Navigating Uncertainty: Strategic Insights for Business Leaders
Release Date: 05/01/2025
Harmonizing Work and Family: Beyond the Myth of Balance
2 CPAs & The Mic
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...
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Concrete, Capital & Collaboration: A Masterclass in Commercial Real Estate
2 CPAs & The Mic
From 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...
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Modernizing Human Resources: Embracing Flexibility, Remote Work, and Building Trust
2 CPAs & The Mic
In 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...
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The Hidden Costs of Not Having a CPA
2 CPAs & The Mic
Doing 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.
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What Great Banking Relationships Look Like (And Why They Matter)
2 CPAs & The Mic
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, systems, and core values...
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Navigating Uncertainty: Strategic Insights for Business Leaders
2 CPAs & The Mic
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,...
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From Challenges to Triumphs: The Real CPA Exam Experience
2 CPAs & The Mic
In 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 system of family and friends. They each reflect on what passing...
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Unlocking Potential: How CliftonStrengths® Transforms Business Dynamics
2 CPAs & The Mic
In 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...
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Breaking the CPA Stereotype: Who We Are & Why This Podcast Exists
2 CPAs & The Mic
Welcome 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...
info_outlineIn 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.