The Art of Succession

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The Succession Planning for CPA Firm Owners to Build a Business That Runs Without Them

/ 01:00:22/S4 E6
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Welcome to The Art of Succession Podcast. Host Barrett Young, CPA, a Tax and Marketing Partner at GWCPA, shares the firm’s Quarter One 2026 update and an inside look at their own succession journey. In this episode, Barrett walks through tax season changes, new leadership roles, and the rollout of EOS across the firm. He discusses electronic tax payments, K1 advisory letters, team development efforts, and how GWCPA is reducing key person risk. Barrett also reflects on casting a ten-year vision for the firm and preparing both the team and clients for long term business transition.

Barrett is not just running the firm; he is working to build a company that can grow beyond him. In this update, he shares how GWCPA is pushing decisions down to the team, clarifying roles through EOS, and reducing key person risk. He talks about training leaders, strengthening processes, and setting a clear ten-year vision for the firm. By focusing on accountability, team development, and long-term planning, Barrett is shaping a business that can serve clients well into the future.

Barrett has spent the past several years reshaping GWCPA around succession and long term value. In this quarter one update, he explains how the firm is using EOS to clarify roles, build leaders, and reduce key person risk. He shares tax season changes like K1 advisory letters and electronic payments, along with a stronger focus on team training and accountability. His approach blends practical leadership, clear processes, and a ten-year vision to prepare the firm and its clients for lasting transition and growth.


Key Takeaways:
  • Barrett’s focus on building a firm that can grow beyond its owners.
  • How EOS clarifies roles, strengthens accountability, and pushes decisions down to the team.
  • The rollout of K1 advisory letters and electronic tax payments during tax season.
  • Why reducing key person risk is essential to long term firm value?
  • How a clear ten-year vision guides both the team and clients toward stronger succession planning.


Additional Insights:
  • How EOS supports clearer roles, stronger meetings, and long-term planning.
  • The shift to electronic tax payments aims to reduce errors and tax notices.
  • The value of weekly tax review training to raise team standards.
  • Why building director-level roles reduce key person risk.
  • How casting a ten-year vision helps prepare the firm and its clients for succession.


Here are a few quotes from the episode:
  • “We are working to build a business that does not rise or fall on one person.” - Barrett Young
  • “If you are on this ship, you are not a passenger, you are part of the crew.” - Barrett Young
  • “Making money should not be killing your business.” - Barrett Young

Join Barrett Young as he shares the Quarter One 2026 update from GWCPA and explains how EOS and clear accountability are shaping the firm’s future. Hear how new tax season processes, team development, and leadership structure are reducing key person risk. Barrett also outlines a ten-year vision for the firm and how strong planning is preparing both the team and clients for lasting succession and growth.


Episode Highlights
[00:00] - Teaser
[01:49] - Q1 2026 Update: Succession Journey So Far
[04:36] - "Succession" as Our Key Differentiator
[06:15] - Tax Season Update & New Team Structure
[09:55] - New Hires & Decentralizing Work
[13:42] - New Initiatives: K-1 Letters & E-Payments
[17:20] - Platform Shift: Moving All Clients to E-Payments
[22:55] - EOS Progress & Accountability Chart
[24:53] - Elevating Managers to Director Roles
[28:34] - Restructured Team Meetings
[31:28] - Moving Beyond a "Lifestyle Business."
[36:44] - 10-Year Vision & Strategic Retreat Preview
[39:39] - Value Acceleration in Client Conversations
[43:01] - One-on-One Meetings with Team
[46:21] - Introducing a Team Development Role
[48:56] - AI & Future: Captain and Crew Analogy
[52:14] - Q2 Focus Areas
[55:04] - Personal: State CPA Board & Mission Trip
[58:51] - What's Next: Interviews & Events


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