2 CPAs & The Mic

What's the real difference between branding and marketing—and why does it matter more than ever? In this episode, Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Jessica Lowe-Betts with Schnake Turnbo Frank to unpack how branding is less about logos and more about lived experience. Drawing from CCK Strategies' own brand identity journey during its transition to second generation leadership, Jessica shares...

Mikey Manghum, VP and Financial Advisor at Regent Private Wealth, joins the podcast to unpack a powerful journey shaped by sports, mentorship, and purpose. From growing up overseas, playing Division 1 basketball to building a career centered on redeeming the narrative around money, Mikey shares how mindset, discipline, and calling have guided every chapter of his life. Mikey dives deep into why mi...

In this episode, CCK Strategies talent acquisition leaders Kusumika Ganguly and Carolyn McGuire share what they're truly listening for when interviewing experienced professionals, interns, and new graduates. They break down why coachability matters, how to clearly communicate your "why," and what helps candidates stand out beyond their resumes. Kusumika and Carolyn also debunk common recruiting my...

Josh Juarez joins Jeff Frable on the mic to share how a college side hustle became one of Tulsa's favorite summer traditions. He discusses his entrepreneurial journey, building snow cone shacks across Tulsa, and fostering a workplace culture that keeps teens returning each year. The conversation explores passing the leadership baton to family, and his latest venture—a year-round community hangout...

Michael Brody-Waite shares how his journey through addiction and recovery became the foundation for building a high ‑ growth company—and why he believes he's successful because of recovery, not despite it. He breaks down three leadership principles that matter in any high ‑ pressure profession: rigorous authenticity, surrendering the outcome, and doing uncomfortable work. Whether you're leading a...

What if sustainability wasn't a cost—but a competitive advantage? On this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff Frable and Sara Mays talk with teammate Lindsey Barbour about how business sustainability goes far beyond recycling bins and feel ‑ good messaging. Using the people, profit, planet approach, Lindsey shows how small and mid-sized businesses can lower operating costs, improve employee retentio...

In this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, we sit down with Cory Hatch, Academy Director at Ark Financial, for a powerful conversation about what happens when professional success doesn't translate to peace at home. Cory shares his personal turning point, career setbacks, a 120-pound transformation, rebuilding his marriage, and how his journey has shaped his present mission. Cory introduces the idea of...

What does "assurance" really mean and why does it matter to your business? On this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Haley Legg, Director of Assurance at CCK Strategies, to decipher audits, reviews, compilations, and the growing importance of SOC examinations. Haley explains why an audit isn't always the right answer and how SOC reports have become a must‑have tr...

In this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with entrepreneur Lisa Riley for a candid, high-energy conversation about what it really takes to build and lead a business through chaos. From oil-and-gas trade floors to scaling three Pinot's Palette studios, Lisa shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, cash flow reality, outsourcing your weaknesses, customer experience, h...

Brand is far more than a logo—it's the feeling people carry with them. In this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Johnie Hampton joins our hosts and breaks down the difference between brand and marketing. He gives an inside look at his team's collaborative creative process and explains why a humble, people ‑ first culture consistently outperforms even the best strategies. We also dig into AI as a true c...

We're back—and grateful. In the season 2 kickoff of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff Frable, Sara Mays & Kristie Porter reflect on growth, vulnerability, and what it means to serve people well. You'll hear about the moments that stretched us in season 1 and the vision driving season 2: connection over complexity, conversation over jargon, and practical guidance you can use today. We preview topics like fina...

Thirty episodes later, we're closing the books on Season 1!  Join Jeff, Sara and Kristie as they celebrate the journey from "let's try this" to a full-blown podcast with loyal listeners. In this episode, we share behind-the-scenes stories, favorite moments, and a major life update that will make you smile. Plus, we reveal what's next for Season 2—fresh topics, exciting guests, and a new cadence to...

In this episode of 2 CPAs and The Mic, hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Dewan Chowdhury, Partner at CCK Strategies, for a deep dive into the world of estate planning. From defining what an estate truly is to navigating the complexities of wills, trusts, and tax strategies, Dewan breaks down the essentials with clarity and insight. Whether you're just starting your estate plan or revis...

In episode 28 of 2 CPAs & The Mic, hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays unpack the power of year-end tax planning. Learn how proactive strategy can eliminate costly surprises, improve cash flow, and turn tax season into a time for smart decision-making. From timing income and expenses to leveraging bonus depreciation and reviewing your business structure, this episode is packed with practical insights...

What happens when leadership steps away from the spotlight and focuses entirely on empowering the team behind the scenes? In this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff and Sara sit down with Belinda Jordan, Tax Division Leader at CCK Strategies, to explore her unconventional, non-client-facing leadership role. From her Big Four beginnings to leading a 60+ person tax team across geographies, Belinda sh...

In episode 26 of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff and Sara chat with seasoned realtor, Caroline Gorinsky-Huesler, who shares her inspiring journey from Switzerland to relocation expert in Tulsa. Learn how international experience, cultural empathy, and strategic networking can turn real estate into a powerful business tool. Whether you're a business owner navigating employee moves, a professional exploring...

When Hurricane Helene unleashed unprecedented flooding on Asheville, NC, the city faced total communication blackout and economic devastation. In this powerful episode, hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Marcus Kirkman, Business Inclusion Manager and retired Navy veteran, to share how Asheville responded, recovered, and rebuilt. Kirkman shares behind-the-scenes insights into the city's...

In episode 24 of 2 CPAs & The Mic, hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Curtis Olson, CCK Strategies' resident cybersecurity expert, to unpack the real-world risks facing today's businesses. From phishing and ransomware to AI-driven scams, Curtis shares eye-opening stats and practical strategies to protect your company. Learn why cybersecurity starts with leadership, how to build a cultur...

In episode 23 of 2 CPAs & The Mic, hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Ashley Plyushko, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Accountancy Board (OAB), and John Curzon, Vice Chair of the OAB and founding partner of CCK Strategies. Together, they unpack the mission and mechanics of the OAB, its national influence through NASBA, and the evolving challenges facing the accounting profession—from...

In this inspiring episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, we chat with Keira D'Amato - professional runner, entrepreneur, and mom of two - whose journey redefines athletic success. After nearly a decade away from elite running, Keira made a stunning comeback while building a real estate business and raising a family. She shares the mindset behind her return, the emotions of setting and losing a marathon reco...

In episode 21 of 2 CPAs & The Mic, we sit down with John Bundren, Director of Client Advisory Services (CAS) at CCK Strategies, to explore the evolution of accounting into a forward-thinking advisory model known as CAS 2.0. John shares how CAS has moved beyond traditional bookkeeping to become a strategic partnership that empowers business leaders to make smarter financial decisions. John breaks d...

In episode 20 of 2 CPAs & The Mic, we sit down with Jim Hicks, CFO and COO of CCK Strategies for a candid conversation packed with insights every business owner needs. From global negotiations to multimillion-dollar acquisitions, Jim's career offers lessons on the real drivers of business success. Discover when to hire a CFO, how to structure your executive team, and why knowing how your business...

In episode 19 of 2 CPAs & The Mic, we sit down with Eric Gregg, founder of ClearlyRated, to explore how professional service firms can elevate client satisfaction using the Net Promoter Score (NPS). Eric breaks down the NPS system, shares insights from CCK Strategies' own experience, and explains why feedback—especially the tough kind—is a goldmine for growth. From the emotional impact of client r...

In episode 18 of 2 CPAs & The Mic, we sit down with Blake Postelwait, CPA, CVA, to discuss business valuation and the evolving landscape for professionals in public accounting. Blake shares his career journey from audit to industry and back, highlighting the "boomerang effect" that often draws individuals back to the cadence of firm life. You will gain insights into the valuation process, includin...

What do you get when a love for sports collides with a passion for numbers? A game-changing approach to financial strategy for athletes and entertainers. In episode 17 of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff and Sara are joined by teammate and fellow CCK Partner - Caleb Caldwell. Caleb has built a thriving niche serving high-profile clients—from college athletes navigating NIL deals to seasoned pros managing mu...