Collective Blog

Preserving Your Accounting Firm's Identity While Growing Through Acquisition

Written by Dillon Business Advisors | Apr 14, 2025 1:00:00 PM

When Marcus and Rachel Dillon, owners of Dillon Business Advisors (DBA), encountered a potential $900,000 firm acquisition in Houston, they initially saw strong revenue and a convenient location. Yet they walked away. “It just wasn’t a good fit,” Marcus recalls. “The client mix, culture, and team were too different from who we are.” Their experience is a reminder that some accounting firm acquisitions add lasting value, while others become expensive headaches.

In a recent episode of the Who’s Really the BOSS? podcast, Marcus and Rachel unpacked their latest acquisition: a firm in St. Louis. They finalized the deal as busy season began, January 31st to be exact, but only after plenty of due diligence and prayerful reflection. They’re firm believers that an accounting firm can grow through acquisition without sacrificing culture or exceptional client service.

Rachel and Marcus Dillon, CPA, own a Texas-based, remote client accounting and advisory services firm, Dillon Business Advisors, with a team of 15 professionals. Their latest organization, Collective by DBA , supports and guides accounting firm owners and leaders with firm resources, education, and operational strategy through community, groups, and one-on-one advisory