Podcast
Diary of a Tax Practice Owner
Hosted by Jamie Gruol & Jessica Smith · EN
Welcome to the Diary of a Tax Practice Owner, the podcast dedicated to transforming your tax or accounting practice by automating for more profit and time freedom. Say goodbye to burnout as you learn how to step into the entrepreneur role, stop being the skilled producer, and create a business you love.
Join us as we share inspiring stories from tax professionals and accountants who broke free from the grind, adopted the entrepreneurial spirit, and built thriving businesses instead of just jobs. If you're ready to live your best life and find more profit and time beyond the confines of "the way it has always been done," this podcast is for you.
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
No More 90-hour work weeks: How Catherine Roe Built a Balanced, Successful Tax Practice // Ep.32
Jun 900:29:01Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Diary of a Tax Practice Owner, we welcome Catherine Roe, founder of Cowart Roe CPA and Cowart Roe Academy. Catherine shares her inspiring journey from a traditional accounting career to owning a successful virtual CPA firm and becoming an advocate for work-life balance.Discover how she navigated career challenges, leveraged technology, and wrote her bestselling book, 'No More 24/7: Entrepreneurs Take Your Life Back'.Connect with Catherine Roe -www.cowartroecpa.com www.cowartroeacademy.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/catcowartroe/ ✅ Links to W4TP Resources:👉🏻 Join Our Signature Program - Workflows For Tax Pros - Click Here 👉🏻 Join our Free Facebook Group to continue this conversation about automation - Follow this link to get your invitation! https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/joinfbgroup 👉🏻 3 Months of Free TaxDome! - Use our exclusive Partner link to get your free trial started today, and when you fall in love with what TaxDome can do for you - you will get 2 free months of TaxDome added to annual subscription. 👉🏻 Learn more about us: Hi! I am Jamie Gruol, co-founder of the Workflows for Tax Pros movement, where we believe automation is the ONLY way to increase Profit AND Time Freedom in your practice!My biz partner Jessica Smith, EA, and I are on a mission to help the tax pros, accountants, and bookkeeper industry stop working so damn hard and start enjoying their businesses again.
Transcribe →
Redefining Accounting: How to Build a Marketing Strategy That Works for Your Firm with Kristen Corey // Ep.31
May 26, 202500:37:36Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Diary of a Tax Practice Owner, Jamie welcomes Kristen, founder of Media Books, who tells her journey from an accountant to a creative marketer.Discover how Kristen leveraged her skills in marketing to create a unique niche for herself in online marketing for accountants, bookkeepers, and tax professionals. Learn about the importance of personal branding, niche specialization, and how a well-crafted website can pre-sell your services.They dive deep into:✨Why cookie-cutter websites don’t work anymore (and what to do instead)✨How personal branding builds trust with potential clients✨Why niching doesn’t mean turning down every “non-ideal” client✨How to market your firm without feeling fake, loud, or salesy✨How to build a website that pre-sells your services and screens the right leadsConnect with Kristen below:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristen.corey.MB/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-corey/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mediabooksagency/# Don't miss this inspiring episode of Diary of a Practice Owner!🎙️Listen On Apple Podcast, Spotify & Other Leading Platforms. https://pod.link/1761650474✅ Links to Resources: 👉🏻 Join our Free Facebook Group to continue this conversation about automation - Follow this link to get your invitation! https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/joinfbgroup 👉🏻 3 Months of Free TaxDome! - Use our exclusive Partner link to get your free trial started today, and when you fall in love with what TaxDome can do for you - you will get 2 free months of TaxDome added to annual subscription. https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/taxdome 👉🏻 Learn more about us: Hi! I am Jamie Gruol, co-founder of the Workflows for Tax Pros movement, where we believe automation is the ONLY way to increase Profit AND Time Freedom in your practice!My biz partner Jessica Smith, EA, and I are on a mission to help the tax pros, accountants, and bookkeeper industry stop working so damn hard and start enjoying their businesses again.
Transcribe →
How Josie Built a Boutique Tax Practice with Just 50 Clients and No Team // Ep.30
May 12, 202500:39:15Tap to summarizeIn this inspiring episode, Jamie Gruol interviews the expert Josie Parr-CPA, tax strategist, and founder of Solo Tax Coach. From grinding 70-hour weeks at a top 100 firm to building a boutique, high-profit practice working just 20 hours a week, Josie’s story is both raw and empowering.The Episode dives deep into:The moment Josie knew corporate life was no longer sustainableHow she overcame fear and scarcity to launch her solo firmThe role of boundaries, automations, and intentional client workHow she now helps other tax professionals build lifestyle-first businessesConnect with Josie - Josie Parr, CPA, MST is a tax strategist and practice owner with 20 years of experience. She runs Solo Tax Coach, an education hub for independent tax pros, and created the annual Profitable Lifestyle Firm Summit, an on demand event packed with real world tools, templates, and resources for small tax and accounting firm owners.www.solotaxcoach.com www.profitablelifestylefirm.com www.jparrcpa.com Don't miss this inspiring episode of Diary of a Practice Owner!🎙️Listen On Apple Podcast, Spotify & Other Leading Platforms. https://pod.link/1761650474✅ Links to Resources: 👉🏻 Join our Free Facebook Group to continue this conversation about automation - Follow this link to get your invitation! https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/joinfbgroup 👉🏻 3 Months of Free TaxDome! - Use our exclusive Partner link to get your free trial started today, and when you fall in love with what TaxDome can do for you - you will get 2 free months of TaxDome added to annual subscription. https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/taxdome 👉🏻 Learn more about us: Hi! I am Jamie Gruol, co-founder of the Workflows for Tax Pros movement, where we believe automation is the ONLY way to increase Profit AND Time Freedom in your practice!My biz partner Jessica Smith, EA, and I are on a mission to help the tax pros, accountants, and bookkeeper industry stop working so damn hard and start enjoying their businesses again.
Transcribe →
Why I Walked Away from Corporate to Help Tax Pros Reclaim Their Time // Ep.29
May 5, 202500:16:17Tap to summarizeJoin Jamie Gruol in this solo episode of Diary of a Tax Practice Owner as she shares her journey from traditional accounting to creating a business that supports her life, not the other way around. Learn the importance of automating your practice with technology and implementing systems to achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. Jamie discusses how her background and skills have led her to help other small practice owners transform their businesses for greater freedom and joy. Discover practical tips on building a life-first business, and take a moment to reflect on what that could look like for you.Don't miss this inspiring episode of Diary of a Practice Owner!🎙️Listen On Apple Podcast, Spotify & Other Leading Platforms. https://pod.link/1761650474✅ Links to Resources: 👉🏻 Join our Free Facebook Group to continue this conversation about automation - Follow this link to get your invitation! https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/joinfbgroup 👉🏻 3 Months of Free TaxDome! - Use our exclusive Partner link to get your free trial started today, and when you fall in love with what TaxDome can do for you - you will get 2 free months of TaxDome added to annual subscription. https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/taxdome 👉🏻 Learn more about us: Hi! I am Jamie Gruol, co-founder of the Workflows for Tax Pros movement, where we believe automation is the ONLY way to increase Profit AND Time Freedom in your practice!My biz partner Jessica Smith, EA, and I are on a mission to help the tax pros, accountants, and bookkeeper industry stop working so damn hard and start enjoying their businesses again.
Transcribe →
How Jessica took her first two week Vacation as a Tax Practice Owner Without her Business Falling Apart // Ep.28
Mar 31, 202500:23:50Tap to summarizeIn this episode of "Diary of a Tax Practice Owner," hosts Jamie Groul and Jessica Smith tackle the critical but often overlooked topic of taking time off as a tax professional. They share personal experiences and practical advice for building a practice that allows for guilt-free vacations, even during the busiest seasons.Episode Highlights:Why taking extended breaks is essential for tax professionals to prevent burnout and uplevel their business mindsetJessica's journey from corporate "no time off" culture to creating a practice that accommodates planned absencesHow to handle client expectations around your availability during tax seasonThe surprising truth about ending your tax season before April 15thThe importance of systems like TaxDome for enabling time away without anxietySuccess story: A tax pro who finally took her first beach day with her son during tax seasonThe neurological benefits of allowing your brain to disengage from technical workPractical tips for communicating your time off to clients without apologyDon't miss this inspiring episode of Diary of a Practice Owner!🎙️Listen On Apple Podcast, Spotify & Other Leading Platforms. https://pod.link/1761650474✅ Links to Resources: 👉🏻 Join our Free Facebook Group to continue this conversation about automation - Follow this link to get your invitation! https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/joinfbgroup 👉🏻 3 Months of Free TaxDome! - Use our exclusive Partner link to get your free trial started today, and when you fall in love with what TaxDome can do for you - you will get 2 free months of TaxDome added to annual subscription. https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/taxdome 👉🏻 Learn more about us: Hi! I am Jamie Gruol, co-founder of the Workflows for Tax Pros movement, where we believe automation is the ONLY way to increase Profit AND Time Freedom in your practice!My biz partner Jessica Smith, EA, and I are on a mission to help the tax pros, accountants, and bookkeeper industry stop working so damn hard and start enjoying their businesses again.
Transcribe →
Breaking the Growth Trap: Why More Clients Won't Fix Your Tax Practice // Ep. 27
Mar 24, 202500:23:35Tap to summarizeIn this insightful episode of "Diary of a Tax Practice Owner," co-hosts Jamie Gruol and Jessica Smith tackle the all-too-common "growth trap" that ensnares many tax professionals. Jessica shares her personal journey from an underpriced, compliance-focused practice with 250+ returns to a thriving advisory business built on effective systems and higher-value clients.Episode Highlights:Why adding more low-value clients only compounds existing problemsThe dangers of underpricing and poor onboarding processesHow implementing automated systems created time freedom without sacrificing client experienceThe transition from compliance-only to high-value advisory servicesStrategies for attracting ideal clients who value relationships over transactionsWhy "fluffy" service packages often miss what clients truly wantThis conversation reveals how the right systems, proper pricing, and a clear vision of your ideal practice can help you escape the exhausting cycle of working longer hours for diminishing returns.Don't miss this inspiring episode of Diary of a Practice Owner!🎙️Listen On Apple Podcast, Spotify & Other Leading Platforms. https://pod.link/1761650474✅ Links to Resources: 👉🏻 Join our Free Facebook Group to continue this conversation about automation - Follow this link to get your invitation! https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/joinfbgroup 👉🏻 3 Months of Free TaxDome! - Use our exclusive Partner link to get your free trial started today, and when you fall in love with what TaxDome can do for you - you will get 2 free months of TaxDome added to annual subscription. https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/taxdome 👉🏻 Learn more about us: Hi! I am Jamie Gruol, co-founder of the Workflows for Tax Pros movement, where we believe automation is the ONLY way to increase Profit AND Time Freedom in your practice!My biz partner Jessica Smith, EA, and I are on a mission to help the tax pros, accountants, and bookkeeper industry stop working so damn hard and start enjoying their businesses again.
Transcribe →
How to stop letting your clients run your business and set Boundaries that increase your profit // Ep.26
Mar 17, 202500:21:01Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Diary of A Tax Practice Owner, hosts Jamie Gruol and Jessica discuss the importance of setting boundaries as business owners. They share personal experiences and insights into how boundaries can lead to better client relationships, improved client satisfaction, and a more sustainable business model. Jessica reflects on her journey from being a support team member to owning a successful tax practice, emphasizing the role of mindset and peer support in establishing effective boundaries. They also provide practical tips for communicating boundaries to clients and maintaining a balance between professional and personal life.Don't miss this inspiring episode of Diary of a Practice Owner!🎙️Listen On Apple Podcast, Spotify & Other Leading Platforms. https://pod.link/1761650474✅ Links to Resources: 👉🏻 Join our Free Facebook Group to continue this conversation about automation - Follow this link to get your invitation! https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/joinfbgroup 👉🏻 3 Months of Free TaxDome! - Use our exclusive Partner link to get your free trial started today, and when you fall in love with what TaxDome can do for you - you will get 2 free months of TaxDome added to annual subscription. https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/taxdome 👉🏻 Learn more about us: Hi! I am Jamie Gruol, co-founder of the Workflows for Tax Pros movement, where we believe automation is the ONLY way to increase Profit AND Time Freedom in your practice!My biz partner Jessica Smith, EA, and I are on a mission to help the tax pros, accountants, and bookkeeper industry stop working so damn hard and start enjoying their businesses again.
Transcribe →
How to Build a Virtual Tax Practice that Gives You Freedom ( Even During Tax Season ) // Ep.25
Mar 10, 202500:31:08Tap to summarizeJoin hosts Jamie Gruol and Jessica Smith as they discuss the common challenges tax practice owners face during tax season and the benefits of moving towards more efficient, tech-supported, and virtual practices. This episode delves into the importance of standardized operating procedures (SOPs), the transformational impact of practice management software like TaxDome, and real-life success stories of tax professionals who have significantly improved their operations. If you're looking to reduce manual processes, improve client communication, and increase profitability, this discussion offers valuable insights and practical advice.Don't miss this inspiring episode of Diary of a Practice Owner!🎙️Listen On Apple Podcast, Spotify & Other Leading Platforms. https://pod.link/1761650474✅ Links to Resources: 👉🏻 Join our Free Facebook Group to continue this conversation about automation - Follow this link to get your invitation! https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/joinfbgroup 👉🏻 3 Months of Free TaxDome! - Use our exclusive Partner link to get your free trial started today, and when you fall in love with what TaxDome can do for you - you will get 2 free months of TaxDome added to annual subscription. https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/taxdome 👉🏻 Learn more about us: Hi! I am Jamie Gruol, co-founder of the Workflows for Tax Pros movement, where we believe automation is the ONLY way to increase Profit AND Time Freedom in your practice!My biz partner Jessica Smith, EA, and I are on a mission to help the tax pros, accountants, and bookkeeper industry stop working so damn hard and start enjoying their businesses again.
Transcribe →
How Jessica Works 35 Hours a Week While Running a Six-Figure Tax Firm With a Lean Team. // Ep.24
Mar 3, 202500:26:09Tap to summarizeIn this episode of 'Diary of a Tax Practice Owner,' co-host Jamie Gruol interviews Jessica Smith about her journey in transforming her tax practice. They discuss how Jessica manages to work less than 35 hours a week, maintain a high-value client base, and enjoy family time despite the challenging tax season. Jessica shares her experience from the early days of starting her practice in 2020, the importance of flexibility, and overcoming obstacles including client objections and adopting new technologies. Discover how strategic planning, setting boundaries, and leveraging tools like Tax Dome have enabled her to build a successful, efficient, and enjoyable business.Don't miss this inspiring episode of Diary of a Practice Owner!🎙️Listen On Apple Podcast, Spotify & Other Leading Platforms. https://pod.link/1761650474✅ Links to Resources: 👉🏻 Join our Free Facebook Group to continue this conversation about automation - Follow this link to get your invitation! https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/joinfbgroup 👉🏻 3 Months of Free TaxDome! - Use our exclusive Partner link to get your free trial started today, and when you fall in love with what TaxDome can do for you - you will get 2 free months of TaxDome added to annual subscription. https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/taxdome 👉🏻 Learn more about us: Hi! I am Jamie Gruol, co-founder of the Workflows for Tax Pros movement, where we believe automation is the ONLY way to increase Profit AND Time Freedom in your practice!My biz partner Jessica Smith, EA, and I are on a mission to help the tax pros, accountants, and bookkeeper industry stop working so damn hard and start enjoying their businesses again.
Transcribe →
How to fire PAIN IN THE A$$ CLIENTS and all about setting boundaries. // Ep.23
Feb 24, 202500:29:50Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Diary of a Tax Practice Owner, we delve into the challenges of dealing with 'Pain in the Ass' (PETA) clients. Joined by Jessica, we discuss the mindset behind firing such clients, the importance of mutual respect in client relationships, and the toll it takes on personal life. Jessica shares stories of her experiences and how setting boundaries has transformed her tax practice. Learn about strategies for enforcing clear communication, the value of systems like Taxdome, and the strength of mentorship in navigating these tough decisions. Tune in to empower yourself with the tools to create a practice you love.Don't miss this inspiring episode of Diary of a Practice Owner!🎙️Listen On Apple Podcast, Spotify & Other Leading Platforms. https://pod.link/1761650474✅ Links to Resources: 👉🏻 Join our Free Facebook Group to continue this conversation about automation - Follow this link to get your invitation! https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/joinfbgroup 👉🏻 3 Months of Free TaxDome! - Use our exclusive Partner link to get your free trial started today, and when you fall in love with what TaxDome can do for you - you will get 2 free months of TaxDome added to annual subscription. https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/taxdome 👉🏻 Learn more about us: Hi! I am Jamie Gruol, co-founder of the Workflows for Tax Pros movement, where we believe automation is the ONLY way to increase Profit AND Time Freedom in your practice!My biz partner Jessica Smith, EA, and I are on a mission to help the tax pros, accountants, and bookkeeper industry stop working so damn hard and start enjoying their businesses again.
Transcribe →