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Wenbin Fang's Podcast PlaylistWhy CPAs Must Be 2.7x More Productive by 2035 (And How to Get There) Podcast: Earmark Podcast | Earn Free Accounting CPE (LS 33 · TOP 5% what is this?)Episode: Why CPAs Must Be 2.7x More Productive by 2035 (And How to Get There)Pub date: 2025-05-23Get Podcast Transcript →powered by Listen411 - fast audio-to-text and summarizationWhat if private equity could transform accounting firms without sacrificing their independence? David Wurtzbacher, founder of Ascend, shares how his "anti-rollup" model allows firms to maintain their identities while accessing enterprise-level resources. Discover why transitioning firm leaders from client work to true CEO roles unlocks explosive growth, and how emp...
2025-05-2551 min
Earmark Podcast | Earn Free Accounting CPEWhy CPAs Must Be 2.7x More Productive by 2035 (And How to Get There)What if private equity could transform accounting firms without sacrificing their independence? David Wurtzbacher, founder of Ascend, shares how his "anti-rollup" model allows firms to maintain their identities while accessing enterprise-level resources. Discover why transitioning firm leaders from client work to true CEO roles unlocks explosive growth, and how employee equity ownership creates alignment across organizations. With CPAs needing to be 2.7 times more productive by 2035, David reveals practical strategies for talent acquisition, business development, and technology that are helping mid-sized firms not just survive but thrive in an increasingly complex profession.Chapters(01:07) - Understanding Ascend's Vision
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2025-05-2351 min
Everything CPA and Private Equity with Phil Whitman and David WolfskehlEp 11: From $0 to a Top 30 Firm: The Ascend Growth StoryHow Can CPA Firms Leverage Private Equity Without Losing Control?
Private equity is reshaping the CPA industry, but many firms hesitate—fearing loss of independence or the wrong financial move. So, what’s the right approach? In this episode of Everything CPA & Private Equity, Phil Whitman and David Wolfskehl sit down with David Wurtzbacher, CEO & Founder of Ascend, and Nishaad Ruparel, President of Ascend, to break down what firms need to know to maximize growth, attract top talent, and stay competitive in a changing market.
In this episode, you will be able t...
2025-02-2735 min
Accounting Today PodcastManaging partners should only have one clientAnd that should be their firm, says David Wurtzbacher of PE-backed accounting firm platform Ascend, so they can spend the vast majority of their time working on the business, rather than in the business.
2024-08-0527 min
Inspire CampfireEpisode 139: Mind Like Water with David Allen and Julie IrelandIn this episode, we're thrilled to welcome two extraordinary guests. First, we have David Allen, the mastermind behind the renowned Getting Things Done (GTD) system. His influential book, Getting Things Done, has been translated into over 28 languages and has empowered millions to organize their lives. The story behind GTD is truly captivating.Joining us as well is Julie Ireland, Scott Wurtzbacher's coach from GTD Focus, the exclusive provider of individual GTD coaching in the US and Canada.It was the GTD system and a handshake from David years ago that inspired our host, Scott Wurtzbacher...
2024-06-2458 min
Transforming: Tales of Business EvolutionSFP 91: Ascend to a new business modelThis episode of the Small Firm Philosophy podcast features an interview with David Wurtzbacher and Erin Stahmer of Ascend, a platform firm that is employing unique strategies in its business model. Join us to discuss people strategy, offshoring tips, and how to own the value of firm services. SFP is produced by AICPA & CIMA’s firm services team, aka the Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS). PCPS manager Erin Hartman, CPA, conducted the interview, which is part of an ongoing series on accounting firm business model transformation that PCPS is leading for AICPA & CIMA. For more on...
2024-02-2151 minTransforming: Tales of Business EvolutionSFP 91: Ascend to a new business modelThis episode of the Small Firm Philosophy podcast features an interview with David Wurtzbacher and Erin Stahmer of Ascend, a platform firm that is employing unique strategies in its business model. Join us to discuss people strategy, offshoring tips, and how to own the value of firm services. SFP is produced by AICPA & CIMA’s firm services team, aka the Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS). PCPS manager Erin Hartman, CPA, conducted the interview, which is part of an ongoing series on accounting firm business model transformation that PCPS is leading for AICPA & CIMA. For more on...
2024-02-2151 min
Inspire CampfireEpisode 87: Adventuring Down the Rabbit Hole with ChatGPT Featuring David WellsIn this episode, ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence chatbot developed by OpenAI, joins us with the assistance of David Wells to answer questions we’ve asked previous guests about getting outside in nature and the voice that calls to adventure.
2023-06-1943 min
Inspire CampfireEpisode 52: Celebrate Each Day on Tour Du Mont Blanc with Cassandra & David HradekIn this episode, Cassandra Hradek, a Success Manager at Doximity and Certified Precision One Nutrition Coach, and David Hradek, an Account Manager for IDEX Fire & Safety and avid soccer player, join us to share their story of recently completing the Tour Du Mont Blanc - one of the most popular long-distance hikes in Europe.
2022-10-1749 min
Inspire CampfireEpisode 17: A Wurtzbacher Family Adventure with Guest Host David WellsIn this episode, The Wurtzbacher family is joined by guest host David Wells to share their story of a month-long adventure exploring Minnesota.
2022-02-1444 min