CFO Chronicles: The Secrets Behind Success

What if your biggest bottleneck… was you?

In this episode, James sits down with Tom Dillon of Frak Finance, a former investment banker turned fractional CFO, to unpack the real reason most firm owners stall out- and what it takes to scale beyond the “one-man band” model.

You’ll learn:

• Why hiring before you're ready is often the smartest move
• How to remove emotion from high-stakes financial decisions
• The moment Tom knew he had t...

What if you could cut your tax bill in half—just by owning your building the right way?

In this episode, James sits down with Sean Graham of Maven Cost Segregation to unpack the most overlooked tax strategy business owners, CFOs, and firm leaders aren’t using—but should be.

You’ll learn:

• How cost segregation turns depreciation into cash flow
• Why most accountants still don’t bring it up to clients
• Who qualifies (and how much you can ...

You don’t need more clients. You need the right ones—and a system that keeps them.

That’s exactly what Marta Grumberg  built with Grumberg Accounting: a hands-free, high-retention accounting service tailored specifically for bars, restaurants, and caterers.

In this episode, Marta joins James to break down how she became the go-to financial partner for food businesses across the U.S.—and how she’s grown through referrals, retention, a...

What if the old rules for growing your firm no longer applied?

No cold calls. No in-person handshakes. No chasing local leads.
 Just brand, trust, and content that actually converts.

In this episode, James sits down with Stoy Hall, founder of Black Mammoth and host of the No BS Wealth podcast, to break down how he’s scaling a modern family office by doing things differently—and why that’s exactly what today’s market demands.

You’l...

Where is your firm bleeding cash, and what can you do about it?

In this episode, James sits down with Larry Levine of P3 Cost Analysts, who works with companies doing $20M to $500M+ to recover tens (sometimes hundreds) of thousands in unnecessary expenses—without cutting staff, renegotiating client contracts, or sacrificing service quality.
You’ll learn:

• Why CFOs and controllers often miss cost-saving opportunities hiding in ...

The most successful accounting professionals don't sell—they consult. This transformative episode with Neil Barrow reveals the crucial mindset shift that separates struggling practitioners from those who effortlessly build thriving books of business.

Drawing from nearly a decade in public accounting as a business development leader, Neil dismantles the uncomfortable "sales" stigma that plagues many financial...

Tired of Feeling Like Just Another Number Cruncher?
If you're an accountant or bookkeeper stuck in the compliance grind—undervalued, underpaid, and wondering how to position yourself as a strategic advisor—this episode is your wake-up call.

🎙️ Roger Knecht, President of Universal Accounting Center, breaks down how to transform your bookkeeping or accounting practice into a high-value, profit-driving firm. With o...

We dive deep into the world of fractional CFOs and their pivotal role in transforming financial strategies for businesses aiming to scale. Our guest, Ken LaCroix, a seasoned fractional CFO, shares his invaluable experiences and strategies for leveraging financial data, moving beyond gut-instinct decision-making, and harnessing analytical insights for growth. 

Ken illustrates the potential for fractional CFOs to bridge high...

Unlock the secrets to attracting high-paying clients without the dreaded "salesy" vibe. Explore insights with Michelle Weinstein from the Abundant Accountant, as she shares her transformative journey from finance to entrepreneurial success. We promise you'll master strategies that empower you to communicate your value effectively, freeing yourself from solely relying on referrals. Michelle's structured sales pro...

Ever wondered how a hedge fund dream turned into a thriving career in financial consultancy? Meet Stan Sukhinin, the fractional CFO advisor from Sorso in Austin, Texas, who did just that. At fifteen, Stan was already captivated by the world of finance, setting him on a path that included investment banking and a bold move to start a hedge fund in New York—only to pivot to financial consulting during the pandemic. We promise you&apo...

Unlock the secrets to thriving in the financial services industry as we bring you an engaging discussion with Luigi Rosabianca and Matthew Meehan from Shield Advisory Group. With their journey from the high stakes of Wall Street to founding a firm dedicated to supporting small and medium-sized businesses, Luigi and Matt reveal the strategies that have fueled their success. Tune in to discover how their unique partnership has enable...

When unforeseen challenges strike—like losing your laptop and being out sick for a week—your business systems are put to the ultimate test. In this episode, we explore how our tried-and-true processes kept the wheels turning during a tough time. We also share actionable strategies for delegating tasks and creating systems that empower your team to step in seamlessly. Tune in for candid insights on fine-tuning your processes, ensuri...

Unlock the secrets of financial success with our special guest, BIll Dillmeier, the mastermind behind Aperture Advisors. Journey with us as Bill shares his inspiring transformation from a traditional finance professional working with giants like Vanguard and Morgan Stanley, to a venture capitalist and private equity innovator. Discover how pivotal moments, including the 2008 financial crisis and his time with Bill Gates at Corbis, ...

Discover how Greg Powell from Fifth Ridge Ventures is revolutionizing the financial landscape for medium-sized businesses in Atlantic Canada by introducing the innovative role of fractional CFOs. Greg shares his expertise on creating a flexible, three-month rolling plan tailored to address specific client needs, ensuring that businesses can effectively manage costs while prioritizing pressing issues. This episode offers a treasure ...

In this solo episode, we’re diving into the strategies that worked wonders in 2024 to help our business—and our clients—achieve growth.
From high-intent Local Service Ads and Google Business Profile optimization to leveraging LinkedIn newsletters and starting Skool communities, this episode is packed with actionable tips to amplify your brand presence and streamline your marketing efforts.
Learn how to:

• Generate quality ...

Have you ever considered how similar financial planning is to a medical diagnosis? We unravel this intriguing comparison with Aleksey Kaplan from Kaplan CPA, who shares his unconventional journey from aspiring doctor to entrepreneurial CPA. Abandoning his medical dreams due to an unexpected aversion to needles, Aleksey found himself navigating through the tumultuous waters of real estate during the 2008 market crash. Thanks to some...

What if transforming your business into a well-oiled machine was within reach? Join us for a revealing conversation with Brett Linnenkohl of Evergreen Strategic Systems as he unveils his journey from baseball camps to becoming a fractional COO. Brett shares his secret recipe for business scalability, emphasizing the power of turning grand ideas into scalable systems. Discover how identifying invigorating tasks and documenting proce...

Unlock the secrets to marketing success with our fascinating guest, James Smith, the innovative mind behind Bright Idea Marketing. From his early days as a technology-enthused child to becoming a leader in digital marketing, James shares his inspiring journey and insights into the world of accounting. Discover how his passion for website development transformed into a thriving marketing agency, focusing on leveraging platforms like...

What if you could transform your accounting practice by simply rethinking your team structure and revenue model? Join us as we uncover the story of Garrick Foy from Lone Pine Capital, whose childhood curiosity led him to a unique pathway in the world of accounting and business. Inspired by his father's business dealings, Garrick pursued a master's in tax, equipping himself to tackle complex financial scenarios head-on. Fr...