Who's Really the BOSS?

By Marcus Dillon, Rachel DillonBusiness

Who's Really the BOSS? episodes

September 01, 2025A CPA's Guide to Adding Financial Planning
Matt Kidd joins us and shares how he transformed a traditional 1040 firm into a hybrid practice offering both tax services and wealth management after acquiring a $400K firm at age 26. He breaks down the practical steps of adding an RIA to your CPA practice, from choosing between broker-dealers and registered investment advisories to navigating compliance requirements and team buy-in. Matt also discusses his strategy of trading high-volume tax clients for higher-value financial planning relationships and why the "good enough" mentality has been crucial to his firm's evolution.
Connect with Matt Kidd
https://www.blundenkidd.com/who-we-are/matthew-s-kidd
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewkiddcpa
Introducing Collective by DBA
https://collective.cpa
https://www.linkedin.com/company/collectivebydba
Learn More About Dillon Business Advisors
https://www.dillonadvisors.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dillonbusinessadvisors
Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcast
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Download the Earmark CPE App
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(00:00) - Welcome to Who's Really the Boss
(01:39) - Matt Kidd's Background and Firm Acquisition
(03:08) - Challenges and Changes in the Firm
(04:34) - Social Director and Best Advice
(08:45) - Firm Structure and Remote Work
(10:37) - Expanding Services: Financial Planning and Wealth Management
(13:48) - Client Conversion and Relationship Building
(24:17) - Navigating Financial Advisor Relationships
(28:20) - Understanding Financial Planning Routes
(29:36) - Broker Dealers vs. RIAs
(30:38) - Turnkey Asset Management Providers (TAMPs)
(31:44) - Choosing the Right Financial Model
(42:54) - Growth and Client Retention Strategies
(46:23) - Networking and Professional Development
57 min
August 18, 2025From $400K to $3.5M: What to Delegate When
Rachel and Marcus share their journey of learning when and how to delegate responsibilities as their firm grew from $400K to over $3M in revenue. They break down specific tasks that should be delegated at different revenue milestones, from administrative work in the early days to entire service lines as the business scales. The conversation covers common delegation mistakes, the importance of building processes before handing off responsibilities, and why thinking in terms of roles rather than individual people creates better outcomes for everyone.
Introducing Collective by DBA
https://collective.cpa
https://www.linkedin.com/company/collectivebydba
Learn More About Dillon Business Advisors
https://www.dillonadvisors.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dillonbusinessadvisors
Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcast
https://earmarkcpe.com
Download the Earmark CPE App
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728
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(00:00) - Welcome to Who's Really the Boss
(02:19) - Transitioning to Empty Nesters
(04:54) - Mastermind Group Insights
(06:04) - The Art of Delegation
(08:35) - Delegation Strategies and Examples
(15:34) - Growth and Organizational Changes
(17:31) - Early Delegation Experiences
(27:27) - The Importance of Role-Based Org Charts
(29:37) - Streamlining Operations for Better Client Service
(34:43) - Shadowing and Training for Effective Delegation
(37:33) - Evolving the Interview Process
(43:56) - Onboarding Evolution and Best Practices
(48:15) - The Role of Structure and Processes in Delegation
(52:00) - Final Thoughts on Delegation and Growth
52 min
August 04, 2025Taking Vacation During Tax Season
Shawn Gubler of Kinexus CPAs shares how he transformed his approach to firm ownership by taking vacations during tax season, building meaningful partnerships, and creating systems that allow his team to thrive without him. He discusses the challenges of growing from $1-3 million in revenue, the importance of hiring people who will challenge you, and why giving more than you take has been the foundation of his success. Shawn also opens up about the value of one-on-one advisory relationships and how stepping back as an owner has actually improved client service and team development.
Connect with Shawn
https://stgcpas.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-gubler-10a92b5
Introducing Collective by DBA
https://collective.cpa
https://www.linkedin.com/company/collectivebydba
Learn More About Dillon Business Advisors
https://www.dillonadvisors.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dillonbusinessadvisors
Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcast
https://earmarkcpe.com
Download the Earmark CPE App
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app
(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Welcome
(00:57) - Shawn's Personal Background
(04:35) - Best Advice Received
(05:36) - Kinexus CPA Team and Firm Structure
(08:02) - Growth and Client Services
(22:04) - Hiring Trends and Market Shifts
(25:07) - Current Goals and Initiatives
(26:35) - Breaking Through Plateaus
(33:57) - Client Relationships and Succession Planning
(42:10) - Starting a Firm: Lessons Learned
(49:01) - The Importance of Advisory Relationships
(53:21) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
55 min
July 21, 2025From Rice and Beans to $1.7M: A Young CPA's Growth Story
Nate Goodman shares his remarkable journey from starting a church bookkeeping practice in 2019 to building a $1.7 million CPA firm by age 29. He opens up about the challenging early years that included eating rice and beans to survive, studying for the CPA exam with a newborn during COVID, and making crucial pivots that transformed his struggling practice into a thriving business.
Connect with Nate
https://goodmancpa.llc/
Introducing Collective by DBA
https://collective.cpa
https://www.linkedin.com/company/collectivebydba
Learn More About Dillon Business Advisors
https://www.dillonadvisors.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dillonbusinessadvisors
Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcast
https://earmarkcpe.com
Download the Earmark CPE App
Apple: 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
(01:04) - Nate's Personal and Professional Background
(02:03) - Starting the Firm and Early Challenges
(05:53) - Advice and Inspirations
(07:45) - Connecting with Collective by DBA
(10:21) - Firm Growth and Acquisitions
(21:58) - Hurricane Helene and Overcoming Adversity
(24:46) - Firm's Work Setup: In-Office, Remote, and Hybrid
(27:00) - Challenges and Successes in Hiring Remote Talent
(31:35) - Mentorship and Team Dynamics
(35:10) - Advice to Younger Self and Current Focus
(38:33) - Client Metrics and Performance Bonuses
(41:34) - Sales Team Structure and Compensation
(43:29) - Client Focus and Work-Life Balance
(47:54) - Building a Peer Network and Community
(51:33) - Final Thoughts and Contact Information
54 min
July 07, 2025Two Years, Two Offices, and 177 Clients Later: How Two Partners Left to Build Their Dream Firm
After spending 20 and 30 years respectively at their previous firm, Anna and Gwen made the leap to start Hodges and Hergenrader in October 2023, and the results speak for themselves. In just 18 months, they've built a thriving practice with 177 new clients, $1.7M in revenue, and a team that doesn't work overtime during tax season. They join Rachel and Marcus to share the real story behind their dining room table planning sessions, why they chose to open two offices from the start, and how focusing on monthly services instead of just tax returns transformed their approach to client relationships.
Connect with Anna and Gwen
https://www.handhadvisors.com/

Introducing Collective by DBA
https://collective.cpa
https://www.linkedin.com/company/collectivebydba
Learn More About Dillon Business Advisors
https://www.dillonadvisors.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dillonbusinessadvisors
Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcast
https://earmarkcpe.com
Download the Earmark CPE App
Apple: 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
(01:50) - Personal Backgrounds of Gwen and Anna
(05:13) - Best Advice Ever Received
(07:55) - Starting a New Firm: Challenges and Successes
(08:39) - Firm Operations and Client Services
(15:57) - Team Building and Hiring Practices
(21:00) - Early Days and Setting Up the Firm
(29:04) - Securing Office Space in Raleigh and Wilmington
(31:53) - Balancing Work and Personal Life
(34:19) - Reflecting on Business Challenges
(36:21) - Learning from Experience
(45:31) - Future Goals and Initiatives
(48:44) - The Value of Community Support
(52:57) - Final Thoughts and Gratitude
58 min
June 23, 2025Mid-Year Check-In: Goals, Growth, and Getting Away
Rachel and Marcus dive into planning their upcoming Mexico retreat for all 26 Dillon Business Advisors team members and spouses. After surveying their team using Patrick Lencioni's Five Dysfunctions framework, they discovered areas for improvement in conflict resolution and peer accountability that will shape their four-day agenda. The conversation covers everything from budget-friendly international retreats to turning team weaknesses into connection opportunities.
Introducing Collective by DBA
https://collective.cpa
https://www.linkedin.com/company/collectivebydba
Learn More About Dillon Business Advisors
https://www.dillonadvisors.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dillonbusinessadvisors
Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcast
https://earmarkcpe.com
Download the Earmark CPE App
Apple: 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
(05:15) - Summer Plans and Team Retreats
(06:22) - Planning the Mexico Retreat
(09:03) - Team Building and Improvement Initiatives
(16:05) - Five Dysfunctions of a Team
(25:06) - Planning the Retreat Agenda
(26:32) - Team Transparency and Goals
(28:43) - Mid-Year Check-In
(33:29) - Turning Conflict into Connections
(38:26) - Cell Phone Security
(40:11) - Client Categorization
(44:43) - Permission for Peer Accountability
(46:47) - Team Building Activities
(49:22) - Final Thoughts and Logistics
51 min
June 09, 2025The Real Story Behind Accounting Firm Valuations
The traditional 1X revenue multiple for accounting firms is becoming a relic of the past, with some firms now commanding 4-6X EBITDA valuations. This episode explores the difference between selling a client block versus a true business, the rise of private equity platforms, and what really drives firm valuations in today's market. From acquihires to equity rolls, Marcus and Rachel break down deal structures, share real examples, and discuss what sellers need to watch out for in purchase agreements.
Introducing Collective by DBA
https://collective.cpa
https://www.linkedin.com/company/collectivebydba
Learn More About Dillon Business Advisors
https://www.dillonadvisors.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dillonbusinessadvisors
Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcast
https://earmarkcpe.com
Download the Earmark CPE App
Apple: 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) - Reflecting on Milestones and Emotions
(01:57) - Transition to Empty Nesters
(02:07) - Celebrating Life's Seasons and Looking Ahead
(03:14) - Discussion on Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)
(06:23) - Valuation and Growth Strategies
(08:14) - Challenges and Opportunities in Acquisitions
(09:38) - Owner's Role Post-Acquisition
(21:03) - Employment Contracts and Budget Considerations
(23:59) - Building Sustainable Businesses
(26:03) - Understanding Firm Valuation and Cash Components
(28:05) - Equity Roll and Future Growth Potential
(31:05) - Private Equity and Strategic Buyers
(34:02) - Marketing and Sales Considerations for Selling
(35:37) - Navigating Deal Terms and Guarantees
(36:57) - Organic Growth and EBITDA Challenges
(39:08) - Acquisition Strategies and Personal Experiences
(43:09) - Building Relationships and Learning from Others
(48:10) - Final Thoughts and Encouragement
52 min
May 26, 2025From RECHARGE to Reality: Accounting Firm Growth Strategies
Rachel and Marcus recap their recent RECHARGE conference, an in-person event for accounting firm owners that fostered deep discussions on KPIs, firm valuations, and incentivizing team performance. They highlight key takeaways including how current M&A deals are structured, the importance of optimizing Google Business Profiles, and practical automation tools that attendees implemented within days. The hosts emphasize the value of prioritizing one or two meaningful improvements rather than attempting everything at once, reflecting on how the collective wisdom of the community continues to shape growth for everyone involved.
Introducing Collective by DBA
https://collective.cpa
https://www.linkedin.com/company/collectivebydba
Learn More About Dillon Business Advisors
https://www.dillonadvisors.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dillonbusinessadvisors
Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcast
https://earmarkcpe.com
Download the Earmark CPE App
Apple: 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
(01:04) - Recap of Recent Events and Busy Schedules
(02:40) - The Impact of Recharge Conference
(05:14) - Day 1 Highlights: Welcome Reception
(08:38) - Day 2 Highlights: Breakfast and Morning Sessions
(16:55) - Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Session
(23:04) - Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Insights
(29:30) - Understanding Business Valuation
(30:56) - Automation AI, and IT
(42:13) - Marketing Strategies and Google Business Profiles
(49:12) - Team Incentives and Performance
(52:27) - Recruiting and Hiring Best Practices
(55:15) - Final Recap and Future Plans
1 hr
May 12, 2025The Mid-Tax Season Acquisition: Lessons from the First 70 Days
Rachel and Marcus are joined by Amy McCarty to discuss DBA's recent acquisition of a St. Louis-based accounting firm on January 31st - right in the middle of tax season. They explore the challenges of integrating different technology systems, managing team expectations, and maintaining client relationships during this critical period. Despite the timing challenges, the team shares how they've already recouped their down payment in revenue and gained valuable insights about client service, team integration, and technology transitions that will shape their future growth strategies.
Introducing Collective by DBA
https://collective.cpa
https://www.linkedin.com/company/collectivebydba
Learn More About Dillon Business Advisors
https://www.dillonadvisors.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dillonbusinessadvisors
Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcast
https://earmarkcpe.com
Download the Earmark CPE App
Apple: 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) - Amy's Background and Role at DBA
(05:02) - Insights and Advice from Amy
(07:45) - Acquisition Update: Overview and Initial Steps
(09:28) - Acquisition Details and Integration Challenges
(13:51) - Why We Did This During Tax Season
(23:54) - Technology Transition and Future Plans
(30:37) - Client Communication and Software Integration
(33:14) - Team Member Updates and Roles
(34:37) - Challenges and Reflections
(40:44) - Client Feedback and Retention
(43:53) - Biggest Challenges and Wins
(51:48) - Aligning with Company Values
(55:06) - Final Thoughts and Future Plans
1 hr 1 min
April 28, 2025Mastering Improvement Season
Rachel and Marcus discuss the critical period between April 15th and August 15th, which they call "improvement season" for accounting firms. They outline a structured approach to maximizing this time, starting with intentional rest and recovery, collecting team feedback while experiences are fresh, refocusing on core values, and refining processes and client relationships. They emphasize making hard decisions early during this period to test changes during extension season and set the firm up for greater success in the following year.

Get Our Free Improvement Season Resource Guide
https://collective.cpa/improvement-season-download
Introducing Collective by DBA
https://collective.cpa
https://www.linkedin.com/company/collectivebydba
Learn More About Dillon Business Advisors
https://www.dillonadvisors.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dillonbusinessadvisors
Sign up to get free CPE for listening to this podcast
https://earmarkcpe.com
Download the Earmark CPE App
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app
(00:28) - Welcome and Family Updates
(06:07) - Dylan Business Advisors: Improvement Season
(10:49) - Rest and Recharge After Tax Season
(20:13) - Collecting Feedback and Celebrating Team
(25:42) - Team Incentives and Remote Work Challenges
(28:18) - Transforming Team Structure and Celebrations
(30:55) - Planning Retreats and Celebrations Mindfully
(33:58) - Importance of Improvement Season
(38:51) - Making Hard Decisions for Team and Client Management
(46:36) - Refining Processes and Team Structure
(50:53) - Improvement Season Guide and Final Thoughts
53 min

About Who's Really the BOSS?

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"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…