Who's Really the BOSS?

Marcus Dillon, Rachel Dillon

"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. 1d ago

    How We Landed 20 New Clients in 6 Months

    SponsorsDiscover.AI -  discover.ai  Marcus and Rachel set a goal of 15 new monthly clients for all of 2026 — and blew past it by June, landing 20. They walk through the $101,415 in onboarding fees that came with those clients, why 85% of that growth traces back to referrals and existing relationships instead of paid marketing, and what a 75% jump in PTO usage tells them about their new flexible time-off policy. 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) - Retreat Recap Setup (01:15) - Mexico Travel Lessons (03:07) - Goals And Metrics (07:22) - New Client Wins (14:22) - Onboarding Fees Breakdown (19:22) - Tax Plan Adds (20:17) - Flexible PTO Results (23:14) - PTO Policy Evolution (26:31) - Why Unlimited PTO (28:36) - Onboarding Workflow (35:14) - Two Week Onboarding (41:19) - Where Clients Come From (54:13) - Relationship Marketing Tips (56:07) - Wrap Up And Contact

  2. Jul 6

    Building a Director-Led Accounting Firm

    Marcus and Rachel break down how Dillon Business Advisors moved from an owner-led firm to a director-led one, walking through the seven components they use to define every director role, from ownership and KPIs to the weekly question that keeps people accountable. They also share how scorecards and monthly reviews keep decisions from flowing back up to the owners. It's a practical framework for firms that have outgrown a single person holding everything together. SponsorsDiscover.AI -  discover.ai  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 and Catch Up (01:36) - Custom Closet Sticker Shock (05:41) - Sales Value and Vacations (07:23) - Why Go Director Led (16:12) - Improvement Season Explained (18:37) - Seven Parts of Director Roles (23:55) - Not Responsible For Clarity (33:09) - Director Roles at DBA (43:31) - Scorecards and Accountability (51:45) - Resources and Wrap Up

  3. Jun 22

    The Year Everything Changed at Once

    Marcus is back from five weeks on the conference circuit, from Collective's Recharge to Intuit and ADP councils to Accounting Today's Firm Growth Forum, and he and Rachel unpack what it signals for firms. They cover the surge in roll-ups and private equity moving down market, the tension between staying autonomous and centralizing operations, the AI agents landing inside nearly every platform, and the QuickBooks sunsets and price increases hitting this summer. They close with a preview of Gather and a case for using the slow season to act on what you learn, not just collect more sessions. SponsorsDiscover.AI -  discover.ai  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 (03:00) - San Diego With The Girls (06:21) - Why Attend These Rooms (07:50) - Firm Growth Awards (09:17) - M&A Market Breakdown (14:47) - Centralize Or Stay Decentralized (22:57) - Rebrands And Proprietary AI (25:05) - AI Agents And Token Costs (32:47) - Platform Shifts And Price Hikes (37:24) - Gather Event Preview (43:22) - Improvement Season Takeaways (45:22) - How To Get Involved

  4. Jun 8

    Introducing Streamlined OS: The Operating System Built for Accounting Firms

    Marcus and Rachel publicly unveil Streamlined OS, the operating system Collective by DBA built specifically for accounting firms to connect strategy, execution, measurement, and improvement in one place. They walk through how its 62-question assessment surfaces a firm's strengths and improvement areas, prioritizes three or fewer to tackle next, links each one to training and templates, and tracks progress against five core KPIs. They also get candid about running a less owner-dependent firm, why transparency with your team is worth the discomfort, and how the stabilize, systemize, and scale framework applied to DBA itself after its 2025 acquisitions. SponsorsDiscover.AI -  discover.ai  Introducing Collective by DBAhttps://collective.cpahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collectivebydbaLearn 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 (01:20) - What Is Streamlined OS (03:23) - Gather Conference Invite (07:16) - Why Firms Need It Now (09:40) - Optionality and Owner Dependence (11:46) - KPIs Dashboards Alignment (15:26) - Priorities and Next Steps (17:43) - Built From Real Experience (22:18) - Origin Story and Resources (26:15) - Pacing Change for Success (29:51) - What It Includes Next (30:59) - Dashboard KPI Tracking (31:45) - Team Assessment Setup (34:07) - Interpreting Results (35:45) - Focus Zones Resources (37:20) - Transparency With KPIs (42:45) - Five Core Metrics (46:34) - Owner Hours Value (50:53) - From Reporting To Action (53:49) - Collective Support Paths (55:10) - Credits Webinar Next Steps

  5. May 25

    Stop Paying Consultants to Tell You What to Automate

    Marcus and Rachel introduce the Automation Idea Generator from Collected by DBA, a free tool designed to help accounting firm teams identify what to automate, assess ROI, and get started without hiring a consultant. The episode walks through a live demo and breaks down a key distinction the whole firm needs to understand: AI designs the process, automation runs it. They also get honest about the real barrier to adoption in most firms, which isn't the technology, it's the team. SponsorsDiscover.AI -  discover.ai  The Automation Idea Generator: https://collective.cpa/automationprompt Watch on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/zIW4hkn8wYwIntroducing 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 (01:15) - Episode Tool Teaser (01:34) - Family Travel Update (05:42) - Why This Free Tool (07:07) - AI Vs Automation Basics (08:38) - Tech Pace And Firm Context (11:25) - Automation Initiative Start (12:47) - Credit To Tool Builders (14:10) - Temporary Tool Mindset (16:31) - Team Training Exercise (18:49) - Evaluating Automation ROI (21:08) - Real Example Prospect Folder (23:06) - Integration Reality Check (28:05) - Demo Begins Tool Link (30:36) - Software Stack Setup (32:12) - File Storage Choices (33:02) - Define the Pain Point (34:06) - Payroll Email Use Case (36:49) - Time Savings and ROI (38:57) - Generate the Prompt (41:10) - Claude Reviews Automation Ideas (44:18) - Risks and Change Management (48:13) - Empower the Whole Team (51:39) - Wrap Up and Feedback

  6. May 11

    How to Build an Accounting Firm Structure That Actually Works

    SponsorsDiscover.AI -  discover.ai  Rachel and Marcus pull back the curtain on how DBA rebuilt their accounting firm from the ground up, moving from a structure where everything ran through one person to a three-tiered team model built for scale. They walk through each phase of the transition: defining roles, aligning consistent teams to clients, and building industry specialization that makes advisory conversations sharper and more valuable. 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 (00:39) - Family Updates (05:16) - Why Team of Three (06:54) - Problems With Silos (10:24) - Client Pain Points (12:01) - Three Roles Explained (15:41) - Model Goals and Benefits (21:11) - Phase One Define Roles (28:39) - Phase Two Align Teams (38:48) - Career Paths and Scaling (43:05) - Wrap Up and Listener Challenge

  7. Apr 27

    The Four Ps of Leading Change in Your Accounting Firm

    Marcus and Rachel introduce their rally cry for 2026, "lead change, create impact," and share the four Ps framework (Purpose, Picture, Plan, and Part) they've adopted at DBA and Collective to guide their team through rapid change. They get honest about past missteps, from announcing acquisitions without team buy-in to the temptation of initiating change without living through it. Along the way, they also weigh in on AI's impact on accounting firms and why the runway looks very different depending on who your clients are. SponsorsDiscover.AI -  discover.ai  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 (00:53) - Moving to Fort Worth (02:19) - Busy Season Chaos (04:01) - Move In Surprises (06:26) - Leading Change Theme (07:11) - Rally Cry for 2026 (09:15) - Rapid Change Pressures (11:53) - AI Job Impact Talk (17:18) - Tech Savvy Client Story (22:32) - Preparing Team for Change (26:25) - Lessons from 2025 (28:31) - Clarity Beats Resistance (29:47) - Early Acquisition Missteps (31:13) - Intentional Change Mindset (32:16) - Adopting Lencioni Four Ps (34:01) - Purpose Align With Values (36:48) - Clarity Beats Vagueness (43:33) - Picture Define Success (46:52) - Optimist Pessimist Exercise (52:08) - Plan Roadmap And Owners (55:43) - Part Define Everyone Role (58:43) - Recap Repeat And Close

  8. Apr 13

    DBA 3.0: Remote Work, Team of Three, and the Reinvention That Took 15 Years

    Marcus and Rachel Dillon pick up where they left off, walking through the third major chapter of Dillon Business Advisors: from the shift to fully remote work and the development of their Team of Three model, to two strategic acquisitions that pushed the firm past $6 million in revenue. Marcus also pulls back the curtain on the conversations he's having now with firm owners at every size, from $1M to $250M, about succession, technology, and what it really means to build enterprise value. It's a candid look at where DBA has been and the questions every firm owner should be asking about where the industry is headed. SponsorsDiscover.AI -  discover.ai  Introducing Collective by DBAhttps://collective.cpahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collectivebydbaLearn 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 (02:21) - Remote Work Pivot (03:33) - Tech Stack for Remote (06:02) - Exiting Audit Practice (07:27) - PPP and ERC Surge (08:24) - Team of Three Model (14:45) - Rebrand SEO Fallout (18:11) - Capacity and Growth Choices (19:21) - Strategic Acquisitions 2025 (25:14) - Owner Hours and Balance (28:43) - Leadership Retreat Insights (29:35) - Industry Deal Chatter (31:35) - Succession Stewardship Mindset (33:39) - Managing Partner Reality Check (35:50) - Legacy Firms vs Enterprise Value (40:27) - Rollups Create New Niches (45:39) - Optionality and Independence (50:43) - Short Horizon Strategy (52:12) - Team Structure Upskilling (55:38) - Closing Advice and Patience

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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
11 Ratings

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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    164
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Marcus Dillon
  • Show Website
    Who's Really the BOSS?

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