Month: April 2024

Executing A Successful Exit Plan With Rich Craig (Ep. 36)

Executing A Successful Exit Plan With Rich Craig (Ep. 36)

With a rapidly evolving marketplace and the persistent talent shortages in the accounting industry, the need for expert guidance in succession planning has never been more critical

In this insightful episode, Mark Dorman speaks with Rich Craig, Managing Partner at 415 Group. Together, they discuss the intricacies of growing an accounting firm and the broader challenges that the industry faces. Rich imparts his wisdom on the vital topic of succession planning for business owners, underlining the significance of strategic foresight and the support of trusted professionals. By exploring the 415 Group’s approach to fostering advisory boards and their dedication to consistent client collaboration, you will learn how to navigate the complex exit process confidently and strategically.

Rich discusses: 

  • The history, growth, and expansion of the 415 Group
  • Challenges and solutions to the talent shortage in the accounting industry
  • Succession planning
  • Collaboration with other firms
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Mark Dorman: 

Connect with Rich Craig:

About our Guest: 

As managing partner at 415 Group, Rich Craig manages a portfolio of client accounts, while also being responsible for the day-to-day operations of the firm. For over 30 years, he’s brought a wealth of accounting and consulting expertise to the firm with a focus on business valuation, forensic accounting, merger and acquisition assistance, as well as corporate tax and structured growth planning.

Having served as an expert witness in hundreds of court cases, Rich has a deep understanding of business valuation, forensic accounting, and economic damages as they relate to the law. Beyond litigation, Rich shares his expertise as a nationally requested speaker at many legal CLE and accounting CPE educational events.

Rich brings a unique background to 415 Group’s clients, allowing them to go beyond tax planning and compliance to entrepreneurial growth and success. He has previously used his skillset to work in the National Tax Department in Washington D.C. at Ernst & Young and on the Accountant Advisory Council for Intuit, Inc., based in Mountain View, California.

As a leader in the firm, he has a keen eye for matching clients with the right team to best serve their needs. He values collaboration, knowing that a team with a diverse skill set is a stronger advocate for clients than just one individual. That culture is embraced by both clients and staff and has helped the firm grow from 15 to over 100 associates during his time at the firm.

The Remarkable Journey of The Pearl Valley Cheese Company With Chuck Ellis (Ep. 35)

The Remarkable Journey of The Pearl Valley Cheese Company With Chuck Ellis (Ep. 35)

Have you ever wondered what it takes to run and operate a successful business?

How about doing it over multiple generations spanning nearly a century?

In the latest installment of the Finish Big Podcast, Mark Dorman sits down with Chuck Ellis, recently retired president and CEO of the renowned Pearl Valley Cheese Company in Ohio. Listen as they delve into the rich history, challenges, and expansions of the cheese industry, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of family businesses and the cheese production process.

Guest discusses: 

  • The Swiss immigrant influence on the cheese industry in Ohio
  • The journey of Pearl Valley Cheese from the early nineteen hundreds to the present day
  • The impact of regulatory pressures and expansions on the business
  • Cheese pricing, milk markets, and margins in the industry
  • Family dynamics in business
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Mark Dorman: 

Connect with Chuck Ellis:

About our Guest: 

Chuck is the recently retired president and CEO of the Pearl Valley Cheese Company. A company that for nearly 100 years has been making an assortment of cheeses in Fresno, Ohio.