Everything CPA and Private Equity with Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl

Can you grow fast, stay independent, and still put your people first?   In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, Ron Weiner shares how his firm scaled from 20 to 80+ team members while staying true to its values—no shortcuts, no compromises. From turning down private equity to implementing an ESOP, Ron walks through the real-life decisions that shaped one of the most profitable, peo...

Still think private equity is a passing trend in accounting? Think again.   In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl unpack what they’re seeing across the country as they attend top CPA conferences—and how firm leaders can make sense of it all.   In this episode, you will be able to: Understand why PE-backed firms are now dominating the CPA event lands...

What happens when a firm chooses legacy, culture, and long-term growth over flashy headlines and fast exits?   In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, David Wolfskehl sits down with Noah Beery, Head of Corporate Development at Platform Accounting, to uncover how a quiet, boutique-focused strategy led to 50+ acquisitions and lasting success.   In this episode, you will be able to: Dis...

Is Private Equity the Future of CPA Firm Growth—or Just a Risky Shortcut?   In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, Frazier & Deeter’s Jeremy Jones and Seth McDaniel join Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl to reveal how their firm went from cautious observers to confident partners with General Atlantic. It’s an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the strategy, process, and real impac...

Is Private Equity Killing Quality in Accounting? Let’s Set the Record Straight.   In this episode, join David Wolfskehl, Phil Whitman, and special guest Reyes Florez as they address one of the most talked-about concerns in the industry: Does private equity hurt quality? The answers may surprise you.   In this episode, you will be able to: •Understand why fears about post-deal quality drops may be...

Is Private Equity Really Putting CPA Firm Quality at Risk? That’s what a recent Wall Street Journal article suggests—but is it the full story?   In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, David Wolfskehl, Phil Whitman, and Dave Kells dig into the growing conversation around quality control in accounting firms backed by private equity or strategic investors. With decades of leadership ex...

Is an ESOP the right next step for your CPA firm? In this episode of Everything CPA and ESOP, David Wolfskehl is joined by Cristine O’Keefe and Tabitha Croscut to unpack what firms need to know about Employee Stock Ownership Plans—from legal structure to strategic fit. Whether you’re actively exploring succession options or just want to future-proof your firm, this conversation offers clarity and...

Do you believe luck plays a role in success? Or is it all about showing up and putting in the work?   In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, Richard Kopelman, CEO of Aprio, joins Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl to share powerful insights on mindset, leadership, and creating your own opportunities. They dive into what it really means to build a culture-first firm, why mindset drives...

Worried about how tariffs and market volatility could impact your CPA firm’s future? In this special episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, David Wolfskehl and Philip Whitman dive into how rising tariffs and stock market volatility are impacting the M&A landscape and the mindset of CPA firm leaders.   In this episode, you will be able to: •Understand how global economic news, like tar...

Are you a $1M–$5M CPA firm thinking private equity isn’t for you? Think again.   In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, David Wolfskehl and Phil Whitman dig into why smaller, profitable firms are more valuable than ever—and how geography, succession planning, and firm mindset play a bigger role than you think.   In this episode, you will be able to: •Understand why valuations for sm...

Is private equity saving the accounting industry—or slowly taking it over? On this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, hosts  David Wolfskehl  and  Philip Whitman, CPA, CEPA  dive into the hot topic with  Michael Horwitz , Executive Director of BDO Alliance USA and industry trailblazer  Stanley Goldstein .   In this episode, you’ll be able to: • Hear unfiltered insights on the pros and...

Is your EBITDA the real reason your firm isn’t reaching its full potential?   In this episode, hosts Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl dive deep into the critical role EBITDA plays in determining your company’s value and its impact on mergers and acquisitions. They explore how profitability is now at the forefront of business growth, challenging the traditional focus on firm size alone!   In this e...

Is it really possible to drastically increase your CPA firm’s value in just 18 months?   It may sound too good to be true, but with the right strategies in place, it’s absolutely achievable. In this episode, David Wolfskehl and Phil Whitman, joined by expert guest Dave Kells, dive deep into actionable steps that can help elevate your firm’s profitability and valuation in less than two years.    In...

Is Your CPA Firm Guilty of the Shoemaker’s Children Syndrome? Many CPA firms are excellent at helping clients stay financially strong but struggle to keep their own house in order. In this episode, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl dive into why internal disorganization can ruin private equity deals—and how to fix it before it’s too late.   In this episode, you will be able to: Recognize how neglec...

How Can CPA Firms Leverage Private Equity Without Losing Control?   Private equity is reshaping the CPA industry, but many firms hesitate—fearing loss of independence or the wrong financial move. So, what’s the right approach? In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl sit down with David Wurtzbacher, CEO & Founder of Ascend, and Nishaad Ruparel, P...

Is Private Equity the Future of CPA Firms? Find Out in This Episode   In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, we sit down with Lee Cohen, a CPA firm leader who made the bold leap into private equity. He shares what it’s really like post-transaction, the biggest misconceptions CPA firms have about PE, and why this model could be the key to long-term success and firm growth. From lea...

In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, David Wolfskehl sits down with David Kells, leader of the Profit Team and former COO of Citrin Cooperman, to discuss what CPA firms must do to prepare for a successful transaction. Whether you’re considering private equity or aiming to stay independent, this conversation will help you position your firm for maximum profitability and efficiency....

Thinking about taking chips off the table or positioning your CPA firm for strategic growth? In this episode of Everything, CPA and Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl break down the latest trends in M&A and private equity investments in the accounting profession.   In this episode, you will be able to: •Understand the latest private equity trends shaping the CPA industry •Learn w...

Is private equity the future of accounting—or just a passing trend? Join hosts  David Wolfskehl  and Phil Whitman as they engage in a thought-provoking conversation with  Glenn Friedman , CEO and Co-Managing Partner of  Prager Metis CPAs . In this episode, they explore how private equity is reshaping the accounting industry, driving growth, presenting challenges, and creating new opportunities for...

Is your firm truly built to thrive—or just getting by in today’s private equity-driven market? Join David Wolfskehl, Phil Whitman, and guest David Kells as they dive deep into the strategies CPA firms need to thrive in today’s private equity landscape. From profitability tips to offshoring insights, this episode is packed with actionable advice!   In this episode, you will be able to: Discover why...

Special Episode Alert: The Citrin Cooperman-Blackstone Deal Unpacked   This isn’t just any episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity—it’s a SPECIAL EDITION featuring an in-depth look at the monumental Citrin Cooperman Flip, powered by Blackstone, the largest private equity firm in the world. Join David Wolfskehl, Phil Whitman, Terry Putney, and David Kells as they explore how this groundbreakin...

New Year, New Opportunities in CPA & Private Equity!   Kick off 2025 with fresh insights from Everything CPA and Private Equity! Hosts David Wolfskehl and Phil Whitman share their predictions for the year ahead, including the rise of new players, trends in firm profitability, and strategies to prepare for private equity opportunities. Whether you’re ready to dive in or just exploring your opti...

Could your firm’s blind spots be the real dealbreaker in a PE transaction? In this episode of Everything CPA and Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl explore how these transformative changes are reshaping CPA firms. From avoiding deal-breaking missteps to unlocking wealth-building opportunities for younger partners, they share real-world insights and strategies for success.   In this e...

Is your CPA firm really ready for private equity—or just hoping for the best? In this episode, hosts Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl are joined by special guest David Kells, leader of the Profit Team and former COO of Citrin Cooperman. They tackle the big question: How can CPA firms maximize their value before exploring private equity deals?   In this episode, you will be able to: Understand how...

Are you a CPA or firm exploring private equity partnerships? Dive into the exciting world of CPA and private equity with industry experts Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl. This episode sets the stage for a series dedicated to unpacking private equity's impact on the accounting profession.    In this episode, you’ll be able to: Understand why private equity investments in CPA firms are skyrocketing...