Jeff Pawlow
Host of The HABU Accelerator Podcast
As the Founder and Managing Shareholder of The Growth Partnership, Jeff leads a dynamic team of professionals who are dedicated to helping their clients succeed as business owners.
Focused exclusively on public accounting firms, Jeff is best known for his work in two areas: helping firms design and successfully implement robust go-to-market positioning strategies, and developing the future leaders of the profession. He has repeatedly been named as one of the profession’s “Top 100 Most Influential People” by Accounting Today.
Currently, the client “footprint” of The Growth Partnership consists of 452 accounting firms in the United States – including 56 of the Accounting Today “Top 100” firms”; 39 associations / state societies; and 13 international firms.
A recognized face at most accounting conferences and conventions, Jeff is a frequent keynote speaker and workshop presenter. His presentations consistently receive outstanding reviews from audiences, and are famous for having substantive tools and resources included as part of his materials.
In 2010, Jeff founded iShade.com. Under his leadership, the tech startup attracted an initial round of venture capital, achieved a successful launch and quickly lived up to it’s moniker as “The Accounting Profession Online”. Jeff and his other founding partners sold their controlling interests in the portal in 2012 –achieving a $3.3M valuation.
Jeff currently resides in suburban St. Louis with his wife Cindy and their four children. In his free time Jeff enjoys escaping to his family retreat in remote McCloud, CA, and serving as the “voice” of the St. Louis University High School and Affton Americans hockey teams.
Jeff Pawlow has hosted 19 Episodes.
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Ep020: Tax Efficient Investing with Vince Nelson and ARNO Wealth
June 11th, 2024 | 27 mins 7 secs
On this edition of the HABU Accelerator Podcast, I sit down with Vince Nelson of Arno Wealth to discuss tax-efficient investing strategies. Vince introduces the Wildlife Fund, an innovative opportunity combining conservation impact with potential tax write-offs.
We explore the importance of personalized, tailored solutions for clients when crafting investment strategies. From 401k profit sharing to managing large investments, his steps emphasize a cohesive, proactive approach.
Vince underscores treating offerings as customized for clients rather than one-size-fits-all. This episode offers practical advice on mitigating taxes through high-touch client care, strategic planning for high-net-worth individuals, and onboarding processes.
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Ep019: Payroll and HR Solutions via Guhroo
May 15th, 2024 | 22 mins 18 secs
On this edition of the HABU Accelerator Podcast, I welcomed back CEO Matt Vaadi of Guhroo to discuss the ins and outs of HR, payroll, and benefits management and its relevance to CPA advisory roles.
Matt shared how Guhroo differentiates itself from conventional call centers through personalized service and a mission-driven approach. He detailed Guhroo's commitment to empowering local communities through efficient yet boutique-style support solutions tailored for small businesses.
For advisors seeking to elevate client value, this discussion illuminated strategic partnerships that strengthen services, like Guhroo's ability to add capabilities as needed consistently. Looking ahead to an upcoming meeting, I look forward to our ongoing collaboration and innovation in support of mutual success.
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Ep018: Exploring the Optimized Gift Trust
April 12th, 2024 | 35 mins 30 secs
On this edition of the HABU Accelerator Podcast, we sit down with Jonathon Morrison who provides knowledge on navigating the complex landscape of estate and gift tax planning as it relates to current events and forecasted changes.
Jonathon guides us through ongoing tax law transitions and characteristics of those most impacted. We conclude by exploring synergies within the Optimized Gift Trust that advance traditional concepts through additional protective layers.
Clarity is brought to risks of less experienced advisors for high net worth clients.
Looking ahead, our HABU conference promises deeper dialogue on these sophisticated techniques.
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Ep017: The Evolving Cybersecurity Landscape
November 16th, 2023 | 27 mins 48 secs
On this edition of the Advisory Accelerator Podcast, I connected with Shawn Long, the CEO at ViLogics, to discuss how his firm partners with CPAs to help their clients better manage their cybersecurity infrastructure.
The threat is real, and there's quite a bit of accounting firms can do to help their clients mitigate this incredible risk. So take a listen and learn more about what it takes to accelerate your firm's advisory potential.
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Ep016: Managing the Client Revenue Cycle with Aiwyn
November 9th, 2023 | 28 mins 19 secs
On this episode of the Advisory Accelerator Podcast, I connect with Pat Morell, the Chief Revenue Officer at Aiwyn, to discuss how his firm partners with CPA firms to help better manage their client revenue cycle.
I learned how Aiwyn's system taps into legacy management platforms while innovating with solutions like engagement letters. Pat elaborates on drastically reducing administrative tasks and increasing billable hours.
With nearly 80 customers and strong reviews, Aiwyn is achieving success. However, what was most reassuring was Pat's emphasis on data security and reliable service.
Take a listen to learn more about what it takes to accelerate your firm's advisory practice.
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Ep015: Overcoming Your Firm's Staffing Challenges Once and For All
June 13th, 2023 | 30 mins 46 secs
On this edition of the Advisory Accelerator Podcast, Join me as I speak with Nick Sinclair, founder of TOA Global. Listen in as we discuss how TOA Global's unique model builds long-term relationships between their placements and the client's firm. It creates a seamless integration that feels like they are just down a long hallway.
Nick touches on the benefits of outsourcing for cost and talent arbitrage and the importance of effective communication in building successful remote teams.
Lastly, we discuss how the pandemic has changed how many firms view global staffing solutions. -
Ep014: Tax-Efficient Jet Ownership through Charter Aviation Programs
May 23rd, 2023 | 36 mins 52 secs
On this edition of the Advisory Accelerator Podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Quinn Ricker, CEO of Jet Access Aviation. Quinn provided an in-depth look at how to use the charter program to reduce the cost of ownership and maximize the tax benefits of private plane ownership.
He explains the importance of exercising the asset, understanding the pedigree of the plane, and leveraging the upfront tax benefit of private jet ownership. In addition, Quinn touched on the importance of safety in the private jet industry and how it can lead to a great customer experience.
We discussed his insights on the world of private aviation and how it can benefit both businesses and individuals. Listen in as Quinn explains the importance of having a flight school to ensure a steady pipeline of highly trained, skilled pilots, the importance of having an FBO to store planes, as well as the need for proper maintenance and sales and acquisition services
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Ep013: Conservation Easements and Land Preservation Strategies
May 9th, 2023 | 29 mins 24 secs
On today's episode of The Advisory Accelerator show, we're talking to Murang Pak of InVia Capital, who will help us navigate the complex world of conservation easements and how to identify when using one might be appropriate for your clients.
To make sure that nothing slips through the cracks when it comes to offering important clients proactive estate planning and tax strategies, an increasing number of firms are collaborating with members of the Advisory Accelerator. With the incredible complexity of today's tax code, no individual CPA can ever expect to have all the answers.
Learn more about what it takes to advance the advising practice at your company by listening to this.
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Ep012: Exploring the OCLAT (Optimized Charitable Lead Annuity Trust)
April 5th, 2023 | 41 mins 20 secs
On this edition of the Advisory Accelerator Podcast, we connect with Jonathon Morrison at Frazer, Ryan, Goldberg & Arnold, LLP, to discuss how his firm partners with CPA firms to help expand their capabilities in the estate planning area. By partnering with the firm, CPAs are able to add expertise to their in-house personnel, allowing them to engage their clients with a more holistic and advisory minded approach.
With the incredible complexity of today's tax code, no individual CPA can ever expect to have all the answers, and that's why more and more firms are partnering with members of the Advisory Accelerator to ensure that nothing is falling through the cracks when it comes to providing key clients proactive estate planning strategies.
Take a listen to learn more about what it takes to accelerate your firm's advisory practice.
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Ep011: Offering 401k Services and Programs to your Clients
January 31st, 2023 | 30 mins 45 secs
On this edition of the Advisory Accelerator Podcast, we connect with Bob Rubin of your 401k source.com about how his firm partners with accounting firms to help them offer 401k services to their clients.
401ksource.com can also help companies with their own 401K programs to make sure they're as impactful as possible. Bob is behind our 401k program at Engineered Advisory and all of our related companies.
We had a great conversation about helping people retire financially stress-free who might have flunked a compliance test by working around the average deferral percentage tests and force refunds to give contributions back to the employees that were deducted from their pay.
He does a fantastic job and you will enjoy listening to what he has to say.
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Ep009: Using Benchmarking and Analytics to Deepen Client Engagement with Glenn Dunlap
December 20th, 2022 | 32 mins 48 secs
On the show today, we connect with Glenn Dunlop of Peerview Data, a firm many of our clients have used for several years. Peer View provides easy benchmarking and analytical data that allows CPAs to engage their key clients.
You enter the client's information. You can compare it against their peers in the industry. You can sort by SIC and NICS codes, geography, revenue, and bands, and analyze the KPIs that lead to substantive conversations with your clients.
Take a listen and learn more about what it takes to accelerate your firm's advisory practice.
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Ep008: Engaging clients through an advisory approach with Nick Burgess
November 29th, 2022 | 26 mins 18 secs
On this edition of the Advisory Accelerator Podcast, we connect with Nick Burgess of the Burgess Financial Group to discuss how his firm partners with CPAs to help expand the capabilities of their existing tax practice. By partnering with Burgess, CPAs are able to add expertise to their in-house personnel, allowing them to engage their clients through a more holistic and advisory minded approach.
With the incredible complexity of today's tax code, no individual CPA can ever expect to have all the answers. That's why more and more firms are partnering with Burgess to ensure that nothing is falling through the cracks when it comes to providing key clients with proactive estate planning strategies.
Take a listen to learn more about what it takes to accelerate your firm's advisory practice."
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Ep007: Extending CPAs Capabilities using Virtual Tax Offices
November 8th, 2022 | 29 mins 22 secs
On this edition of the Advisory Accelerator Podcast, we connect with Stephen Way of Paragon Tax Planners to discuss how his firm partners with CPAs to help expand the capabilities of their existing tax practices. By partnering with Paragon CPAs create a virtual tax office that expands the capabilities of their in-house personnel and allows them to engage their clients through a more holistic and advisory minded approach.
With the incredible complexity of today's tax code, no individual CPA can. Ever expect to have all the answers. That's why more and more firms are partnering with Paragon to ensure that nothing is falling through the cracks inside of their key client relationships. Take a listen to learn more about what it takes to accelerate your firm's advisory practice.
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Ep006: Disaster Recovery with Victory Claims Consulting
October 18th, 2022 | 23 mins 27 secs
"On this edition of the Advisory Accelerator podcast, we connect with Benny Wright, the president of Victory Claims Consulting to discuss how his firm partners with CPA firms to help their clients overcome the impacts of a disaster and to maximize their insurance reimbursements.
The need for this expertise is becoming more immediate with the recent increase in severe weather events and chances are either you or a client will have a need help to navigate this type of crisis.
When disaster strikes, your clients will turn to you to help navigate all the complexities related to the event and Benny can partner with you to ensure you can assist like a pro. Take a listen and learn what it takes to accelerate your advisory practice."
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Ep005: Exploring ERTC and WOTC with Philip Wentworth at Rockerbox
September 27th, 2022 | 50 mins 5 secs
"On this edition of the Advisory Accelerator podcast, we connect with Philip Wentworth, the CEO of Rocker Box to discuss how they are partnering with CPA firms to provide expertise related to both ERTC and the WOTC credits.
The ERTC, which stands for Employee Retention Tax Credit, is a refundable tax credit that was designed to reward and encourage businesses to keep their employees on payroll.
The WOTC, which stands for Work Opportunity Tax Credit, is a Federal tax credit available to employers for hiring individuals from certain targeted groups who have consistently faced significant barriers to employment.
In this Episode, Philip does a deep dive on both these tax credits and so much more.
Take a listen and learn what it takes to accelerate your advisory practice."
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Ep004: Establishing a Financial Services Practice with Oggi Ruiz
September 7th, 2022 | 28 mins 10 secs
On this edition of the Advisory Accelerator Podcast, we connect with Oggi Ruiz of the World Financial Group, a leading financial services platform provider, to discuss their elegant approach to helping CPA firms get into the financial services business and jump-start their success.
It's a fascinating conversation, and their mission to help every family access financial knowledge, products, and resources to prepare for a better future really shows in their approach.
Take a listen and learn what it takes to accelerate your advisory practice.