Fort Wayne firm owner Mike Sylvester breaks down how his 3‑partner shop runs a calm, profitable practice: 32‑hour off‑season weeks, no second tax season, and a qualification funnel that turns 530 inquiries into right‑fit clients. We get into a staff-first culture that crushes turnover, adding friction to onboarding, SEO that still works, moving off Intuit payroll, and packaging for 2026. Plus Mike’s take on AI: garbage in, garbage out, and why 60 percent of new clients arrive with a mess. If you want a stable firm that grows on your terms, start here.

You don’t need a degree to build wealth. A CPA and former Navy nuclear operator explains why trades like electrician, plumber, and welder are surging—and how to invest smarter (starting debt‑free). In this conversation with Mike Sylvester, CPA, we cover the trades shortage, how he went from the Navy to journeyman electrician to CPA at 37, and his simple investing playbook (index funds + gold/silver, tiny crypto, and owning his building/REIT). The Secret to Getting Rich With… What you’ll learn The case for skills over college—and why the trades are a sleeping goldmine The electrician shortage and what it means for pay & opportunity Mike’s path: dropped out → Navy nuke → electrician → CPA His investing rules: pay off debt first, then index funds; why he adds gold/silver and a small crypto slice; plus real estate via REITs/owner‑occupied building How AI/automation will reshape white‑collar work—and why hands‑on skills still...

Founded by accountants seeking community, The Collaboration Room offers real support and growth for accountants, bookkeepers, and tax pros.

Access free resources from our TCR coaches, including practical guides and templates, to help you everyday in your practice.

Such a great question, and one that hits close to home for a lot of firm owners. So, thank you, Henry Huie, CPA, for making this post! There are so many great spaces out there now, and each one has its own vibe and focus. Some lean toward coaching, some toward tech, others toward peer support. What they all have in common is giving firm owners a place to ask questions, compare notes, and feel a little less alone in the chaos. That’s a big part of what makes The Collaboration Room special, too. It’s not just for new firm owners, it’s for anyone who values connection, honesty, and shared experience. We have something for 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦. Some members are just getting started, others are reworking their model after a decade in, and everyone’s learning from each other. Community doesn’t replace experience. It amplifies it. What kind of space has helped...

Founded by accountants seeking community, The Collaboration Room offers real support and growth for accountants, bookkeepers, and tax pros.

Access free resources from our TCR coaches, including practical guides and templates, to help you everyday in your practice.