Shows
2 CPAs & The MicS2E3 - The Owner's Seat: Leading Through the Mess to What's Next - with Lisa Riley on The Mic In this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with entrepreneur Lisa Riley for a candid, high-energy conversation about what it really takes to build and lead a business through chaos. From oil-and-gas trade floors to scaling three Pinot's Palette studios, Lisa shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, cash flow reality, outsourcing your weaknesses, customer experience, health shocks, and crisis pivots—plus how saying "yes" once turned her into a professional food stylist. Real-world leadership. Zero fluff. Built for business owners.
2026-02-051h 24
2 CPAs & The MicS2E2 - From Feeling to Follow-Through: Messaging That Delivers Results Brand is far more than a logo—it's the feeling people carry with them. In this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Johnie Hampton joins our hosts and breaks down the difference between brand and marketing. He gives an inside look at his team's collaborative creative process and explains why a humble, people‑first culture consistently outperforms even the best strategies. We also dig into AI as a true copilot—great for research and possibilities but still needing human craft and judgment. Johnie shares his approach to stewarding talent, celebrating employees and their families, mentoring the next generation, and leading with p...
2026-01-2251 min
2 CPAs & The MicS2E1 - Back on the Mic: More People, More Perspective, More PurposeWe're back—and grateful. In the season 2 kickoff of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff Frable, Sara Mays & Kristie Porter reflect on growth, vulnerability, and what it means to serve people well. You'll hear about the moments that stretched us in season 1 and the vision driving season 2: connection over complexity, conversation over jargon, and practical guidance you can use today. We preview topics like financial planning, M&A, SOC audits, marketing, and wellness—and wrap with a fun rapid‑fire round. Thanks for listening, sharing, and building this community with us.
2026-01-1533 min
2 CPAs & The MicS1E30 - Next Stop: Season TwoThirty episodes later, we're closing the books on Season 1! Join Jeff, Sara and Kristie as they celebrate the journey from "let's try this" to a full-blown podcast with loyal listeners. In this episode, we share behind-the-scenes stories, favorite moments, and a major life update that will make you smile. Plus, we reveal what's next for Season 2—fresh topics, exciting guests, and a new cadence to keep things timely. If you've ever wondered what makes CPAs human (and hilarious), this is the perfect episode to binge before January 15th when Season 2 drops!
2025-10-3046 min
2 CPAs & The MicS1E29 - Mastering Your Legacy: Estate Planning Essentials In this episode of 2 CPAs and The Mic, hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Dewan Chowdhury, Partner at CCK Strategies, for a deep dive into the world of estate planning. From defining what an estate truly is to navigating the complexities of wills, trusts, and tax strategies, Dewan breaks down the essentials with clarity and insight. Whether you're just starting your estate plan or revisiting it after years, this episode is your roadmap to doing it right.
2025-10-2356 min
2 CPAs & The MicS1E28 - Tax Strategy Starts Now: Why Q4 Is Your Golden WindowIn episode 28 of 2 CPAs & The Mic, hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays unpack the power of year-end tax planning. Learn how proactive strategy can eliminate costly surprises, improve cash flow, and turn tax season into a time for smart decision-making. From timing income and expenses to leveraging bonus depreciation and reviewing your business structure, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world examples.
2025-10-1648 min
2 CPAs & The MicS1E27 -The Power of People-First LeadershipWhat happens when leadership steps away from the spotlight and focuses entirely on empowering the team behind the scenes? In this episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff and Sara sit down with Belinda Jordan, Tax Division Leader at CCK Strategies, to explore her unconventional, non-client-facing leadership role. From her Big Four beginnings to leading a 60+ person tax team across geographies, Belinda shares how she drives performance through proactive management, data-driven decision-making, and a culture of direct, kind feedback. Whether you're a business owner, executive, or aspiring leader, this episode offers a masterclass in people-first leadership...
2025-10-0949 min
2 CPAs & The MicEp. 26 - Beyond the Closing: Transforming Moves into OpportunitiesIn episode 26 of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff and Sara chat with seasoned realtor, Caroline Gorinsky-Huesler, who shares her inspiring journey from Switzerland to relocation expert in Tulsa. Learn how international experience, cultural empathy, and strategic networking can turn real estate into a powerful business tool. Whether you're a business owner navigating employee moves, a professional exploring Tulsa's market trends, or simply someone who loves a great success story—this episode is for you!
2025-10-0243 min
2 CPAs & The MicEp.25 - Resilience in the Rubble: Asheville After HeleneWhen Hurricane Helene unleashed unprecedented flooding on Asheville, NC, the city faced total communication blackout and economic devastation. In this powerful episode, hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Marcus Kirkman, Business Inclusion Manager and retired Navy veteran, to share how Asheville responded, recovered, and rebuilt. Kirkman shares behind-the-scenes insights into the city's emergency planning, the limits of FEMA support, and the critical role of community and business neighbors as first responders. From contingency plans that couldn't predict Helene to the urgent need for economic diversification, this episode is a must-listen for business leaders, city...
2025-09-2550 min
2 CPAs & The MicEp. 24 - Mitigate, Manage, Thrive: The Cybersecurity ConversationIn episode 24 of 2 CPAs & The Mic, hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Curtis Olson, CCK Strategies' resident cybersecurity expert, to unpack the real-world risks facing today's businesses. From phishing and ransomware to AI-driven scams, Curtis shares eye-opening stats and practical strategies to protect your company. Learn why cybersecurity starts with leadership, how to build a culture of awareness, and what steps you can take today to safeguard your operations, reputation, and bottom line.
2025-09-1855 min
2 CPAs & The MicEp. 23 - The Ethics Equation: Inside the Oklahoma Accountancy BoardIn episode 23 of 2 CPAs & The Mic, hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Ashley Plyushko, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Accountancy Board (OAB), and John Curzon, Vice Chair of the OAB and founding partner of CCK Strategies. Together, they unpack the mission and mechanics of the OAB, its national influence through NASBA, and the evolving challenges facing the accounting profession—from the CPA pipeline shortage to the rise of private equity ownership in firms. Ashley & John share insight into the board's enforcement process, the importance of ethical culture in firms, and how Oklahoma is leading the...
2025-09-111h 05
2 CPAs & The MicEp. 22 - Permission to Begin: Lessons Beyond the Race with Keira D'AmatoIn this inspiring episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, we chat with Keira D'Amato - professional runner, entrepreneur, and mom of two - whose journey redefines athletic success. After nearly a decade away from elite running, Keira made a stunning comeback while building a real estate business and raising a family. She shares the mindset behind her return, the emotions of setting and losing a marathon record, and insights from her upcoming book Don't Call It a Comeback, which celebrates purpose over glory. Her reflections on failure, identity, and competition offer fresh inspiration for anyone chasing a second...
2025-09-041h 01
2 CPAs & The MicEp. 21 - Advisory Over Accounting: The Future of CAS In episode 21 of 2 CPAs & The Mic, we sit down with John Bundren, Director of Client Advisory Services (CAS) at CCK Strategies, to explore the evolution of accounting into a forward-thinking advisory model known as CAS 2.0. John shares how CAS has moved beyond traditional bookkeeping to become a strategic partnership that empowers business leaders to make smarter financial decisions. John breaks down the four-phase lifecycle of a (CAS) engagement—Discovery, Onboarding, Recurring Advisory, and Review—and explains how each phase builds value through structured communication and a deep understanding of the client's goals. He also highlights why strong rela...
2025-08-281h 04
2 CPAs & The MicEp. 20 - Behind the Numbers: How Financial Leaders Drive GrowthIn episode 20 of 2 CPAs & The Mic, we sit down with Jim Hicks, CFO and COO of CCK Strategies for a candid conversation packed with insights every business owner needs. From global negotiations to multimillion-dollar acquisitions, Jim's career offers lessons on the real drivers of business success. Discover when to hire a CFO, how to structure your executive team, and why knowing how your business makes money is the key to growth. Whether you're scaling or just starting out, this episode is a masterclass in strategic leadership and building a company that lasts.
2025-08-2145 min
2 CPAs & The MicEp. 19 - Feedback Is Fuel: Turning Criticism into Client Loyalty In episode 19 of 2 CPAs & The Mic, we sit down with Eric Gregg, founder of ClearlyRated, to explore how professional service firms can elevate client satisfaction using the Net Promoter Score (NPS). Eric breaks down the NPS system, shares insights from CCK Strategies' own experience, and explains why feedback—especially the tough kind—is a goldmine for growth. From the emotional impact of client responses to the role of technology and emotional intelligence, this episode offers practical strategies for turning feedback into loyalty. Tune in for actionable advice, industry trends, and a fresh perspective on what it means to truly serv...
2025-08-1457 min
2 CPAs & The MicEp. 18 - Know Your Worth: A Deep Dive into Business ValuationIn episode 18 of 2 CPAs & The Mic, we sit down with Blake Postelwait, CPA, CVA, to discuss business valuation and the evolving landscape for professionals in public accounting. Blake shares his career journey from audit to industry and back, highlighting the "boomerang effect" that often draws individuals back to the cadence of firm life. You will gain insights into the valuation process, including key methodologies and the importance of mentorship in developing technical and leadership skills. Blake also opens up about his personal approach to work-life harmony, from morning workouts to intentional routines that keep him grounded.
2025-08-0751 min
2 CPAs & The MicEp. 17 - From Locker Rooms to Green Rooms: A CPA's Guide to Sports and Entertainment FinanceWhat do you get when a love for sports collides with a passion for numbers? A game-changing approach to financial strategy for athletes and entertainers. In episode 17 of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff and Sara are joined by teammate and fellow CCK Partner - Caleb Caldwell. Caleb has built a thriving niche serving high-profile clients—from college athletes navigating NIL deals to seasoned pros managing multi-stream income. You'll get an inside look at the unique tax challenges facing professional athletes and entertainers, the art of building trust with clients in the spotlight, and how a full-service financial model is...
2025-07-3151 min
2 CPAs & The MicEp. 16 - Beyond Reviews: Building a Complete Marketing Strategy In Episode 16 of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff and Sara welcome a special guest, Clarence Fisher from Tulsa Internet Marketing Services. A trusted collaborator and friend of the show, Clarence offers creative and practical insights that our listeners are sure to appreciate. Clarence shares his journey from a 10-year career in radio to becoming a digital marketing expert and introduces his powerful R4 Framework—a system designed to create predictable, sustainable growth. From managing your Google Business Profile and building trust through reviews, to expanding visibility, maximizing customer lifetime value, and generating consistent referrals, Clarence breaks it all do...
2025-07-2454 min
2 CPAs & The MicEp. 15 - Meeting Yourself Where You Are: Finding Your Path in AccountingIn Episode 15 of 2 CPAs & The Mic, hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays chat with BreAnne Peters, Tax Team Leader at CCK Strategies, about her unexpected leap from clarinet performance major to tax professional. With her vibrant personality and unapologetically authentic style, BreAnne breaks the mold of the "typical accountant." This episode dives into her seven-year journey at CCK, her choice to pursue EA certification over CPA, her passion for mentoring, and her love for Harry Styles—including 13 concerts and a whirlwind trip to Italy. BreAnne's story is a refreshing reminder that career paths don't have to be line...
2025-07-1748 min
2 CPAs & The MicNew Tax Landscape: Navigating the One Big Beautiful BillIn this bonus episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays break down the newly signed "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OBBB) tax legislation, signed into law on July 4th. Described as a "Super Bowl" moment for tax professionals, this episode offers a high-level overview of the sweeping changes—without diving into the political weeds. Jeff and Sara discuss the tax implications, especially the permanence of several key provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). They also outline what's ahead: extended provisions for individuals, new individual provisions, and business-related updates. Whether you...
2025-07-1539 min
2 CPAs & The MicEp. 14 - From Understood to Understanding: Bridging the Gap in Professional GrowthIn episode 14 of 2 CPAs & The Mic, hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays welcome Matt Granados, productivity coach and founder of Life Pulse. What began as a personal system Matt developed to manage his own life has since evolved into a transformative framework adopted by major corporations seeking to align organizational goals with employees' personal aspirations. In this insightful conversation, Matt discusses why many individuals operate below their full potential and offers practical strategies to overcome both personal and professional barriers. He explores the critical distinction between being "nice" and being "kind" in leadership, shares methods for achieving success across...
2025-07-1054 min
2 CPAs & The MicEp. 13- Open the Envelope: Demystifying IRS InteractionsIn episode 13 of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff Frable and Sara Mays are joined by their CCK partner, IRS-savvy, Luann Rinowski, for a candid and insightful conversation about navigating the world of IRS representation. Luann shares how she stumbled into her niche—handling IRS audit. Her secret? Treating IRS agents like real people (with a healthy dose of professionalism). Luann's authentic blend of genuine care for people and unwavering professionalism has been the foundation of her successful career. The group dives into: Why clients typically receive IRS notices The golden rule of audits Why documentation is your bes...
2025-07-0352 min
2 CPAs & The MicEp. 12- Pick Your Avatar: The Entity EditionStarting a business is exciting. Learn why selecting the right entity structure is important to ensure smooth operations and avoid any potential challenges down the road. In episode 12 of 2 CPAs & The Mic, hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays unpack the real-world implications of selecting a business entity. Whether you're a brand-new entrepreneur, a side-hustler earning passive income, or a seasoned owner scaling into new ventures, this episode offers the insight you didn't know you needed. The team dives into the pros and cons of sole proprietorships, LLCs, partnerships, and corporations—and they break down the concepts of leg...
2025-06-2657 min
2 CPAs & The MicEp. 11- The Changing Landscape of College Sports: NIL and the Future of AthleticsIn episode 11 of "2 CPAs & The Mic," Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with ORU's Athletic Director Tim Johnson to discuss how the introduction of NIL (Name, Image & Likeness) is changing the landscape of college athletics. Initially designed as a way for athletes to receive fair compensation, NIL has quickly evolved into what many now view as a form of "pay for play." This shift was driven by key legal cases such as the O'Bannon and Alston cases, and most recently, the House settlement, which introduced revenue sharing and allowed universities to manage NIL activities directly. Over the past...
2025-06-1959 min
2 CPAs & The MicEp. 10- Going Global: Understanding the Nuances of International Business Taxation Borders become blurred in our connected world and small businesses can easily find themselves with international tax obligations without realizing it. Our digital-first economy has dramatically increased international exposure through online sales platforms, payment processors, and remote workforce arrangements. In episode 10 of "2 CPAs & The Mic," hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays are joined by fellow CCK partner Kaitlin Flinn to discuss how businesses can navigate international tax requirements including: foreign bank account reporting requirements (FBARs), tax treaty benefits, and compliance pitfalls. This insightful discussion provides practical guidance for identifying international tax obligations and working with qualified professionals to ensure...
2025-06-1248 min
2 CPAs & The MicEp. 9- Harmonizing Work and Family: Beyond the Myth of Balance In episode 9 of "2 CPAs & The Mic," hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays welcome fellow partner Kyna Leyva to discuss the reality of navigating a thriving family life and robust career. Kyna shares candid insights about how "work-life balance" is a misleading concept and how to think about "harmonizing" your whole life instead, the importance of setting realistic expectations and giving grace to yourself, how to be fully present whether at work or with family and the value of finding mentors who are a few steps ahead in your journey. Kyna emphasizes that no one "does it all" - sharing...
2025-06-0550 min
2 CPAs & The MicEp. 8- Concrete, Capital & Collaboration: A Masterclass in Commercial Real EstateFrom college basketball to $70 million development deals, Matt Mardis has seen and done it all in the world of commercial real estate. In this enlightening and entertaining episode of 2 CPAs & The Mic, Jeff and Sara sit down with the seasoned broker and developer to explore the inner workings of CRE—from land acquisition and vertical planning to investor relationships and emerging trends. Matt unpacks the four core "food groups" of commercial real estate (retail, industrial, multifamily, and office), discusses the Tulsa market's unique growth story, and explains why site selection is both science, art, and relationships. Y...
2025-05-2934 min
2 CPAs & The MicEp. 7- Modernizing Human Resources: Embracing Flexibility, Remote Work, and Building TrustIn episode 7 of "2 CPAs & The Mic," partners Jeff Frable and Sara Mays welcome Victoria Guerre, Director of Human Resources at CCK Strategies, for a candid and contemporary look at how HR is evolving in today's workplace. Victoria shares stories and insights that redefine what Human Resources means in a post-pandemic, multi-generational business world. The discussion dives into everything from remote work and hybrid flexibility to generational motivation, the importance of personal branding, and how culture and expectations are being rewritten. Whether you're a business owner, HR professional, or team member looking to understand the evolving d...
2025-05-2249 min
2 CPAs & The MicEp. 6- The Hidden Costs of Not Having a CPADoing your own taxes may seem like a smart way to save money—but it could be costing you more than you think. In episode 6 of "Two CPAs & the Mic," hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays sit down with Jordan Tudor to unpack the hidden costs of DIY tax prep, from missed deductions and penalties to costly setup mistakes for new businesses. We also share examples of how working with a CPA actually pays for itself in peace of mind and long-term savings. If you're on the fence, this episode may be the nudge you need.
2025-05-1546 min
2 CPAs & The MicEp. 5- What Great Banking Relationships Look Like (And Why They Matter)When rates rise, stress follows - and for small business owners, that can spell trouble. So, who's in your corner when things get tough? In this episode, Jeff and Sara sit down with Sean Kouplen, CEO and Chairman of Regent Bank, to unpack what rising interest rates, inflation, and regulatory shifts mean for small businesses - and why the relationship you have with your bank could make or break you in uncertain times. From navigating post-COVID economic realities to building a culture where people feel loved (yes, even at a bank), Sean shares the mindset, sy...
2025-05-0851 min
2 CPAs & The MicEp. 4- Navigating Uncertainty: Strategic Insights for Business Leaders In this episode, Jeff and Sara sit down with CCK partner Aaron Spoon to discuss the real concerns facing business decision-makers. They cover a range of topics, including rising interest rates, workforce challenges, estate planning, and bonus depreciation. The conversation explores how leading business owners are navigating uncertainty and making decisions calmly, emphasizing that taxes should not be the primary reason for any strategic move. Whether you're leading a company or advising one, this open and honest discussion offers practical insights on how to remain grounded, adaptable, and focused on what truly matters.
2025-05-0132 min
2 CPAs & The MicEp. 1- Breaking the CPA Stereotype: Who We Are & Why This Podcast ExistsWelcome to the debut episode of 2 CPAs and The Mic! In this debut episode, Jeff Frable and Sara Mays uncover what makes CCK Strategies different from your typical CPA firm. Spoiler alert: it's not all spreadsheets and tax codes! Jeff and Sara share their journeys into the CPA world, the firm's untraditional culture, and why this podcast exists - to make business tax planning, financial strategy, and accounting insights unintimidating and accessible. Expect 80s and 90s pop culture references, plenty of laughs, and real-world business advice for entrepreneurs, successful business owners, and future accounting professionals looking for a...
2025-04-2434 min
2 CPAs & The MicEp. 3- Unlocking Potential: How CliftonStrengths® Transforms Business DynamicsIn Episode 3 of 2 CPAs and the Mic, hosts Jeff Frable and Sara Mays dive into the topic of CliftonStrengths , exploring what it is and how it can be utilized in business to enhance productivity, profitability, and team interactions. They are joined by Kristie Porter, a long-time team member at CCK, who shares her extensive experience and insights on the subject. Kristie discusses her diverse role at the firm, her journey with CliftonStrengths®, and how it has been integrated into CCK's culture to foster individual strengths and improve team dynamics. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding and leveraging personal s...
2025-04-2447 min
2 CPAs & The MicEp. 2- From Challenges to Triumphs: The Real CPA Exam ExperienceIn Episode 2 of "Two CPA's in the Mic," hosts Jeff Fable and Sara Mays dive into the world of the CPA exam with their guest, Keith Wigner. They chat about how the exam has changed over the years and share their own experiences with the preparation journey. Keith, who has a pretty unique path to becoming a CPA, opens up about his background and the challenges he faced along the way. The trio discusses their study strategies and the emotional ups and downs of tackling the exam, stressing how important it is to have a solid support...
2025-04-241h 17