In this episode, Brannon sits down with Ryan Pulice CPA, a (financial planner/accounting firm owner) to explore his unique journey of finding his niche, working with small businessbusiness owners, and real estate investors. Ryan’s venture into accounting was almost accidental. After starting his college journey in computer science he found that it was not the path for him. At his father’s suggestion, he started down the accounting route and–learning that it is the language of business–discovered a passion.

Ryan consequently started his own accounting business and expanded by acquiring another CPA firm in 2019. He has since grown his firm by combining a love for real estate investment with a desire to provide the best services to clients. He offers insights on the benefits of owning your real estate and why aligning personal interests with your practice can enhance client relationships.

Ryan and Brannon also discuss the critical need to bring new CPAs into the profession, strategies for creating a more accessible career path, and how technology—like AI—is reshaping the industry.

If you are struggling to find your niche, looking for ways to marry your passion with your business, or advice on growing your business, this is an episode you don’t want to miss! Tune in for book recommendations, a funny tax-return-turned-love story, and Ryan’s thoughts on how mindset influences success in business and life.

Timestamps:

3:10 - How Ryan became a CPA

5:05 - The need for more accountants to enter the profession and the importance of making the profession more accessible

8:43 - The opportunities AI presents to the accounting industry

13:20 - How a tax return question ended in a marriage

15:42 - The real estate tax niche

17:54 - Book recommendations

• The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money & Power by Daniel Yergin
• Evolve Your Brain: The Science of Changing Your Mind by Sean Runnette, Joe Dispenza, et al.

20:40 - Closing up–how to get in touch with Ryan

Link to Ryan’s podcast, The CPA Zone: https://open.spotify.com/show/4jEOSgMImKdRp7wLWg5YOX

The Pulice Group: https://www.thepulicegroup.com/

Reaching 100 episodes is no small feat, and The Accountant's Flight Plan Podcast has officially hit that milestone! To mark the occasion, Ian Brennan (Creative Director at Poe Group Advisors) takes on the role of guest host to turn the microphone on Brannon Poe, CPA, the mastermind behind the podcast.

This 100th episode isn’t just a celebration; it’s a heartfelt reflection on the mission and purpose that have driven Brannon to serve the accounting industry for over 20 years. Whether you’re a long-time listener or tuning in for the first time, this episode is a testament to the power of guidance, growth, and the pursuit of building a practice you truly love.

In this special episode, Brannon reflects on his journey of serving the accounting industry and helping CPAs build firms they love. He shares the story of how he began selling accounting firms, a pivotal career shift that laid the foundation for everything that followed. Over two decades later, Brannon has gained incredible insights from his work in mergers, acquisitions, and firm development, all of which he discusses with Ian.

Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at the inspiration behind Accounting Practice Academy [https://poegroupadvisors.com/accounting-practice-academy/ ], a program designed to guide accountants toward firm growth and success. Brannon and Ian also delve into the growing interest of private equity in the accounting profession and its implications for CPA firm owners.

The episode uncovers the origin story of The Accountant's Flight Plan Podcast, exploring how Brannon turned his vision into a platform that delivers actionable insights to CPAs worldwide. He shares the lessons he’s learned about growing a business, likening it to “a series of letting go,” and offers thoughtful advice to the accounting profession about navigating change and seizing opportunities.

To wrap things up, Ian fires off rapid-fire questions, prompting Brannon to share his favorite books, including The Five Dysfunctions of a Team [https://a.co/d/9Runb7T ] and Walter Isaacson’s inspiring biographies [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Walter-Isaacson/author/B000APFLB8?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true# ].

Thank you for being part of this journey—here’s to the next 100 episodes and beyond!

Time stamps:

0:55 - How Brannon started selling accounting firms

9:22 - What Brannon has learned from his time in the mergers and acquisitions business

21:09 - The inspiration for Accounting Practice Academy

26:08 - The reasons behind private equity’s interest in the accounting profession

33:47 - The origin story of the Accountant Flight Plan podcast

40:31 - Growing a business and letting go

45:08 - Advice to the accounting profession

47:10 - Rapid-fire questions and wrap-up

What role can accountants play as partners for small business owners, and how can they navigate the challenges of scaling a firm? In this episode of The Accountant’s Flight Plan Podcast, Brannon explores these questions with Cory Gayman, a CPA and entrepreneur whose firm JCG CPA Firm specializes in empowering small business owners to succeed. As a firm owner who started small, Cory shares his journey and insights on building a client-focused practice, overcoming hiring challenges, and balancing service quality with sustainable growth.

As an advocate for proactive accounting, Cory discusses why accountants are uniquely positioned to help business owners understand the "language of business." He reveals common mistakes entrepreneurs make—like overlooking accounting basics and cash flow—and explains how accountants can help clients clarify their business goals. Cory points out that understanding cash flow isn’t just an accounting function; it’s essential for owners who want to grow beyond just "creating a job" for themselves and truly scale their business.

Cory also dives into the future of accounting, from embracing tech advances like online portals and automated updates to adapting to a changing labor market where remote work and outsourcing have become the norm. Building relationships with bookkeepers and leveraging outsourcing opportunities have helped Cory's firm thrive in a time of rapid change. For those looking to become more strategic business advisors, Cory’s story offers valuable lessons in adapting to technology and maintaining client-focused growth.

Curious about what it takes to scale your own accounting firm, work effectively with small business clients, or strengthen client relationships? Tune in for practical advice on the keys to a successful accounting practice, along with Cory’s recommended reads for inspiration. You can listen to the podcast on the player below or watch the latest episode here!

If this conversation inspires you to learn how your firm would fare in the marketplace, please download our CPA VALUATION KEY FACTORS REPORT.

Time Stamps:

00:18 - Introduction of Cory Gayman and his passion for small business ownership and helping entrepreneurs achieve their goals

3:42 - Facing and overcoming the challenges of scaling a business

7:57 - The most common mistakes small business owners make

11:33 - The importance of understanding how cashflow works in your business

14:20 - Being proactive and goal-oriented in your business

20:40 - Finding staff and attracting talent to the firm

22:36 - Book recommendation and closing thoughts