Glenn sits down with Michael Horwitz, National Managing Partner of BDO Alliance USA, to explore the dramatic shift in accounting firm revenue streams. Over the past decade, consulting services have grown from 17% to 41% of revenue at top firms while traditional audit and tax work has declined. Michael shares insights from his 23 years working with hundreds of firm leaders about what's driving this transformation, from AI's impact on traditional services to the rise of virtual firms and why the most profitable firms are aggressively pursuing non-traditional service lines.

Learn more about Peerview Data
https://www.peerviewdata.com

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Connect with Glenn Dunlap
https://linkedin.com/in/glenn-dunlap

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• (00:00) - Welcome to Best Metrics
• (00:35) - Guest Introduction: Michael Horwitz
• (02:05) - Michael's Journey and Experience
• (03:09) - Current Trends in the Accounting Profession
• (04:10) - The Evolving Role of Accountants
• (05:26) - Educational Background and Skills for Accountants
• (08:19) - Non-Traditional Services in Accounting
• (09:41) - Revenue Trends in Accounting Firms
• (12:27) - Challenges for Smaller Accounting Firms
• (15:09) - Profitability and Growth in Accounting
• (18:30) - Private Equity and Ownership Structures
• (21:08) - Generational Differences in Accounting
• (24:34) - Financial Metrics for CPA Firms
• (26:30) - Profitability Drivers in Accounting Firms
• (30:33) - AI and the Future of Accounting
• (33:21) - The Importance of Storytelling in Data Analytics
• (40:07) - Virtual Firms and Remote Work
• (44:50) - Challenges and Opportunities in Modern Accounting
• (47:26) - Global Perspectives and Conclusion

Stephen Brown, COO of LedgerGurus, shares critical financial metrics and challenges facing modern e-commerce businesses, from understanding true contribution margins to navigating complex cash conversion cycles. He breaks down the evolving landscape of e-commerce financing, warning against predatory merchant cash advances while highlighting emerging specialized lending solutions. The conversation provides valuable insights into how e-commerce companies can maintain profitability in an increasingly competitive market, with practical guidance on managing everything from inventory cycles to sales tax compliance.

Learn more about Peerview Data
https://www.peerviewdata.com

Connect with Stephen Brown
https://ledgergurus.com/about
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stebro

Connect with Glenn Dunlap
https://linkedin.com/in/glenn-dunlap

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• (00:00) - Welcome to Best Metrics
• (00:44) - Meet Stephen Brown, COO of LedgerGurus
• (02:46) - Understanding the E-commerce Landscape
• (08:03) - Key Financial Metrics for E-commerce
• (16:34) - Navigating the Cash Conversion Cycle
• (20:38) - Impact of Global Events on E-commerce
• (23:48) - Tariffs and the Future of Manufacturing
• (28:37) - Challenges in Traditional Lending
• (38:48) - Legal and IP Protection in E-commerce
• (43:39) - Complexities in E-commerce Accounting
• (52:35) - Future of E-commerce and Retail
• (54:52) - Conclusion and Contact Information

Nikole Mackenzie, founder of Momentum Accounting, shares hard-won insights from building a successful advisory practice that transforms struggling businesses into thriving enterprises. Through real client examples, she breaks down how to move beyond traditional accounting packages to deliver meaningful business outcomes, including her approach to pricing, profitability targets, and client assessment frameworks. Nikole provides practical strategies for upskilling team members and implementing advisory services, while emphasizing the importance of focusing on business outcomes rather than selling products.

• (00:00) - Best Metrics for Financial Advisors
• (00:47) - Guest Introduction: Nikole Mackenzie
• (01:10) - Nikole's Background and Experience
• (05:17) - Defining Advisory Services
• (14:10) - Challenges and Solutions in Advisory
• (17:18) - Importance of Profitability
• (39:50) - Niche Focus in Accounting
• (48:47) - Training and Upskilling in Accounting
• (51:34) - Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Connect with Nikole Mackenzie
https://momentumaccounting.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikolemackenzie
https://linktr.ee/nikolemack

Connect with Glenn Dunlap
https://linkedin.com/in/glenn-dunlap

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Michael Alliman reveals how real estate agents navigate the complex financial landscape behind each home sale, where that familiar 6% commission is just the beginning of the story. As founder of a specialized firm serving real estate professionals, Alliman breaks down the metrics that matter most - from cost of sales and operating expenses to the often-overlooked importance of cash flow management. He shares insights on everything from the evolving nature of office spaces to why listings are more profitable than buyer representation, while offering a fascinating look at how real estate accounting differs across regions.

• (00:00) - Introduction to Best Metrics Podcast
• (01:07) - Meet Michael Alliman: Financial Expert for Real Estate Agents
• (03:11) - Understanding Financial Statements for Real Estate Agents
• (05:03) - Key Metrics and Financial Strategies
• (07:38) - Challenges and Solutions in Real Estate Finance
• (08:47) - Looking at Financial Statements
• (12:51) - Cost of Sales for Real Estate Agents
• (18:17) - Operational Expenses and Best Practices
• (25:32) - Regional Differences and Efficiency Tools
• (29:23) - Tax Savings Strategies for Real Estate Agents
• (30:50) - The Importance of Cash Flow Management
• (31:34) - Shifts in Office Work Post-COVID
• (35:29) - Trends in Real Estate Marketing
• (40:02) - Impact of Corporate Investors on Real Estate
• (47:54) - The Role of Financial Statements in Business Management
• (50:06) - Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Connect with Michael Alliman
michael@allimanbusinessgroup.com

Connect with Glenn Dunlap
https://linkedin.com/in/glenn-dunlap

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Catherine Demes Maydew joins the show again, to share her expertise on government accounting and financial management. She explains key metrics and ratios used to assess municipal financial health, discusses the unique challenges of government budgeting, and highlights the importance of citizen engagement in local finances. This episode offers valuable insights for finance professionals interested in public sector work and engaged citizens looking to better understand their local government's financial picture.

• (00:00) - Introduction and Welcome
• (00:32) - Catherine's Return and Popularity
• (01:47) - Creative Planning and New Office
• (03:03) - Services Offered by Creative Planning
• (05:54) - Government Services Overview
• (09:01) - Financial Statements and Analysis
• (16:15) - Budgeting for Government Entities
• (20:01) - Challenges and Real-Life Examples
• (24:11) - Key Financial Ratios and Metrics
• (28:45) - Budgeting and Surplus Management
• (30:06) - Revenue Sources and Allocation
• (32:45) - Financial Ratios and Metrics
• (35:15) - Deficits and Financial Health
• (39:41) - The Consequences of Poor Financial Foresight
• (43:12) - Engagements with Government Entities
• (47:13) - Encouraging Public Involvement
• (49:04) - Opportunities in Government Accounting
• (50:59) - Conclusion and Contact Information

Connect with Catherine Demes Maydew
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdemesmaydew
https://creativeplanning.com/team/catherine-demes-maydew

Connect with Glenn Dunlap
https://linkedin.com/in/glenn-dunlap

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Dive into the world of winery finances with Geni Whitehouse, a CPA with deep roots in Napa Valley's wine industry. Geni uncorks the complexities of managing a winery's books, from tracking multi-year production cycles to balancing farming costs against market fluctuations. She emphasizes the importance of understanding each winery's unique goals and shares insights on key metrics that can make or break a vintage. This episode offers a rich blend of financial wisdom and industry-specific knowledge, perfect for anyone looking to understand the business side of wine production.

• (00:00) - Best Metrics for Wineries
• (00:39) - Meet Geni Whitehouse
• (01:43) - Geni's Journey: From Tax to Technology
• (03:59) - The Wine Industry: A Unique Environment
• (06:16) - Advisory in Accounting: Beyond Compliance
• (08:11) - Understanding Winery Financials
• (09:07) - The Scope Grid: A Holistic Approach
• (17:49) - Challenges in Winery Accounting
• (29:16) - Challenges in the Wine Industry
• (31:52) - Public vs. Private Wineries
• (36:12) - Financial Metrics and Strategies
• (44:04) - Balancing Inventory and Sales
• (45:32) - Is the Wine Business Worth It?
• (52:51) - Conclusion and Contact Information

Connect with Geni Whitehouse
https://www.linkedin.com/in/evenanerd
https://geniwhitehouse.com

Connect with Glenn Dunlap
https://linkedin.com/in/glenn-dunlap

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Christeen Era, co-founder of Green Profit Academy, shares her expertise on transforming the financial health of lawn care and landscaping businesses. She dives into critical metrics like gross profit margins, equipment utilization, and seasonal cash flow management. Christeen offers practical advice on pricing strategies, managing operational costs, and preparing businesses for potential sale or transition, providing valuable insights for entrepreneurs looking to cultivate sustainable growth in the green industry.

• (00:00) - Welcome to Best Metrics
• (00:37) - Meet Christeen Era: Financial Health Expert
• (01:38) - Christeen's Journey and Expertise
• (04:03) - Understanding the Lawn Care and Landscaping Industry
• (07:13) - Defining Lawn Care and Landscaping Services
• (09:54) - Financial Challenges in the Green Industry
• (14:37) - Importance of Accurate Financial Statements
• (17:03) - Analyzing Labor, Equipment, and Material Costs
• (24:24) - Pricing Strategies and Equipment Costs
• (28:36) - Setting Business Growth Metrics
• (30:57) - Understanding Growth Challenges
• (31:46) - Case Study: Rapid Growth Pitfalls
• (33:59) - Financial Metrics for Business Health
• (37:57) - Importance of ROI in Business Decisions
• (42:52) - Managing Seasonal Business Models
• (56:11) - Market Saturation and Strategic Planning
• (59:10) - Preparing for Business Exit and Legacy
• (01:02:13) - Conclusion and Contact Information

Connect with Christeen Era
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christeen-era-profit101
https://coregrowthstrategies.com
https://greenprofitacademy.com

Buy Christeen's book! https://www.amazon.com/Profit-First-Lawn-Landscape-Businesses/dp/0578908158

Connect with Glenn Dunlap
https://linkedin.com/in/glenn-dunlap

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Dive into the complex world of restaurant finances with CPA Jabbar Daniels as he shares crucial insights on managing costs, labor, and cash flow in the food service industry. Discover the key metrics restaurant owners should monitor to ensure profitability and sustainability. This episode offers practical advice on everything from setting up accounting systems to navigating funding options, providing valuable knowledge for both new and established restaurateurs.

Learn more about Peerview Data
https://www.peerviewdata.com

Connect with Jabbar Danies, CPA
https://www.chesterdaniels.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jabbar-daniels-cpa-1b665662

Connect with Glenn Dunlap
https://linkedin.com/in/glenn-dunlap

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