon
Who's Really the BOSS?

"Who's Really the BOSS?" highlights the joys and challenges of running a CPA firm with your spouse or family. From hiring and terminating to improving capacity, cash flow, and culture, our conversations cover leadership, operations, and current accounting industry challenges. Our mission is to strengthen families and accounting firms by helping listeners avoid the mistakes we have made, so they can lead and live happily ever after.

  1. 6 JAN

     Decisions We're Making in Our $3 million Accounting Firm

    Rachel and Marcus outline the key strategic decisions they're making at their $3M accounting firm as they plan for continued growth in 2025, including streamlining their technology stack, restructuring team capacity, and preparing for potential acquisitions. They discuss how they're managing recent team transitions and implementing new roles like subject matter experts to create advancement opportunities. The conversation provides a transparent look at how they're positioning their established firm for its next phase of growth while maintaining their culture and service quality. Introducing Collective by DBAhttps://collective.cpahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collectivebydba Learn More About Dillon Business Advisorshttps://www.dillonadvisors.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/dillonbusinessadvisors Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcasthttps://earmarkcpe.com Download the Earmark CPE AppApple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app (00:00) - Welcome to Who's Really the Boss (00:34) - New Year: Family Updates (02:33) - Business Decisions for 2025 (03:17) - Firm Structure and Client Services (08:07) - Technology and Tools Evaluation (21:17) - Team Structure and Capacity Planning (24:41) - Departing Team Members (31:07) - Organic Growth Strategies (39:37) - Acquisition Strategies and Lesson's Learned (44:21) - Conclusion and Community Support

    47 min

  2. 16/12/2024

    The Evolution of Accounting Firm Deals

    Attorney Sara Sharp shares her unique perspective on the evolving landscape of accounting firm ownership, compliance challenges, and acquisition trends. Drawing from her experience handling numerous accounting practice deals, she discusses creative alternatives to traditional partnership models, including phantom equity plans that align team member incentives without the complexities of direct ownership. The conversation explores common compliance pitfalls for modern firms with remote workers, the surge in accounting practice acquisitions by non-traditional buyers, and how younger firm owners are reshaping industry norms around work-life balance and profitability. Connect with Sara:https://www.skandslegal.com/sara-sharphttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-sharp-9a2a98b Introducing Collective by DBAhttps://collective.cpahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collectivebydba Learn More About Dillon Business Advisorshttps://www.dillonadvisors.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/dillonbusinessadvisors Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcasthttps://earmarkcpe.com Download the Earmark CPE AppApple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app (00:00) - Welcome to Who's Really the Boss (00:42) - Sara Sharp's Background and Expertise (04:21) - Best Advice Ever Received (07:36) - Client Attorney Privilege and Compliance (14:03) - Employee Handbook and PTO Policy (19:12) - Ownership Alternatives and Phantom Equity (23:45) - Valuation Challenges and Internal Loans (24:52) - Incentivizing Key Team Members (26:59) - Ownership and Leadership Dynamics (29:27) - Current Deals and Busy Season (31:17) - Trends in Business Acquisitions (37:46) - Future of the Accounting Industry (40:29) - Balancing Profit and Quality of Life (45:46) - Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

    47 min

  3. 02/12/2024

    The Truth About 'Turning On' Marketing for Your Firm

    Rachel and Marcus dive deep into their marketing experiments at DBA, including a candid discussion of spending $500,000 on initiatives that didn't quite work out as planned. They share valuable insights about the importance of clearly defining your ideal client and services before investing in any marketing efforts, whether internal or outsourced. The conversation explores their successful strategy of client block exits and how they've ultimately found better growth through nurturing existing client relationships rather than aggressive marketing campaigns. Introducing Collective by DBAhttps://collective.cpahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collectivebydba Learn More About Dillon Business Advisorshttps://www.dillonadvisors.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/dillonbusinessadvisors Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcasthttps://earmarkcpe.com Download the Earmark CPE AppApple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app (00:00) - Welcome to Who's Really the Boss (04:30) - Personal Update and Marketing Challenges (09:10) - Marketing Strategies and Client Management (13:14) - Determining Ideal Clients (21:15) - Grading Clients and Exit Strategies (28:24) - Evaluating Service Lines (31:30) - Outsourced Marketing vs Internal Teams (43:06) - Experiments with Lead Generation (49:25) - Refocusing Growth Strategies (53:04) - Creative Marketing Approaches (54:35) - Conclusion and Future Plans

    56 min

  4. 18/11/2024

    Building Resilient Teams: Planning for Extended Leave

    Rachel and Marcus are joined by DBA team member Lezlie Reeves to share how their firm successfully managed concurrent extended leaves. They share their detailed approach to documentation, training support staff, and maintaining client service standards during extended leave periods. Their experience demonstrates how small firms can create sustainable coverage plans while ensuring team members fully disconnect during parental leave, ultimately leading to improved processes and team growth. Introducing Collective by DBAhttps://collective.cpahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collectivebydba Learn More About Dillon Business Advisorshttps://www.dillonadvisors.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/dillonbusinessadvisors Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcasthttps://earmarkcpe.com Download the Earmark CPE AppApple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app (00:00) - Welcome to Who's Really the BOSS? (03:23) - Maternity Leave Experiences (07:21) - Team Structure and Documentation (12:09) - Training and Preparation for Leave (17:33) - Implementation and Support During Leave (25:12) - April's Client Management Training (28:17) - Roles and Responsibilities Breakdown (32:17) - Client Communication Strategies (33:57) - Concerns and Apprehensions (36:47) - Successful Outcomes and Benefits (45:44) - Areas for Improvement (50:38) - Final Thoughts and Acknowledgements

    52 min

  5. 04/11/2024

    Converting Annual Clients to Monthly Relationships

    Rachel and Marcus dive into how their accounting firm successfully converted two major clients into comprehensive monthly service relationships - one transitioning from annual tax services and another expanding their existing monthly engagement. They break down how establishing trust and proving value over time led these clients to naturally seek out additional services, rather than requiring hard selling tactics. The episode reveals practical insights about client communication, pricing strategies, and the shift from being viewed as a transactional service provider to becoming an integral part of clients' business operations. Introducing Collective by DBAhttps://collective.cpahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collectivebydba Learn More About Dillon Business Advisorshttps://www.dillonadvisors.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/dillonbusinessadvisors Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcasthttps://earmarkcpe.com Download the Earmark CPE AppApple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app (00:00) - Welcome to Who's Really the BOSS (00:35) - Family Updates (05:36) - What Our Episode is About Today (06:16) - Converting Clients to Monthly Services (10:27) - Client Case Study: From Annual to Monthly Services (15:49) - Building Trust and Long-Term Relationships (22:26) - Client Service Manager Role Clarification (22:56) - Defining Service Expectations (27:47) - Cost-Benefit Analysis of Services (36:14) - Family Business Dynamics (38:44) - Evolving Client Relationships (40:14) - Advisory vs. Transactional Services (41:28) - Making Strategic Business Changes (46:16) - Final Thoughts and Encouragement

    49 min

  6. 21/10/2024

    The Power of Community

    Ben Gabriel joins Rachel and Marcus to discuss the transformative power of peer groups and advisory services for accounting firm owners. They explore how these communities provide a safe space for leaders to share challenges, celebrate successes, and gain valuable insights from others facing similar situations. The conversation delves into common issues like capacity planning and team management, highlighting how collaboration and accountability can drive personal and professional growth in the accounting industry. Introducing Collective by DBAhttps://collective.cpahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collectivebydba Learn More About Dillon Business Advisorshttps://www.dillonadvisors.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/dillonbusinessadvisors Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcasthttps://earmarkcpe.com Download the Earmark CPE AppApple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app (00:00) - Welcome to Who's Really the Boss? (01:45) - Ben Gabriel Joins the Show (07:18) - Grandmother's Wisdom: Best Advice Ever Received (11:15) - Working with Ben: Past and Present Collaborations (13:20) - The Power of Mastermind Groups and Peer Support (18:53) - Reflecting on Successes and Challenges (23:04) - The Importance of Safe Spaces for Idea Sharing (26:09) - The Power of Peer Support (29:33) - Recent Challenges Brought Up in Peer Groups (33:09) - Defining Personal and Professional Goals (38:25) - The Importance of Community and Accountability (43:53) - Sharing and Growing in Groups (52:26) - Connecting with Your Group

    55 min

  7. 07/10/2024

    Beyond the Billable Hour

    Rachel and Marcus dive deep into their firm's evolution of time tracking and practice management, from old-school stamps to modern software solutions. Despite moving beyond billable hour pricing, they discuss how they leverage time data for capacity planning, pricing decisions, and firm valuation, Rachel and Marcus offer practical insights on implementing and refining time tracking processes, balancing efficiency with data-driven decision making in a virtual environment. Introducing Collective by DBAhttps://collective.cpahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collectivebydba For more information about GRIP, visit: https://collective.cpa/grip Learn More About Dillon Business Advisorshttps://www.dillonadvisors.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/dillonbusinessadvisors Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcasthttps://earmarkcpe.com Download the Earmark CPE AppApple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app (00:00) - Welcome to Who's Really the Boss (02:35) - Family Updates (07:08) - Beyond the Billable Hour (08:48) - Importance of Tracking Time (12:45) - Capacity Planning and Efficiency (23:20) - Increasing Capacity (26:10) - Team Structure and Specialization (28:03) - Software Evolution in DBA (32:30) - Invoicing Practices and Client Management (41:53) - Balancing Technology and Manual Processes (51:36) - Optimizing Team Capacity and Efficiency (55:09) - The Value of Excess Capacity in M&A (56:47) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    57 min

  8. 23/09/2024

    Beyond EOS: Tailoring Systems for Accounting Success

    This episode explores the intersection of popular business operating systems like EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) and tailored solutions for accounting firms. Christine Nietzke, ODCP shares insights on the benefits and limitations of EOS implementation, while introducing the GRIP (Goal Ready Implementation Plan) approach developed by Collective by DBA. The conversation highlights the value of having a comprehensive blueprint for firm success, emphasizing the role of discipline, organization, and team effort in achieving business goals. Introducing Collective by DBAhttps://collective.cpahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collectivebydba For more information about GRIP, visit: https://collective.cpa/grip Learn More About Dillon Business Advisorshttps://www.dillonadvisors.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/dillonbusinessadvisors Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcasthttps://earmarkcpe.com Download the Earmark CPE AppApple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app (00:00) - Welcome to Who's Really The BOSS? (01:01) - Christine's Career Journey (04:24) - Christine's Role and Contributions (07:07) - Best Advice Ever Given (08:28) - Deep Dive into EOS (14:33) - Becoming an EOS Implementer (20:17) - Challenges and Client Stories (25:40) - The Importance of Structured Meetings (27:45) - Maximizing Existing Tools for Efficiency (33:13) - Introducing GRIP: A Blueprint for Success (38:50) - Team Collaboration and Accountability (49:36) - The Role of Discipline and Organization (51:58) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    53 min
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About

"Who's Really the BOSS?" highlights the joys and challenges of running a CPA firm with your spouse or family. From hiring and terminating to improving capacity, cash flow, and culture, our conversations cover leadership, operations, and current accounting industry challenges. Our mission is to strengthen families and accounting firms by helping listeners avoid the mistakes we have made, so they can lead and live happily ever after.

Information

  • Creator
    Marcus Dillon, Rachel Dillon
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    124
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Marcus Dillon
  • Show Website
    Who's Really the BOSS?

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