We are thrilled to feature Scott Scarano, a trailblazing accountant who has taken the industry by storm with his unique blend of creativity and professionalism. Scott, also known as Scotty, shares his journey from a traditional accountant to a rapping CEO, providing insights into how he embraced technology and innovation to drive growth. His story is a testament to the power of thinking outside the box and leveraging new tools to achieve success.

Scotty's transition to the role of CEO and his use of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) were pivotal in his rise to the top of the franchise. He discusses the importance of embracing change and finding a supportive community, as well as how he leveraged systems for growth. Scotty's entrepreneurial spirit shines through as he talks about the evolving landscape of public accounting and the exciting opportunities it presents for forward-thinking professionals.

We also delve into Scott's passion for music and how he balances his career with his journey to becoming a rapper. His story is a unique blend of professional achievement and personal fulfillment, offering inspiration for anyone looking to break the mold!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[01:00] Introduction of Scott Scarano

[01:50] Scotty's success story

[06:05] How Scott embraced technology and innovation for growth

[12:20] Scott's transition to CEO and the power of EOS

[19:15] Embracing change and finding community

[20:30] How he leveraged systems for growth

[23:45] The entrepreneurial spirit in accounting and its relationship to growth

[25:25] The future of public accounting

[30:35] Scott's journey to become a rapper

Connect with Scotty https://linkedin.com/in/scottyscarano/

Connect with Kelly https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyrohrs/

Connect with Bilal https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmehanna/

We're joined by Sharon Means as we explore the transformative power of Entrepreneurial Operating Systems (EOS) and the pivotal role of a Fractional Integrator. Sharon's journey from traditional accounting to Fractional Integration provides invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of modern business management. We delve into the impact of remote work and networking, uncovering strategies to leverage social media for professional growth.

Through Sharon's expertise, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how EOS has revolutionized business operations, and the crucial function Fractional Integrators fulfill. Her journey illustrates the shift from conventional accounting roles to driving organizational efficiency and growth.

Looking ahead, Sharon provides compelling insights into the future of Fractional Integration and its potential implications for businesses of all sizes. This episode promises to equip entrepreneurs and business leaders with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate the complexities of modern management and harness the power of EOS!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[00:30] Introduction of special guest Sharon Means, CPA and entrepreneur

[1:00] Deep dive into Entrepreneurial Operating Systems (EOS)

[2:40] The role and impact of a Factional Integrator

[12:25] Sharon's Journey from CPA to Fractional Integrator

[16:15] The power of remote work and networking

[17:35] Leveraging social media for professional growth

[23:20] The future of Fractional Integration and final thoughts

Connect with Sharon https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonmeans

Connect with Kelly https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyrohrs/

Connect with Bilal https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmehanna/

We have the pleasure of welcoming a special guest, Henry Huie, to share his remarkable journey with us. Henry takes us through his transition from the world of audit to tax, and the pivotal moment when he decided to venture into entrepreneurship by starting his own firm. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of Henry's decision-making process and the strategic steps he took to leap into the realm of business ownership.

Throughout our conversation, Henry shares invaluable insights into navigating client relationships and implementing effective pricing strategies. We explore the evolution of his business models, including his thoughts on subscription services and the creation of client tiers, which have propelled his firm to new heights of success. As Henry reflects on his journey, he offers valuable advice for aspiring accountants, drawing from his own experiences and lessons learned along the way.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[1:00] Henry Huey's Journey

[1:45] The Transition from Audit to Tax, and Starting Your Own Firm

[3:55] The Leap to Entrepreneurship: Henry's Decision and Strategy

[12:20] Navigating Client Relationships and Pricing Strategies

[17:30] Evolving Business Models: Subscription Services and Client Tiers

[26:10] Future Plans and Advice for Aspiring Accountants

Connect with Henry https://www.linkedin.com/henryhuie/

Connect with Kelly https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyrohrs/

Connect with Bilal https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmehanna/

Efficiency is everything and in this episode, we delve into the world of accounting productivity and automation, revealing tips, tricks, and software insights to streamline your practices. From leveraging video reviews to optimizing client communication, we uncover strategies to enhance collaboration and drive better outcomes.

Join us as we explore the transformative power of software automation and integration in revolutionizing traditional accounting methods. Discover how technology can elevate your accounting game by automating tasks and integrating diverse software solutions, freeing up valuable time for strategic decision-making. And as we peer into the future, we discuss the impact of AI and software innovations on the accounting landscape, offering insights to help you stay ahead of the curve.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, tune in to gain valuable knowledge and tools to thrive in the dynamic world of accounting and chart a course for future direction!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[00:30] Accounting tips, tricks, and software insights.

[03:15] Efficiency and automation in accounting practices.

[07:35] Leveraging video reviews and client communication.

[13:10] The power of software automation and integration.

[16:15] The future of accounting with AI and software innovations.

Connect with Kelly https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyrohrs/

Connect with Bilal https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmehanna/

Join us as we sit down with the insightful Dan Costello to delve into his unique approach to accounting services. Dan shares his journey of expanding services beyond traditional accounting, emphasizing the importance of providing comprehensive financial solutions that clients need. We explore the philosophy behind offering a wide range of services and the benefits they bring to clients and practitioners alike.

The debate on pricing and value in accounting services is never-ending but Dan offers valuable insights into how to navigate this complex terrain, stressing the importance of communicating the true value of services rendered. We also take a deep dive into the exploration of alternative revenue streams in the accounting industry, discussing innovative strategies to diversify income streams and future-proof your practice.

As we wrap up our discussion, we leave you with some final thoughts and advice to help you thrive in today's dynamic landscape. The wisdom and experience in this episode serve as a guiding light for those seeking to elevate their practice and better serve their clients!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:00] Welcome to From Zero to Millions: Accounting Edition

[1:00] This Week's Guest: Dan Costello's Unique Approach

[1:30] Expanding Services Beyond Traditional Accounting

[2:00] The Philosophy of Providing Comprehensive Financial Services

[10:05] The Debate on Pricing and Value in Accounting Services

[18:05] Exploring Alternative Revenue Streams in Accounting

[19:30] Final Thoughts and Advice for Accountants

Connect with Dan https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancostello/

Connect with Kelly https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyrohrs/

Connect with Bilal https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmehanna/

Get ready to go all in as we're joined by Roman Villard, who takes us on an inspiring journey from public accounting to entrepreneurship. Roman is the founder of Full Send Finance and he shares the strategies he employed to build the firm from scratch, as well as the pivotal moments and the challenges he faced along the way.

We will study the evolution of Full Send Finance, exploring the intricacies of establishing a new firm in the competitive finance landscape. From overcoming obstacles to crafting a unique brand and pricing strategy, Roman's experiences provide essential lessons for both aspiring and established entrepreneurs. We uncover how innovation and creativity have been key drivers in setting Full Send Finance apart in the industry.

Roman leaves us with insightful closing thoughts and a glimpse into the future of Full Send Finance. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to embark on their own entrepreneurial journey or seeking inspiration to take their business to new heights. Tune in now to gain exclusive access to Roman Villard's extraordinary story and join us as we continue to explore the dynamic world of accounting entrepreneurship!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:30] Roman's journey from public accounting to entrepreneurship.

[2:40] The entrepreneurial leap.

[3:45] Challenges and strategies in starting a new firm.

[7:30] The evolution of Full Send Finance.

[12:25] Building a unique brand and pricing strategy.

[21:00] The future and supporting the accounting community.

Connect with Roman https://linkedin.com/in/romanvillard/

Connect with Kelly https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyrohrs/

Connect with Bilal https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmehanna/

In this episode, we are joined by Jared Duckett and Will Ladd of Duckett Ladd, a dental-specific accounting firm that has made a mark serving dentists nationwide. They share their incredible journey from traditional accounting practice to reinventing themselves as niche-specific firm.

We dive into the challenges they faced, the lessons they learned, and the value of collaboration in the accounting industry. Beyond accounting, they share their experiences with staffing, the importance of processes, and the art of pricing services. If you're an accountant, entrepreneur, or anyone looking to level up their career, this episode is packed with valuable insights you don't want to miss.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[1:50] Building a firm.

[6:50] Navigating difficult times.

[12:50] Reinventing the firm.

[18:35] Selecting appropriate niches.

[24:40] Staffing challenges and processes.

[33:00] Pricing model.

Connect with Jared linkedin.com/in/jared-duckett-a87255b2

Connect with Will linkedin.com/in/william-ladd-0a4659b9

Connect with Kelly https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyrohrs/

Connect with Bilal https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmehanna/

Today we're examining the intriguing intersection between private equity and public accounting. We explore the impact that private equity may have on the landscape of accounting firms, particularly in the context of our increasingly virtual world.

As accounting firms continue to evolve, the allure of private equity investment grows stronger. We discuss the reasons behind this attraction and how it shapes the strategies and operations of accounting practices. However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. We also tackle the potential downsides of private equity involvement, shedding light on the challenges and considerations that come with such partnerships.

In addition to exploring the broader industry trends, we zoom in on the intricacies of hiring within the accounting field. Navigating the challenges of recruitment in an ever-changing landscape requires a keen understanding of market dynamics and the ability to adapt to shifting demands. We share insights and strategies for effectively building and maintaining top-tier teams.

Furthermore, we dive into the crucial aspect of valuation and the myriad opportunities it presents for accounting firms. We unpack the various valuation methodologies and offer practical advice on how firms can capitalize on their strengths to maximize their worth. Tune in now to gain a deeper understanding of the fascinating dynamics shaping the future of accounting!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:40] Exploring the impact of private equity on public accounting

[2:40] The evolution of accounting firms in a virtual world

[4:00] The attraction of private equity to the accounting industry

[8:20] The potential downsides of private equity involvement

[8:55] Navigating the challenges of hiring in the accounting industry

[13:20] Valuation and opportunities for accounting firms

Connect with Kelly https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyrohrs/

Connect with Bilal https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmehanna/

In today's episode, we delve into the evolution of account careers with industry luminary Will Lopez, former founder of a Cloud-based accounting firm. Will's journey, inspired by his entrepreneurial family, began during the Great Recession when he pioneered remote accounting using cloud apps. He has since transitioned to Gusto as Head of Accounting Community, where he revitalized partner programs, emphasizing a stand-out people-centric approach to payroll and HR.

We discuss the innovative concept of repackaging payroll services as advisory offerings and the powerful emergence of Gusto's People Advisory suite under Will's leadership. This strategic shift not only creates new revenue streams for firms but also fosters deeper client relationships grounded in value-added services.

Throughout the episode, Will's emphasis on community and continuous growth echoes our own professional ethos. His insights underscore the imperative for accountants to adapt and innovate, embracing their journey with resilience and a commitment to evolving client needs. Join us as we explore the dynamic landscape of accounting career growth with the invaluable perspectives of Will Lopez.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:00] Industry expert Will Lopez.

[2:00] Accounting career journey and growth.

[7:10] Gusto's unique approach to payroll and HR.

[11:10] Payroll processing and its evolution.

[16:10] Repackaging services as an advisory offering.

[20:15] Adding payroll services.

[24:05] People advisory services.

Connect with Will https://www.linkedin.com/in/wlopezjr/

Connect with Kelly https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyrohrs/

Connect with Bilal https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmehanna/

Get inside the mind of a successful CEO with Michael Ly, as we explore the remarkable journey of growing a public accounting firm. Michael's story of building an accounting business from scratch began with a passion for the field nurtured through familial connections and hands-on experience in small businesses. Starting as a solo accountant, he meticulously crafted a brand and website before launching Reconciled, focusing on selling the brand and service stack rather than personal skills or identity.

Central to Michael's narrative was his innovative approach which involved cold email outreach and the assembly of remote teams spanning the U.S. and Argentina. His insights into hiring salespeople for accounting firms highlighted the importance of growth and acquisition, offering inspiration and strategic guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs. He emphasizes the significance of aligning goals and values whether starting from scratch or pursuing acquisition.

Michael extends a heartfelt invitation to accounting firm owners to join him in Scottsdale, Arizona, for an informal gathering—a testament to his commitment to community and collaboration within the industry. Tune in as his journey exemplifies the transformative power of perseverance, innovation, and unwavering dedication to one's vision.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[1:10] Growing an accounting business from scratch.

[7:15] Building a national brand.

[11:25] Sales approach, pricing, and scaling.

[16:20] Bookkeeping business.

[22:25] Hiring salespeople.

[30:25] Common challenges and useful strategies.

Connect with Michael https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelly

Connect with Kelly https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyrohrs/

Connect with Bilal https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmehanna/