ProfitCON 2025: What Was Hidden in Plain Sight

Show Summary: In this special episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice Podcast, hosts Ron Saharyan, Liz Szporn, and Mike Michalowicz take listeners behind the scenes of ProfitCON 2025, the exclusive annual gathering for Profit First Professionals. They explore this year's theme, "In Plain Sight," uncovering how profit, purpose, and potential are often right in front of us. The team shares highlights from standout speakers, powerful sessions, and moments that inspired connection and growth within the community. Listeners will hear practical insights on pricing, efficiency, and mindset shifts that members can apply immediately—plus inspiring success stories from firms that have transformed through Profit First. The hosts also share what's next for the community and how to keep the momentum going beyond the event.   Website:https://profitfirstprofessionals.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ProfitFirstProfessionals/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/proud_to_be_profitable/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/profit-first-professionals/ TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@profitfirstpros YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@ProfitFirstProfessionalsInc.   Corporate Partner:Bill.com - https://www.bill.com/grow Profit First App Version 2.0 is here!  More Education. More Functionality. More Profit!

Show Summary: In this episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice Podcast, Mark Perlberg, founder of Prosperl CPA, joins the show to discuss how accounting professionals can elevate their services through proactive tax planning. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Mark specializes in advanced tax-reduction strategies for high-income real estate investors and entrepreneurs across the U.S. He shares his insights on what it takes to build a team capable of delivering high-value tax planning rather than simply filing returns, emphasizing structure, communication, and the right mindset for firm growth. Mark dives into several key tax strategies that accountants can use to better serve their clients, including the importance of capturing "use it or lose it" deductions before they expire, creative approaches for high-earning W-2 clients, and how to leverage solar tax incentives to help clients save while investing in renewable energy. His perspective challenges traditional thinking and offers practical ways to identify opportunities that often go unnoticed in standard compliance work. Throughout the conversation, Mark highlights the power of overcommunication — ensuring clients understand their tax strategy, timelines, and next steps. By leading with transparency and education, he demonstrates how firms can build stronger relationships and deliver measurable results. This episode is packed with actionable insights for accountants ready to move from reactive tax filing to strategic tax planning that creates lasting client impact.   Website:https://www.prosperlcpa.com YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@markperlbergcpa   Corporate Partner:Bill.com - https://www.bill.com/grow Profit First App Version 2.0 is here!  More Education. More Functionality. More Profit!

Show Summary: In this episode of Grow My Accounting Practice, we're joined by Laura A. Shepherd, founder of Momentum BK, My Top Bookkeeper LLC, and MTB Management LLC. Laura shares how the Momentum BK Business Model empowers accounting professionals and business owners alike through its dual-purpose design—streamlining firm operations while enhancing client outcomes. Listeners will discover how the model guides firms from startup to scalable, turning standard operating procedures into strategic assets that drive growth and consistency. Laura also unpacks the Momentum BK Client Service Method, a revenue- and profit-focused framework that creates confidence, capacity, and control for both practitioners and clients. Tune in to learn how to transform your firm's systems and elevate your client service with a model built for sustainable success.   Website:www.momentumbk.com   Corporate Partner:Bill.com - https://www.bill.com/grow Profit First App Version 2.0 is here!  More Education. More Functionality. More Profit!

Show Summary: In this inspiring episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice podcast, Mike Michalowicz and Ron Saharyan sit down with Rachel Bernier-Green, founder and CEO of the Economic Justice Consortium (EJC), to explore how financial professionals can lead — and thrive in — the social impact revolution. Rachel shares how the booming $715B ESG investment market and the B-Corp movement are creating unprecedented opportunities for accountants, bookkeepers, and advisors who want to align profit with purpose. She reveals how EJC's equity-centered consulting model not only delivers measurable impact but also commands premium pricing and builds deep trust with clients. Listeners will hear real-world stories of purpose-driven businesses that have achieved both profitability and impact with EJC's guidance, and learn how values-aligned service providers gain a competitive advantage through stronger relationships and referral networks. Rachel also introduces B.R.I.D.G.E., EJC's innovative membership program that scales social impact while generating recurring revenue — proving that sustainability and growth can go hand in hand. 🎧 Bonus insight: Rachel shares how working with mission-driven clients has transformed her own sense of personal fulfillment and purpose as a financial professional.   Website:http://www.ejconsortium.com/   Corporate Partner:Bill.com - https://www.bill.com/grow Profit First App Version 2.0 is here!  More Education. More Functionality. More Profit!

Show Summary: In this episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice podcast, we welcome Marcel Wasserman—strategic business coach, licensed financial planner, and founder of LanternWay. Marcel shares how his greatest reward comes from seeing clients flourish and prosper from the work they do together. With over a decade of experience in financial planning, Marcel has built a business that not only supports his clients' growth but also provides him with a fulfilling lifestyle—one filled with freedom, purpose, and the joy of helping business owners thrive. Tune in to hear his insights on creating a business you truly love, while guiding others toward prosperity. Website:https://lanternway.com/summit TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marcelwasserman   Corporate Partner:Bill.com - https://www.bill.com/grow Profit First App Version 2.0 is here!  More Education. More Functionality. More Profit!

Show Summary: In this episode, Erika Jones explains how accounting professionals and business owners can identify profit leaks, adjust their pricing and cash flow strategies, and implement a CFO-backed system that makes profitability predictable rather than accidental. She also shares how she combines the Profit First framework with her proprietary Profit Seen™ system to help clients move from guesswork to financial clarity and sustainable growth.   Website:https://sheknowsprofits.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-jones-cfo-profit-first-professional/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SheKnowsProfits   Corporate Partner:Bill.com - https://www.bill.com/grow Profit First App Version 2.0 is here!  More Education. More Functionality. More Profit!

Show Summary: In this episode, we explore the future of accounting in the age of AI and what firms need to do to stay ahead. From the growing risk of transactional work becoming undervalued to the reality that software providers like Intuit and Xero won't be protecting accountants, the conversation gets straight to the point: AI won't replace accountants—but accountants who use AI will replace those who don't. We dive into why effective staff training and leadership are critical, and how firms can unlock big advantages by building their own micro tools and AI agents. Whether you're concerned about disruption or excited about innovation, this episode offers a clear roadmap for embracing AI and future-proofing your practice. LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/petermccarroll/   Corporate Partner:Bill.com - https://www.bill.com/grow Profit First App Version 2.0 is here!  More Education. More Functionality. More Profit!

Show Summary: In this episode, we dive into a new book by Kayla Caldwell, Profit First Professional, founder of KC Virtual Bookkeeping, and creator of the PEACE framework. The PEACE Strategy combines the practical money management principles of Profit First with intuitive strategy and nervous system-aware business design. Built around five pillars—Profit, Energy, Alignment, Capacity, and Ease—this framework helps women entrepreneurs move beyond burnout and financial overwhelm to build businesses that truly support their lives. Kayla shares how baby steps toward Profit, clarity around energy drains and fuels, alignment with dream clients, working within true capacity, and designing systems for ease all come together to create sustainable, profitable businesses. For women balancing a lot while building what matters, The PEACE Strategy offers both a compassionate guide and a clear path to financial clarity, boundaries, and peace. Website:https://kcvirtualbookkeeping.myflodesk.com/quicklinks LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/caldwellkayla Instagram: instagram.com/kcvbookkeeping Corporate Partner:Impact Global Solutions - mailto:[email protected] Profit First App Version 2.0 is here!  More Education. More Functionality. More Profit!

Show Summary: In this episode, we sit down with Paige Wiese, Founder and CEO of Tree Ring Digital, to explore how finance professionals can leverage marketing to establish authority, attract the right clients, and scale with confidence. Paige discusses why accounting firms should embrace marketing or partner with experts like her to accelerate growth, and she shares strategies for building and distributing content that positions professionals as trusted leaders in their field. She also explains how AI can be used to streamline content creation, the role SEO plays in ensuring content reaches the right audience, and how growing practices can effectively manage and expand their content distribution. Packed with actionable insights, this conversation is a must-listen for any finance professional looking to strengthen their brand and stand out in a competitive market.   Website:https://www.treeringdigital.com/ http://treeringdigital.com/profitfirst LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigewiese/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/treeringdigital/posts/?feedView=all Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/TreeRingDigital/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treeringdigital/ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@treeringdigital Corporate Partner:Your Cyber Team - https://yourcyberteam.com/ Profit First App Version 2.0 is here!  More Education. More Functionality. More Profit!

Show Summary: In this episode of Grow My Accounting Practice, we welcome Ian Vacin, co-founder of Karbon and co-author of the upcoming book Scale with Purpose: The Service Entrepreneur's Guide to Intentional Growth, written with Jason Blumer. Together, they've drawn from over 25 years of experience advising, consulting, and mentoring service firm owners to create a practical roadmap for entrepreneurs who want to grow their businesses intentionally—not accidentally. Ian discusses why scaling a service-based business is about far more than just growth in numbers. He shares insights from the book, including how to optimize human capital, plan across different time horizons, and address the biggest challenge that keeps owners up at night: capacity. From understanding when your team is overworked or underutilized to navigating structural adjustments at different growth plateaus, Scale with Purpose offers proven tools and case studies that help owners maximize profitability while building sustainable businesses. Whether you're leading a small team or running a firm with dozens of employees, this conversation will give you a clear framework to scale consciously, manage your team effectively, and unlock the true enterprise value of your company.   Website:scalewithpurpose.info karbonhq.com/practice-excellence/ https://karbonhq.typeform.com/leader-survey   Corporate Partner:Miles Talent Hub - http://www.mileseducation.com Profit First App Version 2.0 is here!  More Education. More Functionality. More Profit!