Still trying to grow your firm by working more hours? That approach has a ceiling.

Ryan Lazanis, CPA and founder of Future Firm, shares what he learned building and selling an online accounting firm from scratch, and why most firm owners stay stuck running a practice instead of a business. You will hear why clarity on what you actually want comes first, why your service packages need to sell a transformation instead of a task list, and how to price based on value without relying on timesheets.

Learn why the human experience is what clients value most in an era of automation, and how defining your purpose early changes every decision you make after that.

This episode gives you a practical framework for building a firm that gives you freedom and growth. Tune in to People You Should Know: Ryan Lazanis and start designing the business you actually want.

Episode resources:

• Website: https://anderscpa.com/
• If you have questions or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at mcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.com
• Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/

Quotes

- Ryan Lazanis: "I've never had a client come to me and say they're leaving their accountant because they're not doing monthly depreciation on their fixed assets. We're listing a checklist in a package that has zero value to the client."

- Adam Hale: "Lack of intentionality is one of the biggest missteps of most small business owners. They just think if they work really hard, they'll achieve these things. That's just not possible without a concrete vision."

- Tom Wadelton: "If I'm doing all those things, when I take time off, those things stop or get broken. And now I'm working on vacation."

- Ryan Lazanis: "The firms that are going to be more human are the ones that are going to win in the end. People still want to deal with people."

Ryan Lazanis is a CPA and the founder of Future Firm, a coaching company that helps accounting firm owners unlock freedom and growth in their businesses. He previously founded Zen Accounting, one of North America's earliest online accounting firms, which he scaled from scratch to acquisition in five years. Ryan's weekly newsletter reaches over 10,000 firm leaders with strategies for building modern, scalable, and systematized firms.

Newsletter: futurefirm.co/newsletter

The Modern CPA Success Show is the go-to podcast for accounting firm owners eager to enhance profitability and master Virtual CFO services. This podcast leverages combined expertise in delivering top-tier Virtual CFO services across North America.

Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458888

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndersCPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anders-cpa/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anderscpa/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andersvcfo

Tom Wadelton is a Partner and Virtual CFO at Anders, bringing over 20 years of financial expertise from his tenure at a Fortune 500 company. He has extensive experience spanning financial management, accounting o

Still pricing by the hour? You are limiting your cash flow.

Ron Baker, founder of VeraSage Institute and co-founder of THRESHOLD, talks about why the billable hour fails business owners and what to do instead. You’ll hear why pricing is a core skill, why mindset blocks change, and why most firms stay stuck even when better models exist.

Learn how fixed pricing removes surprises and builds trust. Offering options increases revenue and strengthens decision-making. You’ll also see how AI is reducing billable work and forcing businesses to rethink how they charge.

This episode gives you a clear shift in thinking. Tune in to People You Should Know: Ron Baker and challenge the way you price before it limits your growth.

Episode resources:

● Website: https://anderscpa.com/

● If you have questions or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at mcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.com

● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:

https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/

Quotes

• Ron Baker: "The billable hour creates a poor customer experience. Clients don’t want surprises, they want clarity upfront."
• Tom Wadelton: "If we rethink pricing and value, the entire profession could look completely different in a short time."
• Adam Hale: "Value-based pricing is a mindset shift. Once firms embrace it, everything from growth to client relationships improves."
• Jody Grunden: "Moving away from hourly billing forced a complete rethink of how services are packaged."

Ron Baker is the founder of VeraSage Institute and co-founder of THRESHOLD. A globally recognized thought leader in value pricing, business model innovation, and the future of professional firms. As the host of The Soul of Enterprise and author of multiple influential books, Ron has spent decades challenging the status quo, especially the reliance on billable hours.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronbaker1/

Connect with THRESHOLD:

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thresholdnow/

The Modern CPA Success Show is the go-to podcast for accounting firm owners eager to enhance profitability and master Virtual CFO services. This podcast leverages combined expertise in delivering top-tier Virtual CFO services across North America.

Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458888

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndersCPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anders-cpa/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anderscpa/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andersvcfo

Tom Wadelton is a Virtual CFO at Anders, bringing over 20 years of financial expertise from his tenure at a Fortune 500 company. He has extensive experience spanning financial management, accounting operations, and information technology integration. Tom specializes in delivering strategic Virtual CFO services, helping businesses optimize their financial performance through advanced accounting solutions.

Website:

If you want cash flow freedom, you cannot separate money from leadership. Your revenue, team performance, pricing power, and long-term stability all reflect how you lead. Scotty Scarano, Rapping Custodian at Accounting High, shares how he is reshaping how people view accounting, financial literacy, and career development.

Listen to how to Build Cash Flow Freedom Through Leadership.

Resources:

● Website: https://anderscpa.com/

● If you have questions or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at mcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.com

● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:

https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/

Quotes

• Scotty Scarano: "If you want predictable cash flow, you have to lead your team in a way that aligns performance with financial outcomes."
• Tom Wadelton: "Cash flow problems are often leadership problems in disguise—structure and communication usually fix what spreadsheets alone cannot."
• Adam Hale: "When leaders focus on discipline in pricing, collections, and accountability, cash flow becomes more predictable and less stressful."

Scotty Scarano is the Rapping Custodian of Accounting High. After scaling his firm from six figures to over half a million in revenue, he turned his focus to leadership, growth, and helping firm owners build cash flow freedom.

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottscarano/

X: https://x.com/scottscarano

Connect with Accounting High:

Website: https://www.accountinghigh.com/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounting-high/

The Modern CPA Success Show is the go-to podcast for accounting firm owners eager to enhance profitability and master Virtual CFO services. This podcast leverages combined expertise in delivering top-tier Virtual CFO services across North America.

Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458888

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndersCPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anders-cpa/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anderscpa/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andersvcfo

Tom Wadelton is a Virtual CFO at Anders, bringing over 20 years of financial expertise from his tenure at a Fortune 500 company. He has extensive experience spanning financial management, accounting operations, and information technology integration.

Website: https://anderscpa.com/about/your-anders-team/#thomas-d-wadelton

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomwadelton/

Adam Hale, CPA, is a Partner and Virtual CFO Practice Leader at Anders, dedicated to transforming traditional accounting practices through innovative Virtual CFO services. With over 20 years in public accounting, Adam has been instrumental in the ideation and development of CPA training courses.

Website: https://anderscpa.com/about/your-anders-team/#adam-hale

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhalecpa/

You can’t afford to plan your finances based on how things used to work. Cash flow pressure, pricing changes, technology shifts, and new reporting demands are forcing business owners to think ahead instead of reacting late.

Daniel Hood, Editor in Chief of Accounting Today, on where business finance is heading and what small business owners should prepare for now. You learn how advisory services, value-based pricing, AI, staffing changes, and long-term financial planning affect your cash flow and decision-making. You hear why waiting is risky, why compliance alone is not enough, and how preparing early gives you control instead of surprises. Get the clarity you need to prepare your business finances for what’s next. Tune in to the full episode of Preparing Your Business Finances for What’s Next with Daniel Hood.

Episode resources:

● Website: https://anderscpa.com/

● If you have questions or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at mcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.com

● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:

https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/

Quotes

• Daniel Hood: "Value-based pricing and advisory services are closer-term priorities for firms. Many should have started preparing for them already."
• Tom Wadelton: "Sustainability reporting moved forward without finance even realizing it, proving that if accountants don’t lead emerging financial areas, others will step in."
• Adam Hale: "Audit often feels left out of value-based pricing conversations because it’s still framed as task-based compliance work."

Daniel Hood is the Editor-in-Chief of Accounting Today, where he has spent over a decade covering the forces shaping the accounting profession. With more than 25 years reporting on public accounting, Daniel offers a clear-eyed view of how firms can prepare their businesses and finances for what’s next. He brings deep insight into emerging trends like advisory services, technology, talent, and long-term firm strategy. Known for translating complex industry shifts into practical perspective, Daniel helps firm leaders see around corners. His work keeps the profession focused on the future, not just compliance.

Website: https://www.accountingtoday.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/AccountingToday

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-hood-3494ab49/

X: https://x.com/AccountingToday

The Modern CPA Success Show is the go-to podcast for accounting firm owners eager to enhance profitability and master Virtual CFO services. This podcast leverages combined expertise in delivering top-tier Virtual CFO services across North America.

Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458888

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndersCPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anders-cpa/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anderscpa/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andersvcfo

Running a business is more than putting out fires and checking boxes. Thinking like an owner changes how you make decisions and lead your team.

Chad Davis, co-founder at LiveCA LLP & AutomationTown.io, joins the conversation to explore what it truly means to behave like a business owner. You'll hear real talk on financial ownership, setting priorities, letting go of control, and why emotional detachment can lead to better decisions. Chad breaks down how to step into a leadership mindset, even when the day-to-day feels overwhelming. Chad also explains why stepping back emotionally helps you decide with clarity. And above all, it’s okay to slow down—because sustainable businesses are never built on burnout. Tune in to the full episode here: ▶️ Stability Over Scale: A Smarter Way to Build a Business That Lasts.

Episode resources:

● Website: https://anderscpa.com/

● If you have questions or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at mcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.com

● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:

https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/

Quotes

• Chad Davis: "When you sell something to somebody, that time is budgeted to them. No one else should infringe on it. That's how you protect stability."
• Jody Grunden: "A well‑built team gives leaders confidence they can leave for weeks without the business falling apart, and often the team performs better without constant oversight."
• Adam Hale: "When planning an exit, owners must clarify their future involvement, whether they want to keep working as a CFO or simply reduce their role after taking some chips off the table."

Chad Davis is the Co-founder of LiveCA LLP and AutomationTown.io, where he champions a smarter, more stable approach to business. At LiveCA, he helps Canadian businesses streamline controllership services with scalable tech and a focus on reliability over rapid growth. Chad also leads AutomationTown, a vibrant community for accounting pros exploring the practical side of AI and automation. His philosophy? Build intentionally, stay curious, and focus on what truly matters. In both ventures, Chad is setting the standard for how to grow a business that lasts.

Website: https://www.liveca.ca/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/myliveca/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaddavis1/?originalSubdomain=ca

https://www.linkedin.com/company/liveca-chartered-accountant/?originalSubdomain=ca

The Modern CPA Success Show is the go-to podcast for accounting firm owners eager to enhance profitability and master Virtual CFO services. This podcast leverages combined expertise in delivering top-tier Virtual CFO services across North America.

Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458888

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndersCPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anders-cpa/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anderscpa/&

As a small business owner, you wear a lot of hats and it’s easy to feel like the pressure never stops.

Randy Crabtree, Co-Founder of Tri-Merit Specialty Tax Professionals, shares lessons that push you to rethink how you run your finances. He talks about passion, problem solving, and building systems that help you get better cash flow, and long‑term stability for your business. You’ll hear how he reshaped his career and his thinking helps business owners improve tax planning and adapt to the future of accounting. He goes straight into billable hours, pricing, advisory work, AI, offshoring, burnout, and what small business owners should expect from great financial partners. Tune in now and hear insights that shift the way you think about your financial future. ▶️People You Should Know: Randy Crabtree.

Episode resources:

● Website: https://anderscpa.com/

● If you have questions or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at mcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.com

● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:

https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/

Quotes

• Randy Crabtree: "If we free ourselves from compliance work, don’t fill that space with more of the same. That’s where advisory comes in, helping clients get to outcomes they didn’t even know were possible."
• Tom Wadelton: "Supporting nonprofits by handling their accounting and guiding new treasurers has been a great way to contribute."
• Adam Hale: "A lot of people starting their own practices deal with imposter syndrome. Supporting them and helping them build confidence has been rewarding.”

Randy Crabtree is the Co-Founder and Partner at Tri-Merit Specialty Tax, where he helps accounting firms maximize value through R&D tax credits, cost segregation, and energy incentives like 179D and 45L. As host of The Unique CPA podcast and founder of the Bridging the Gap conference, Randy is a leading voice in redefining how CPAs deliver impact beyond compliance. Recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting, he brings deep insight and energy to every conversation. His passion for supporting firms and spotlighting innovation has made him a trusted figure in the profession.

Website: https://tri-merit.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/TriMerit

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-crabtree-cpa-1945a67/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/tri-merit-llc/

The Modern CPA Success Show is the go-to podcast for accounting firm owners eager to enhance profitability and master Virtual CFO services. This podcast leverages combined expertise in delivering top-tier Virtual CFO services across North America.

Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458888

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndersCPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anders-cpa/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anderscpa/

YouTube:

Being the boss doesn’t automatically make you a business owner. Running a business requires you to think differently, act strategically, and lead with clarity.

Chris Papin, CPA, Attorney & Business Advisor at Papin Speaks, talks about what it really means to behave like a business owner. From facing hard truths about failed marketing to balancing emotional attachment with accountability, Chris shares how small business owners can shift their mindset and take ownership at a higher level. He breaks down how to build processes, set priorities, make tough calls, and communicate with more intention. This is a must-listen for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the day-to-day and ready to get back in control. Tune in to the full episode here: ▶️ "Chris Papin and how to "Behave Like a Business Owner"

Episode resources:

● Website: https://anderscpa.com/

● If you have questions or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at mcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.com

● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:

https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/

Quotes

• Chris Papin: "Many owners default to what feels easy or fun, but behaving like a business owner means facing hard truths and making disciplined decisions."
• Tom Wadelton: "The phrase 'financially speaking' helps ground tough conversations in facts. When clients resist hard decisions, math makes the reasoning clear and harder to dispute."
• Adam Hale: "Managing difficult conversations is something people only learn after doing it poorly. Avoiding direct conversations always comes back later."

Chris Papin is a licensed Attorney and Certified Public Accountant based in Oklahoma, specializing in advising closely held businesses and their owners. With a dual focus on legal structure and financial health, he guides entrepreneurs through startup formation, business development, and strategic tax planning. Chris brings a unique perspective to client advisory by helping business owners think and act like true operators, not just service providers. As a trusted advisor, Chris empowers business owners to behave like CEOs and lead with clarity.

Website: https://www.papinspeaks.com/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispapin/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/papin-speaks/

The Modern CPA Success Show is the go-to podcast for accounting firm owners eager to enhance profitability and master Virtual CFO services. This podcast leverages combined expertise in delivering top-tier Virtual CFO services across North America.

Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458888

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndersCPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anders-cpa/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anderscpa/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andersvcfo

Tom Wadelton is a Virtual CFO at Anders, bringing over 20 years of financial expertise from his tenure at a Fortune 500 company. He has exten

Bringing in the right people can transform your CPA firm. Hiring is a strategic move that drives your growth. If you're looking to make smarter hiring decisions, this episode is for you.

Will Spengler, founder of Frederick Fox, shares how his team finds strong controller and finance candidates in markets like Dallas, and what firms should do to stay competitive. You’ll get insights into how recruiting agencies work, what mistakes firms make when hiring, why public accounting backgrounds are still in high demand, and how remote work and compensation expectations are shifting the talent game. Tune in NOW! ▶️ Recruiting for CPA Firms with Will Spengler

Episode resources:

● Website: https://anderscpa.com/

● If you have questions or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at mcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.com

● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:

https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/

Quotes

• Will Spengler: "Small CPA firms must weigh the opportunity cost of time when positions remain unfilled. The potential growth, efficiency, and profitability lost often outweigh recruiter fees."
• Tom Wadelton: "Remote work is now a differentiator. Firms that remain flexible and open to remote arrangements have access to a wider pool of talent."
• Adam Hale: "In recruiting for CPA firms, candidates with public accounting experience, particularly in audit, are often preferred since that background provides exposure to diverse industries and scenarios."

Will Spengler is a passionate leader in agency recruiting and the driving force behind Frederick Fox, a top-tier executive search community. As an innovator and entrepreneur, Will specializes in contractor solutions, direct hires, and retained executive search—delivering unmatched recruiting results for CPA firms and beyond. With a team of 45+ seasoned recruiters and over 610 active clients, he brings scale, speed, and strategy to every search.

Website: https://frederickfox.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/FrederickFoxGroup/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-spengler-2193433a/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/frederick-fox/

The Modern CPA Success Show is the go-to podcast for accounting firm owners eager to enhance profitability and master Virtual CFO services. This podcast leverages combined expertise in delivering top-tier Virtual CFO services across North America.

Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458888

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndersCPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anders-cpa/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anderscpa/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andersvcfo

Tom Wadelton is a Virtual CFO at Anders, bringing over 20 years of financial expertise from his tenure at a Fortune 500 company. He has extensive experience spa