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Advisory isn’t a side service anymore, it’s becoming the core of how firms grow. But what does it take to get there? In this episode of the INSIDE Public Accounting podcast, Rob Brown is joined by Mike Hajek, who shares how his firm made the move from compliance-heavy work into an advisory-first model.

Mike explains why CAS is just the beginning, how pricing and scope management set the tone for success, and why younger firms are often better positioned to adopt advisory than larger, traditional ones. He also covers how outsourcing and vertical integration play into firm strategy, the importance of training and talent development and why small businesses remain the biggest source of opportunity for accountants.

Whether you’re rethinking your firm’s service mix or looking for ways to keep talent engaged, this conversation offers a practical look at what it takes to future-proof your practice.