As a small business owner, you wear a lot of hats and it’s easy to feel like the pressure never stops.

Randy Crabtree, Co-Founder of Tri-Merit Specialty Tax Professionals, shares lessons that push you to rethink how you run your finances. He talks about passion, problem solving, and building systems that help you get better cash flow, and long‑term stability for your business. You’ll hear how he reshaped his career and his thinking helps business owners improve tax planning and adapt to the future of accounting. He goes straight into billable hours, pricing, advisory work, AI, offshoring, burnout, and what small business owners should expect from great financial partners. Tune in now and hear insights that shift the way you think about your financial future. ▶️People You Should Know: Randy Crabtree.

Episode resources:

● Website: https://anderscpa.com/

● If you have questions or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at mcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.com

● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:

https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/

Quotes

• Randy Crabtree: "If we free ourselves from compliance work, don’t fill that space with more of the same. That’s where advisory comes in, helping clients get to outcomes they didn’t even know were possible."
• Tom Wadelton: "Supporting nonprofits by handling their accounting and guiding new treasurers has been a great way to contribute."
• Adam Hale: "A lot of people starting their own practices deal with imposter syndrome. Supporting them and helping them build confidence has been rewarding.”

Randy Crabtree is the Co-Founder and Partner at Tri-Merit Specialty Tax, where he helps accounting firms maximize value through R&D tax credits, cost segregation, and energy incentives like 179D and 45L. As host of The Unique CPA podcast and founder of the Bridging the Gap conference, Randy is a leading voice in redefining how CPAs deliver impact beyond compliance. Recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting, he brings deep insight and energy to every conversation. His passion for supporting firms and spotlighting innovation has made him a trusted figure in the profession.

Website: https://tri-merit.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/TriMerit

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-crabtree-cpa-1945a67/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/tri-merit-llc/

The Modern CPA Success Show is the go-to podcast for accounting firm owners eager to enhance profitability and master Virtual CFO services. This podcast leverages combined expertise in delivering top-tier Virtual CFO services across North America.

Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458888

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anders-cpa/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anderscpa/

YouTube:

Being the boss doesn’t automatically make you a business owner. Running a business requires you to think differently, act strategically, and lead with clarity.

Chris Papin, CPA, Attorney & Business Advisor at Papin Speaks, talks about what it really means to behave like a business owner. From facing hard truths about failed marketing to balancing emotional attachment with accountability, Chris shares how small business owners can shift their mindset and take ownership at a higher level. He breaks down how to build processes, set priorities, make tough calls, and communicate with more intention. This is a must-listen for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the day-to-day and ready to get back in control. Tune in to the full episode here: ▶️ "Chris Papin and how to "Behave Like a Business Owner"

Episode resources:

● Website: https://anderscpa.com/

● If you have questions or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at mcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.com

● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:

https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/

Quotes

• Chris Papin: "Many owners default to what feels easy or fun, but behaving like a business owner means facing hard truths and making disciplined decisions."
• Tom Wadelton: "The phrase 'financially speaking' helps ground tough conversations in facts. When clients resist hard decisions, math makes the reasoning clear and harder to dispute."
• Adam Hale: "Managing difficult conversations is something people only learn after doing it poorly. Avoiding direct conversations always comes back later."

Chris Papin is a licensed Attorney and Certified Public Accountant based in Oklahoma, specializing in advising closely held businesses and their owners. With a dual focus on legal structure and financial health, he guides entrepreneurs through startup formation, business development, and strategic tax planning. Chris brings a unique perspective to client advisory by helping business owners think and act like true operators, not just service providers. As a trusted advisor, Chris empowers business owners to behave like CEOs and lead with clarity.

Website: https://www.papinspeaks.com/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispapin/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/papin-speaks/

The Modern CPA Success Show is the go-to podcast for accounting firm owners eager to enhance profitability and master Virtual CFO services. This podcast leverages combined expertise in delivering top-tier Virtual CFO services across North America.

Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458888

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anders-cpa/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anderscpa/

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

Tom Wadelton is a Virtual CFO at Anders, bringing over 20 years of financial expertise from his tenure at a Fortune 500 company. He has exten

Bringing in the right people can transform your CPA firm. Hiring is a strategic move that drives your growth. If you're looking to make smarter hiring decisions, this episode is for you.

Will Spengler, founder of Frederick Fox, shares how his team finds strong controller and finance candidates in markets like Dallas, and what firms should do to stay competitive. You’ll get insights into how recruiting agencies work, what mistakes firms make when hiring, why public accounting backgrounds are still in high demand, and how remote work and compensation expectations are shifting the talent game. Tune in NOW! ▶️ Recruiting for CPA Firms with Will Spengler

Episode resources:

● Website: https://anderscpa.com/

● If you have questions or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at mcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.com

● Check out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course:

https://anderscpa.com/virtual-cfo-services/vcfo-playbook/

Quotes

• Will Spengler: "Small CPA firms must weigh the opportunity cost of time when positions remain unfilled. The potential growth, efficiency, and profitability lost often outweigh recruiter fees."
• Tom Wadelton: "Remote work is now a differentiator. Firms that remain flexible and open to remote arrangements have access to a wider pool of talent."
• Adam Hale: "In recruiting for CPA firms, candidates with public accounting experience, particularly in audit, are often preferred since that background provides exposure to diverse industries and scenarios."

Will Spengler is a passionate leader in agency recruiting and the driving force behind Frederick Fox, a top-tier executive search community. As an innovator and entrepreneur, Will specializes in contractor solutions, direct hires, and retained executive search—delivering unmatched recruiting results for CPA firms and beyond. With a team of 45+ seasoned recruiters and over 610 active clients, he brings scale, speed, and strategy to every search.

Website: https://frederickfox.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/FrederickFoxGroup/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-spengler-2193433a/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/frederick-fox/

The Modern CPA Success Show is the go-to podcast for accounting firm owners eager to enhance profitability and master Virtual CFO services. This podcast leverages combined expertise in delivering top-tier Virtual CFO services across North America.

Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458888

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anders-cpa/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anderscpa/

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

Tom Wadelton is a Virtual CFO at Anders, bringing over 20 years of financial expertise from his tenure at a Fortune 500 company. He has extensive experience spa