Pro Serv Podcast by Collective 54

Episode 179 – Scaling Success: How a Consulting Firm Grew from 12 to 250 Employees and Achieved a Triumphant Exit in 14 Years

In this session we explore the remarkable journey of a consulting firm that expanded from a small team of 12 to a robust organization of 250 employees over 14 years. Discover the strategic decisions, leadership principles, and innovative practices that fueled their growth and led to a successful exit. Join us as we delve into the challenges they faced, the lessons they learned, and the key factors behind their impressive transformation.

Episode 178 – From Idea to Publication: Navigating the Book Writing Journey

Join us for an enlightening session where Jamie Wasserman, Leader at Geigsen, will share the inspiring story behind her decision to write a book. Gain insights into the thought process and motivations that led to the creation of the initial manuscript. We will explore the decision to hire a publishing partner rather than opting for self-publishing, and the factors that influenced the choice of publisher. Join this session to learn from an author’s firsthand experience and gather valuable tips for your own writing and publishing journey.

Episode 177 – Accidentally Running a Firm: A Journey from Freelancer to Boutique Firm

In this session we will delve into the fascinating story of transforming a lifestyle firm into a thriving boutique business. Miles Kailburn, Founder and CEO of OTM will share how and when the decision was made to shift from a freelancer model to a true boutique, to today’s efforts to scale the firm. Discover the challenges, strategies, and lessons learned along the way, and gain valuable insights for your own business transformation.

Episode 176 – From Sidekick to Success: How a Trusted Number Two Fueled a Consulting Firm's Growth and Exit

In this session, we dive into the incredible journey of a consulting firm founder who found a pivotal ally in their number two. Join Brian Albers, COO at Data Clymer, and discover how his dynamic partnership with his founder drove the company’s growth, navigated the scaling challenges, and ultimately led to a successful exit. Through candid conversations and valuable insights, we explore the essential role of a strong second-in-command in transforming vision into reality.

Episode 175 – Best Practices For Handling Layoffs and Restructuring a Boutique Professional Service Firm

In this session, we explore what to do when the rosy forecast does not materialize, and you need to restructure your firm. This includes how to determine who to layoff, when to lay them off, how to do so in the proper way, how to support the now former employees during the transition and how to preserve the culture and keep morale up with the remaining employees.

Episode 174 – Resilience in the Spotlight: How One Marketing Agency Thrived Despite Employees Trying to Capitalize On The Cancel Culture

Join us as we delve into the gripping tale of a marketing agency's journey through the tumultuous waves of cancel culture. In the height of societal pressure, the agency's founders, driven by fear and uncertainty, offered their employees overly generous contracts. As the dust settled, they realized the unsustainable nature of their decisions and faced the daunting task of restructuring their workforce agreements. Tune in to discover how Ryan Gill and Chris Kneeland, Partners at Cult Collective, navigated this challenging terrain, replacing idealistic contracts with market-based, realistic agreements, and emerged stronger than ever before. This episode is a testament to the power of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.

Episode 173 – Blueprint for Scaling: How a CPA Firm is Scaling Through Franchising

In this session, we delve into the strategic journey of an accounting firm that has mastered the art of scaling by franchising its proven system. Collective 54 Member Matthew Peterson, Owner at True North Accounting, will share how they've transformed their business model to offer franchise opportunities that empower other entrepreneurs to build their own successful accounting firms. We explore the benefits and challenges of this approach, the critical components of their franchise system, and hear a firsthand account from a franchisor who has thrived under this model. Join us to discover how franchising can be a game-changer in the accounting industry.

Episode 172 – How to Build a Thriving Small Service Firm From a Single Anchor Account

In this session, we delve into the strategic approach of leveraging an anchor account to establish and grow a small service firm. Exploring the real-world example of how an IT Service firm was built with MetLife as the anchor account, we uncover the keys to success in building a thriving business around a single, foundational client. From cultivating strong relationships to diversifying services and expanding clientele, our discussion with Collective 54 Member Michael Gibbs, Founder & CEO at SureStep, offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs looking to navigate the journey of entrepreneurship with confidence and purpose. Tune in to learn how to harness the power of an anchor account to propel your service firm to new heights of success.

Episode 171 – Mastering the Hire: Securing the Ideal Sales Leader for Your Boutique Firm

In this session, we delve into the art and science of hiring the perfect sales leader for boutique professional service firms. Join Collective 54 member David Kendall, President & CEO at KAI Partners, as we discuss the unique challenges these firms face, the qualities that define a successful sales leader in this niche, and practical strategies to identify and attract top talent. Whether you're in the early stages of building your sales team or looking to elevate your firm to the next level, join us for expert advice and real-world examples to guide you through the hiring process.

Episode 170 – Taking the Reins: A CEO's Journey of Buying Out the Founder and Shaping the Future of a Boutique Professional ServiceFirm

In this session, we delve into the ambitious journey of a CEO who took the bold step of buying out the founder of a boutique professional service firm. Through an intimate conversation with Collective 54 Member Jessica Knox, CEO at Metrix, we explore the intricate negotiations, strategic planning, and the emotional rollercoaster that defined this pivotal transition. Discover how this daring move not only reshaped the firm's future but also set a new course for its legacy, culture, and the very essence of leadership within the industry. Join us as we unveil the challenges, triumphs, and the profound lessons learned along the way in transforming vision into reality.

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