In the debut episode of my new podcast series, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with my friend and longtime industry inspiration, Tim Petrey, President of HD Growth Partners (formerly HD Davis CPAs).
We kicked things off with a nostalgic dive into childhood snacks (shoutout to chocolate-vanilla Snack Pack “twists”) and ended up somewhere even sweeter — talking about culture, legacy, and how Tim’s firm is transforming what it means to lead in modern accounting.
Grandma Honey and the Power of Humble Beginnings
Tim opened up about his unique upbringing — bouncing between relatives after the loss of his mom, and the simple, consistent joys of being cared for by his Grandma Honey. She made sure his favorite snack, a chocolate Snack Pack, was always waiting for him. That kind of love and reliability shaped how Tim leads today — with deep empathy, intentionality, and a commitment to building a firm people are proud to be a part of.
“I want everyone that works at our firm to have the same ability to rise up like I did — I started answering phones for $8/hour.”
Why HD Growth Partners is More Than a Name Change
The evolution from HD Davis CPAs to HD Growth Partners isn’t just rebranding — it reflects a bold vision. Backed by private equity platform Ascend, Tim and his team are focused on scaling their culture-first approach across the country, while staying true to their small-town roots in Youngstown, Ohio.
For Tim, growth isn’t about empire-building. It’s about opportunity: for staff, for clients, and for firm owners looking for a meaningful succession plan.
Creating a Place People Want to Work
Tim’s firm has been recognized as one of the best places for women to work in accounting — and it’s no accident. He was raised by strong women who shaped his values, and he’s determined to build a workplace where people can bring their whole selves.
“We have people bring their kids and pets to work. We’ve made this a place people want to build their lives around.”
The Karbon Connection: Building the Future Together
We also explored HD Growth Partners’ collaboration with Karbon — where I now spend my days. Tim’s insights have been instrumental in shaping the Karbon Practice Marketplace, a new platform designed to help firm owners find their next chapter — whether that means selling, merging, or building something bigger together.
“You’re not going to create a firm of the future using tools of the past.”
Tim’s belief in transparency, infrastructure, and career clarity aligns perfectly with our vision at Karbon. We’re proud to have him (and his team) helping shape the future of the profession.
What’s Next for HD Growth Partners?
Looking ahead, Tim’s focused on acquiring great firms with heart — owners who care about their legacy and want to ensure their staff and clients are in good hands. He’s building a home for those firms to thrive, with options for continued mentorship, flexible roles, and most importantly, respect.
If you’re a firm owner considering your next move, or a rising leader in accounting looking for a place to grow — keep an eye on what Tim and his team are doing. Or better yet, reach out.
Tim Petrey is the CEO of HD Growth Partners. Curious how HD Growth Partners helps businesses level up with strategic guidance and hands-on support? Visit hdgrowthpartners.com to see how their team partners with founders to unlock growth, drive efficiency, and build lasting value
Want to learn more about how Karbon helps accounting firms streamline their workflow, collaborate seamlessly, and scale with confidence? Head over to karbonhq.com to explore their powerful platform and discover why firms around the world are making the switch.
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