On Demand 4-Part Webinar Series

Control Your Destiny. Building an Independent Firm

Each session is designed to help you: 

think differently,
act intentionally,
& lead boldly

in the new era of public accounting. 

Participate in this paid series live or access recordings at your convenience.

Save Your Spot Now!

Independence Is a Strategy. Not a Guarantee.

Join Winding River Consulting as we host a strategic webinar series for firms that are ready to double down on independence, elevate their strategy, and build a firm that will prosper for generations to come.

Amid a wave of private equity investments and firm roll-ups and consolidations, the pressure on firm leaders has never been more intense. Fortunately, you don’t have to relinquish control to compete.

This informative webinar series is your roadmap to building an enduring firm that thrives without outside capital by getting the fundamentals right, modernizing your model, and investing in your future with purpose.

Four-Part Live and on Demand Series

Webinars will be available live and on-demand.

Session 1

Date: 
September 10 at 1 PM EST

Topic:
The Table Stakes for Independence

Speakers:
Brian Blaha, Gary Shamis, David Toth

Learn More

Session 2

Date:
September 17 at 1 PM EST

Topic:
Modernizing Your Client Model

Speakers:
Adam Klein, Brian Blaha, David Toth 

Learn More

Session 3

Date:
September 24 at 1 PM EST

Topic:
Building the Talent Stack of the Future

Speakers:
Rachel Anevski, Brian Blaha, David Toth

Learn More

Session 4

Date:
September 30 at 1 PM EST

Topic:
Funding Growth Without Giving Up Control

Speakers:
Alex Drost, Brian Blaha, Gary Shamis

Learn More

SESSION 1 - September 10 @ 1 PM ET

The Table Stakes for Independence

Explore the five core capabilities every independent firm must master so you don’t get forced into a deal you never wanted.

  1. Embracing a North Star Vision
  2. Strong Leadership Team
  3. Partner Alignment
  4. Adjustments to Your Deferred Compensation Model 
  5. Address Succession Beyond a Bench
  6. Reinvesting Back Into the Firm

Walk away with a roadmap to control—not just survive—the next decade.
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SESSION 2 - September 17 at 1 PM ET

Modernizing Your Client Model. Creating Client Value to Fuel Growth.

Learn how to compete and win! without the benefit of size on your side. This session breaks down the client strategy every independent firm needs to implement.

  • Specialize to stand out
  • Use pricing to reflect value—not time
  • Deliver insights that deepen loyalty
  • Position your firm as essential, not replaceable

Stop competing on price. Start commanding it.

Featured Speakers:

  • Adam Klein, Head of Industry, IntroHive
  • Brian Blaha, Managing Director,  WRC

Moderated by:

  • David Toth, Chief Growth Officer, WRC

SESSION 3 - September 24 at 1 PM ET

Building the Talent Stack for a Scalable Firm

Great firms aren’t built on bodies. They’re built on leadership, culture, and systems that scale. This session focuses on how to design the internal engine that powers sustainable growth and succession.

  • Build a talent stack that supports the future firm
  • Develop next-gen leaders who can actually lead
  • Align compensation and organization models with your strategic vision
  • Create a culture that retains without hand-holding

Stop plugging gaps. Start building infrastructure.



 

Featured Speakers:

  • Rachel Anevski, Organizational Leadership Management Consultant
  • Brian Blaha, Managing Director, WRC

Moderated By:

  • David Toth, Chief Growth Officer, WRC

SESSION 4 - September 30 @ 1 PM ET

Funding Growth Without Giving Up Control

You don’t need outside capital to scale. You need a strategy for reinvesting what you’ve already earned. This session shows how high-performing firms are turning profitability into long-term advantage.

  • Sustain margins in an advisory-first model
  • Reinvest in tech, talent, brand, and market expansion
  • Explore ESOPs, internal capital, and debt-based growth
  • Build optionality without compromising ownership

Grow smarter. Invest deliberately. Stay independent.

Featured Speaker:

  • Alex Drost, Managing Principal, Connection Builders
  • Brian Blaha, Managing Director, WRC
  • Gary Shamis, CEO, WRC

Moderated by:

  • David Toth, Chief Growth Officer, WRC

Guidance From the Front Lines of Firm Growth
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Gary Shamis

CEO, Winding River Consulting
 
Gary is the founder of Winding River Consulting and one of the accounting profession’s most influential leaders. An award-winning strategist and author, he continues to mentor firm leaders with a values-first, aligned leadership approach.
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David Toth

CGO, Winding River Consulting
 
David empowers firms to grow strategically by aligning innovation, insight, and execution. He leads WRC’s signature programs and advises firm leaders on M&A, digital growth, and leadership development.
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Brian Blaha, CPA

Managing Director, Winding River Consulting
 
Brian is a seasoned CPA firm leader and strategist with decades of experience driving transformation across professional services. A former Chief Growth Officer at Wipfli, he now advises firms and PE groups on leadership alignment, M&A integration, and sustainable, people-first strategy.
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Alex Drost

Managing Principal, Connection Builders
 
 Alex Drost is a growth-minded consultant with a proven track record of success in driving innovation, leading strategic initiatives, and championing tactical execution. He has nearly two decades of entrepreneurial experience and continually demonstrates his ability to navigate dynamic business environments. He is adept at managing complex projects, simplifying core objectives, and motivating teams to achieve their best work.
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Adam Klein

Head of Industry, IntroHive
 
Adam Klein joins IntroHive focusing on driving growth and innovation within the accounting and advisory profession. Most recently, Adam served as Chief Growth Officer at Top 75 US firm, Bennett Thrasher, where he led transformative growth strategies, strengthened global strategic partnerships, and implemented critical business development, sales and marketing initiatives. Adam has also held leadership roles at Top 25 US firm, Aprio and is known for his deep industry insights, relationships, and ability to foster success in a complex and rapidly evolving market.
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Dr. Rachel Anevski, PHR, SHRM-CP

CEO Matters of Management, LLC 
 

Dr. Rachel Anevski is a nationally recognized expert in leadership development, organizational strategy, and human resources, with over two decades of experience serving public accounting firms and professional services organizations. 

Access the Series Live or on Demand

The strategies shared in this webinar series will reshape how you lead your firm. Gain access to all four sessions of this powerful webinar series for a one-time fee of $250.