In this episode of Beyond the Ledger, Troy Ashby, CPA, sits down with Joe LaPolla, CFO of Driver Pipeline — a Texas-based construction firm with over 1,000 employees and a 50-year history.
Joe opens up about his career path from public accounting to the CFO seat, what it means to lead accounting, finance, and HR, and how balancing career ambition with family shaped his decisions.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to move from public accounting into industry leadership — or how to lead authentically when you don’t have all the answers — this conversation delivers hard-won lessons you can use today.
🎧 Whether you’re an accounting professional, aspiring CFO, or business leader, you’ll take away insights on career growth, leadership, and building the right team culture.
👉 Topics include:
Knowing when it’s time to leave public accounting
How to define non-negotiables in your career moves
Leading teams older and more experienced than you
Navigating imposter syndrome as a first-time CFO
Why relationships matter more than résumés
Hiring and retention in today’s construction and finance world
🎯 Key Quote:
“Learn what your boss cares about — and what your boss’s boss cares about. That’s how you create opportunity.” — Joe LaPolla
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome & Icebreaker: Life as “Dad Uber”
02:30 – Early Career in Public Accounting
07:10 – Meeting His Wife at Work & Building a Family in Accounting
11:20 – The Partner Path vs. Industry Transition
16:30 – The Recruiter Call That Changed His Career
21:00 – Adjusting to Industry Leadership
27:00 – Leading Teams Older Than You
32:15 – Imposter Syndrome & Saying “I Don’t Know”
36:40 – Networking, Relationships & Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
40:00 – Joe’s One Piece of Advice for Future Leaders
Connect with us:
Troy Ashby on Linked In
https://www.linkedin.com/in/troyashby/
Joe LaPolla on Linked In
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-lapolla-cpa-57731316/
Troy Knows Talent Instagram Page:
https://www.instagram.com/troyknowstalent/
Troy Knows Talent Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/troyknowstalent/
