Episode 28: BFBA's Multi Generational Leadership is Built on a Legacy of People First.

A Seat at the Table

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Join us for an insightful conversation with Dave Boyce, Nate Boyce, and Ben Brown as we touch upon the importance of generational transitions, and share a few laughs along the way. Our discussion begins with a recounting of Dave and his younger brother Craig's imaginative adventures, setting a light-hearted tone for our chat.
Discover the fascinating story behind the formation of Sacramento's largest regional accounting firm, BFBA. It all started with a casual dinner at Black Angus Restaurant in Citrus Heights, where Dave, Craig, Rob Fink, and Miles Brown discussed their dissatisfaction with their current career paths and envisioned a new business together. We reflect on the familial and entrepreneurial influences that shaped their journey, particularly Dave's father's dream of self-employment. As we move forward, we discuss the firm's emphasis on people and relationships, the importance of work-life balance, and their unique mission statement that prioritizes high-quality client relationships over mere revenue generation.
We then explore the challenges and triumphs of leadership transitions within BFBA, focusing on Ben's journey to becoming the managing partner. Ben shares his initial feelings of unpreparedness and his efforts to develop softer skills with the guidance of his father, Miles. We also highlight the importance of self-awareness, effective communication, and exemplifying core values within the firm. The conversation wraps up with a look at navigating family dynamics in a business setting, the rare achievement of a second-generation CPA firm, and the ongoing efforts to maintain a dynamic, family-focused culture that supports personal and professional growth.
To learn more about BFBA and learn why they're the leading accounting firm in the region, visit https://bfba.com/
To lear more about the Capital Region Family Business Center visit https://capfamilybus.org/
Episode Highlights
(04:37 - 05:43) Brothers' Dinner Sparks Accounting Firm
(08:38 - 10:18) Entrepreneurial Dreams and Failed Business
(17:49 - 18:42) Work-Life Balance Policy Impact
(27:54 - 30:34) Career Shift to Family Business
(37:43 - 38:49) Decision to Stay Independent
(45:44 - 46:56) Navigating Conflict in Family Businesses
(53:10 - 55:20) Navigating Role Dynamics in the Workplace
(58:26 - 01:00:23) Prioritizing Families in the Workplace
(01:06:25 - 01:07:53) Benefits of Family Business Center
Chapter Summaries
(00:01) Podcast Interview Preparation and Banter
Childhood memories, generational family transitions, and the importance of personal stories in professional settings.
(04:37) Formation of Regional Accounting Firm
Four men discuss forming a business due to dissatisfaction with their accounting firms, influenced by familial and entrepreneurial dreams.
(12:57) Building a Relationship-Focused Firm
Formation and evolution of accounting firm, prioritizing relationships, work-life balance, and initial mission statement creation.
(23:14) Generational Transition in Accounting Firm
Two individuals share their career journeys from big accounting firms to joining their family's firm, valuing work-life balance.
(34:42) National Firm Acquisition Decision-Making
BFBA considered acquisition by larger firm, but chose to remain independent with Ben as managing partner.
(39:09) Succession Planning and Soft Skills
Ben's transition to managing partner involved self-improvement, learning from his father, and exemplifying values and behaviors.
(43:13) Navigating Family Dynamics in the Firm
Consistency, fairness, and humility in a f