Is Private Equity the Future of CPA Firm Growth—or Just a Risky Shortcut?

In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, Frazier & Deeter’s Jeremy Jones and Seth McDaniel join Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl to reveal how their firm went from cautious observers to confident partners with General Atlantic. It’s an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the strategy, process, and real impact of private equity in the accounting world.

In this episode, you will be able to:

•Understand why Frazier & Deeter initially said “no” to private equity—and what changed their minds.

•Learn how they narrowed down 35 offers to one perfect-fit partner based on values, culture, and vision.

•See how they brought all 61 partners into the process with transparency, alignment, and buy-in.

•Hear their roadmap for national expansion, people development, and tech investment post-deal.

•Get clarity on quality concerns, partner control, and the realities of PE “turns” over time.

If your firm is exploring what’s next—don’t miss this real-world case study in strategic transformation!

#PrivateEquity #CPAIndustry #FirmLeadership #AccountingGrowth #EverythingCPAandPE

Is Private Equity Killing Quality in Accounting? Let’s Set the Record Straight.

In this episode, join David Wolfskehl, Phil Whitman, and special guest Reyes Florez as they address one of the most talked-about concerns in the industry: Does private equity hurt quality? The answers may surprise you.

In this episode, you will be able to:

•Understand why fears about post-deal quality drops may be misplaced

•Hear firsthand accounts from firms thriving after PE investment

•Learn why alignment and leadership matter more than ownership model

•Explore the long-term impact of PE from those who’ve seen it evolve

•Get clarity on the real risks—and real opportunities

Listen now to get the inside perspective and decide for yourself!

#PrivateEquity #AccountingIndustry #PodcastEpisode #MergersAndAcquisitions #CPAInsights

Is Private Equity Really Putting CPA Firm Quality at Risk? That’s what a recent Wall Street Journal article suggests—but is it the full story?

In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, David Wolfskehl, Phil Whitman, and Dave Kells dig into the growing conversation around quality control in accounting firms backed by private equity or strategic investors. With decades of leadership experience and over 30 deals behind them, they’re not just guessing—they’ve seen the inside.

In this episode, you’ll be able to:

•Hear why larger firms—with PE or strategic backing—often strengthen quality control.

•Understand the real role of skepticism and audit culture in safeguarding standards.

•Explore how regulations (like PCAOB oversight) impact CPA firms today.

•Discover how experienced CPAs maintain independence despite outside capital.

•Learn why comparing CPAs to healthcare might be misleading—and even dangerous.

Tune in to hear what’s really happening behind the scenes—and why not all criticism holds up!

#CPAandPrivateEquity #AuditStandards #FirmIntegrity #AccountingInsights #RegulatoryReality

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

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

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

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

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