What if the fastest way to grow your bookkeeping or accounting firm isn’t another marketing funnel, but becoming the firm people actually want to refer?

In this episode of Millionaire Bookkeeper, Max Emory sits down with Chris Barrett, owner and managing director of Midwest CPA. At the time of recording, Chris had built Midwest CPA into a 17-person firm pacing toward approximately $2.5–$3 million in annual revenue, and he says referrals are the firm’s #1 source of new clients.

Chris shares how relationships, reputation, responsiveness, and consistently good work have fueled the firm’s growth. He also explains why networking with other accounting firms can be an overlooked referral strategy: established firms regularly receive opportunities outside their niche or capacity and need trusted professionals to send them to.

But getting referrals is only half the challenge. Chris also breaks down what it takes to maintain that client experience as you scale, including hiring better people, building culture, setting clear expectations, and developing a team that can deliver your standards without you constantly stepping in.

If you’re trying to grow a bookkeeping or accounting business beyond yourself, this episode offers a practical look at building a firm people want to recommend.

Thank you to our sponsor, Time Capital University:
https://www.timecapitalbcs.com/university

Connect with Chris Barrett:

Midwest CPA | https://midwest.cpa/
Email | chris@midwest.cpa
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-barrett-cpa/
X | https://x.com/CBarrett_CPA
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0X_MBK2IOqg79VpMA3kKyQ

Resources

Get Clients in 90 days as an Introverted Bookkeeper 👉 Go Pro Bookkeeping

Master Bookkeeping for Real Estate Investors (REIs) in 90 days 👉 Bookkeeping for REI

YouTube | @MillionaireBookkeeper

Instagram | @MillionaireBookkeeper

LinkedIn | @MaxEmory

TikTok | @MillionaireBookkeeper0

Facebook | @theMaxEmory

Bookkeeping Firm | Time Capital Bookkeeping