Working With His Grandfather Was This CPA's Unfair Advantage

The Art of Succession

What unique challenges might we face when we buy into a company founded by a grandparent?

What can we learn from our predecessor, while also balancing our desire to make start our own?

As we start to consider and author our core values, how do we show both continuity and clarity to our existing clients?

In this episode of The Art of Succession podcast, host Barrett Young interviews Curtis Hardwick, who shares his journey of taking over his grandfather's CPA firm in Georgia. Curtis provides insights into the challenges and rewards of inheriting a business and making it his own.

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Beginning the Journey
Curtis's grandfather, Joe "Pop" Hardwick, started the CPA firm in 1974, and Curtis began working there in 2010 while still in college. Initially aiming to become a civil engineer, Curtis had switched paths after struggling with calculus, guided into accounting by his grandfather. Curtis enjoyed the work and excelled in his accounting courses, with both his professor and grandfather mentoring him toward the CPA route.

Mentorship and Transition
As Curtis progressed in his career, his grandfather provided him with significant autonomy, allowing Curtis to implement new ideas and modernize the firm. The firm was small, with only four employees, and was using outdated accounting software. Curtis led efforts to transition clients to QuickBooks Desktop and eventually to their cloud-based QuickBooks Online, despite initial resistance from his grandfather.

Curtis proposed additional significant changes, such as increasing prices and focusing on value-based pricing instead of hourly billing. His grandfather was initially hesitant, reflecting the generational gap between them. However, over time, Curtis earned his grandfather’s trust, and he was given more responsibility in running the firm.

The Transition to Leadership
By 2019, Curtis was making key decisions about the firm's direction, focusing on reducing the number of clients while deepening relationships and increasing profitability. This approach required difficult conversations and strategic decisions, but Curtis was determined to create a sustainable business model that aligned with his vision.

Listeners can learn more about Curtis Hardwick and his CPA firm by connecting with him on LinkedIn, or at Hardwick CPA.

BONUS CONTENT: Barrett and Curtis go through the Client Assessment that Curtis used for his client list, and Curtis has kindly allowed me to provide this Assessment to our listeners.

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The Art of Succession Podcast is brought to you by GWCPA. Twice a month on https://www.youtube.com/@gwcpas, host Barrett Young will bring you interviews sharing the successes and challenges from business owners with their own succession stories. If you've enjoyed this episode, please share it with others.

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Disclaimer: This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.