Meet Mike!

In this conversation, Zane interviews Mike Sylvester, a seasoned CPA and partner at SPS CPA Group.

Mike shares his unconventional journey from being a reactor operator in the Navy to becoming a successful accountant and firm leader. He discusses the importance of community, effective marketing strategies, and the challenges of having difficult conversations with clients.

Mike emphasizes the need for accountants to adapt to industry changes, particularly with the rise of AI, and offers valuable advice for aspiring accountants.

Takeaways

- Mike Sylvester has over 20 years of experience in public accounting.

- He transitioned from a military career to accounting later in life.

- Building a successful firm requires strong leadership and systems.

- Difficult conversations with clients are essential for their success.

- Networking and community involvement are crucial for accountants.

- Raising prices annually is a key strategy for firm growth.

- AI will significantly impact the accounting industry in the coming years.

- Effective marketing is about being responsive and providing value.

- Accountants should be adaptable to generational shifts in the workforce.

Sound Bites

"I met my wife in the Navy."

"You need to develop contacts."

"You have to show up."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mike Sylvester and His Journey

04:58 From Military to Accounting: A Unique Path

11:16 Transitioning Careers: The Move to Accounting

14:54 Building a Family Business: Working with a Spouse

20:01 Navigating Tough Conversations with Clients

24:59 Advice for Aspiring Accountants and Firm Owners

29:06 The Value of Honest Conversations in Communities

32:57 Creating a Collaborative Environment

36:36 Marketing Strategies for Accounting Firms

41:28 The Future of Accounting: AI and Industry Changes

44:46 Advice for Newcomers in the Accounting Field

Connect with Mike:

LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-sylvester-cpa-98b2035/

Where the magic happens - https://x.com/FortWayneCPA

Meet David!

In this conversation, Zane interviews David Barbieto, a managing partner at De La Hoz Perez, and Barbieto, who shares his journey in the accounting profession.

David discusses the importance of teamwork, personal growth, and the challenges he faced transitioning from a large firm to starting his own. He reflects on his early career, the cultural adaptations he made while studying in Miami, and how he found his passion in public accounting. The conversation also touches on the significance of embracing technology, the entrepreneurial mindset, and the impact of personal experiences on professional success.

Takeaways

- The secret to success is surrounding yourself with a great team.

- Growth is essential for everyone in an organization.

- Public accounting offers unparalleled exposure to various business models.

-Transitioning to a new firm can be daunting but rewarding.

- Building a firm requires a different mindset than just having a job.

- Embracing technology is crucial for the future of accounting.

- Personal experiences shape professional journeys significantly.

- Risk management is a key aspect of entrepreneurship.

- Success is not just about personal achievement but also about serving others.

- Celebrating small wins helps in recognizing progress.

Sound Bites

"The secret is your team."

"I wanted to do my own thing."

"You have to walk the talk."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to David Barbeito

01:08 The Importance of Team and Growth

05:43 David's Journey into Accounting

13:43 Passion Meets Profession

18:01 Transitioning to Independence

24:54 Reflections on Success and Future Goals

26:07 The Pursuit of Goals and Growth Mindset

28:37 Heritage and Sacrifices: A Family Legacy

30:55 Navigating Change: The Leap into Entrepreneurship

35:45 Building a Firm: The Entrepreneurial Journey

41:01 Technology and Client Experience in Accounting

45:24 The Value of Public Accounting: A Career Perspective

46:10 Personal Insights: Life Beyond the Office

47:56 Rapid Fire Questions: Quick Insights

Connect with David:

LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbeitocpa/

Meet Geni!

In this conversation, Geni Whitehouse shares her insights on the evolving role of accountants, emphasizing the importance of communication, understanding client needs, and adapting to cultural differences. She discusses her experiences in the wine industry and how they have shaped her approach to client interactions.

Geni highlights the need for accountants to focus on effectiveness over efficiency, the significance of training in communication skills, and the impact of technology on the profession. She also offers advice for new accountants and reflects on the future of the accounting industry.

Takeaways

- Communication is key in accounting to serve clients better.

- Understanding cultural differences can enhance client interactions.

- Lessons from the wine industry can inform better client service.

- Accountants need to focus on effectiveness, not just efficiency.

- Training in communication is essential for accountants.

- Bookkeepers play a crucial role in client success.

- Technology should be used to automate mundane tasks, freeing up time for valuable interactions.

- The future of accounting relies on adapting to client expectations and technology.

- Accountants should strive to make their clients feel smarter.

Sound Bites

"We need to automate the crappy stuff."

"We have to train them and educate them."

"Don't be afraid to ask dumb questions."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Geni Whitehouse and Her Mission

02:47 The Importance of Communication in Accounting

05:39 Cultural Differences and Client Interactions

08:40 Lessons from the Wine Industry

11:29 The Shift in Accounting Practices

14:18 The Role of Bookkeepers in Client Success

17:16 The Need for Effective Communication Skills

20:02 Training and Development in Accounting

23:04 Finding the Right People for Client Engagement

25:48 Empowering Accountants to Communicate Effectively

27:46 Rethinking People Management in Accounting

30:43 The Challenge of Attracting New Talent

32:45 Embracing Technology in Accounting

43:50 Advice for Aspiring Accountants and Personal Insights

Connect with Geni: LinkedIn personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evenanerd/