Rob Brown sits down with Tailor Hartman, founder of Celerity, to unpack his journey from burnout and rigid corporate structures to becoming one of the most authentic voices in accounting. Tailor shares how he built a thriving CAS firm, why vulnerability online works, and what accountants must do to stay relevant in an AI-driven world.

Tailor opens up about his leap from BDO and private accounting to starting Celerity, where he earned $200K in his first year working just 20 hours a week. He discusses why authenticity beats polished, AI-written posts, and how loneliness and mental health challenges shaped his early founder journey. Community connections became his lifeline and referral pipeline.

Key topics covered:

• The power of niches: specializing in QuickBooks Online and NetSuite for sustainable growth
• Why accountants must post online even when engagement feels low
• How AI is making soft skills and personal brand the number one differentiator
• Practical advice for leaving your job to start a firm on your own terms

This episode offers powerful insights for accountants, creators, and firm owners who want to grow their influence and build a business while staying true to themselves.

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This is an ongoing podcast series spotlighting the innovators, firm leaders, and rising stars shaping the future of accounting with practical insights and proven strategies.

Leaders of the Ledger is produced and owned by CPA Practice Advisor. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps, and more at https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/podcasts/.

In this episode of Leaders of the Ledger, host Rob Brown sits down with Tim Petrey, CEO of HD Davis CPAs and one of the founding partners at Ascend, a private equity–backed platform transforming regional accounting firms across the U.S.

Tim’s journey from answering phones at a small firm to leading an $8 million practice is nothing short of inspiring. He opens up about mentorship, overcoming complacency in the industry, and how accountants can find purpose, fulfillment, and impact in their careers.

What You’ll Hear:

• How Tim went from receptionist to managing partner at 25
• The power of mentorship and why it changed everything for him
• Why accounting needs a brand makeover
• How AI, technology, and generational shifts are reshaping the CPA world
• What “influence” really means in the accounting space
• Tim’s advice for young accountants and firm leaders: “Embrace the change and keep an open mind.”

Leaders of the Ledger spotlights innovators, firm leaders, and rising stars shaping accounting's future with practical insights and proven strategies. The podcast is produced and owned by CPA Practice Advisor. Learn more about episodes and recaps at https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/podcasts/.

Follow CPA Practice Advisor on Social:
Twitter: https://x.com/cpapracadvisor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cpapracticeadvisor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3927201/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CPAPracticeAdvisor

Lexi Weber, Senior Manager of Emerging Professionals Initiatives at AICPA and CIMA, joins Rob Brown for a powerful conversation about the future of the accounting profession. As one of the profession's rising voices and influencers, Lexi brings a unique perspective on what's working, what's broken, and what needs to change as accounting undergoes its biggest transformation in decades.

Growing up in an accounting family, Lexi's path into the profession was shaped by mentors, early classroom experiences, and a deep passion for leadership development. Now working at the heart of the AICPA's emerging professional initiatives, she's helping to bridge the gap between what firms need and what the next generation of talent actually wants—flexibility, leadership opportunities, meaningful work, and a more human profession.

In this episode, Lexi and Rob explore:

• Why the pipeline problem starts in high school—and what firms can do about it
• How AI is removing busywork while increasing demand for strategic, trusted advisors
• The AICPA's Rise 2040 project and the major trends shaping accounting's next 15 years
• Private equity's growing influence on firm ownership, leadership, and culture
• The urgent need for succession planning as Baby Boomers retire
• How authenticity and personal branding can attract talent and humanize the profession

Whether you're a firm leader, HR professional, young accountant, or student exploring the profession, this episode offers a roadmap for navigating change and building a stronger, more sustainable future for accounting.

Leaders of the Ledger is produced and owned by CPA Practice Advisor. You can learn more about the podcast, episode recaps, and more at https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/podcasts/.

Follow CPA Practice Advisor on Social:

Twitter: https://x.com/cpapracadvisor

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3927201/

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

Leaders of the Ledger is an ongoing podcast series spotlighting the innovators, firm leaders, and rising stars shaping the future of accounting with practical insights and proven strategies.