Heath Alloway, growth partner at Sorren, returns to The Unique CPA on Episode 248 for a dynamic conversation with Randy about the evolving landscape of accounting firms and the power of intentional culture. Heath shares the story behind Soren's formation, a merger of thirteen firms driven by a vision for people-first leadership and meaningful growth. Although heavily focused on business development in his own role, Heath's focus here is on how advisory, leadership retreats, and an "attitude of gratitude" can sustainably transform both firms and individuals. Reflecting on the profession's capacity to give back more than you put into it, Heath and Randy mull over the challenges of integrating distinct cultures as well as the importance of vulnerability and connection, with their unifying trait being a genuine passion for helping others thrive in accounting and beyond.

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Shawn Minard and Jeremy Jones join Randy Crabtree to pull back the curtain on Frazier & Deeter's approach to growth, culture, and leadership on Episode 247 of The Unique CPA. As the firm expands through private equity and acquisitions, the conversation moves beyond numbers to the real work of integrating people and ideas. Shawn describes how "stay interviews" and a flexible, opt-in leadership program have become cornerstones of their people-first philosophy, while Jeremy discusses the challenges of maintaining high standards, embracing flexible work, and prioritizing entrepreneurial thinking. Together, they weigh the value of emotional intelligence against technical skills, and consider how a flat leadership model can thrive in a 700-person firm. The result is a candid look at how culture and adaptability shape the future of accounting.

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Mark Koziel's first year as AICPA President and CEO has been anything but quiet. He tells Randy Crabtree on Episode 246 of The Unique CPA that nine days into his tenure, Ohio became the first state to roll back the 150-hour requirement, setting off a chain reaction across the profession. Then came the "Big Beautiful Bill" with provisions that could have devastated pass-through entities, followed by Florida's deregulation attempt, IRS commissioner turnover, and a 43-day government shutdown. Through it all, Koziel maintains an infectious optimism about accounting's future. He pushes back against the narrative that AI will replace accountants, pointing to decades of similar fears about calculators, spreadsheets, and blockchain. The real challenge? Telling a better story about a profession that touches every corner of the economy. From his perspective on value-based pricing to his vision for the Rise 2040 initiative, Koziel makes the case that accountants remain the trusted guardians of financial information, and that this legacy is worth protecting.

Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com