Q&A Over Coffee

Hosted by Olsen Thielen CPAs & Advisors

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May 2026

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About the show

Pour a cup and tune in every two weeks for a discussion, or Q&A, over coffee. Hosted by and featuring expert guests on financial topics across numerous industries.

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54 recent

June 16, 202628 min

#47: New Minnesota Tax Law Changes with Matt Klein and Zach Deo

In Episode 47 of the Olson Thielen Q&A Over Coffee podcast, host Tom Pesch sits down with Tax Principal Matt Klein and Tax Director Zach Deo to break down the most important provisions in Minnesota's 2026 Tax Bill, signed into law on May 27th. The conversation covers the last-minute extension of the Minnesota Pass-Through Entity (PTE) Tax through 2027, including Q1 estimated payment relief for businesses caught in the uncertainty, and unpacks the significant changes to Section 174 R&D expensing and the Minnesota R&D, including expanded refundability and updated conformity rules for pass-through entities. The episode also touches on bonus depreciation conformity changes. Whether you're a business owner, partner, or S corp shareholder, this episode gives you the clarity you need to plan smart for the rest of 2026.

May 27, 202633 min

#46: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Lessons Learned with Charlie Sparks and Zach Deo

Q&A Over Coffee kicks off 2026! Host Tom Pesch is joined by our tax professionals, Principal Charlie Sparks and Director Zach Deo, to break down the impact of the “One Big Beautiful Act” tax legislation following its first full filing season. The discussion explores how the tax bill affected taxpayers differently depending on income levels, deductions, and business structures, with a strong emphasis on the growing importance of proactive tax planning. The episode closes with what taxpayers and advisors should watch moving forward into 2027. Listen in for practical insights and planning considerations to help individuals and businesses prepare for the evolving tax landscape ahead.

December 29, 202535 min

#45: Transaction Advisory & Quality of Earnings with Tony Oman and Brett Olsen

To close out this season of Q&A Over Coffee, host Adam Hennen is joined by Audit Principal Brett Olson and Valuation Principal Tony Oman for a practical discussion on Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) and Quality of Earnings (QoE). Together, they walk through the M&A process from both the buyer’s and seller’s perspectives, explaining how valuation, financial diligence, adjusted EBITDA, and working capital impact deal structure and outcomes. The conversation highlights common pitfalls uncovered during due diligence, the importance of early preparation, and why a well-executed QoE can be a critical investment in maximizing value and reducing risk in a transaction.

November 6, 202533 min

#44: Year-End Tax Planning with Charlie Sparks and Tom Pesch

In this episode, host Matt Klein sits down with Olsen Thielen Principals Charlie Sparks and Tom Pesch to discuss year-end tax planning strategies as 2025 winds down. The conversation covers key updates from the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including extensions and expansions related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. We cover timely topics such as charitable giving strategies, including qualified charitable distributions, donor-advised funds, and bunching deductions, as well as the expanded state and local tax (SALT) deduction limits. They also explore business-focused opportunities like R&D expensing, Section 179 and bonus depreciation changes, and proactive planning for high-income earners. Wrapping up, they stress the importance of fall as the most valuable time for tax planning, highlighting practical reminders on managing withholding, capital gains, and IRS filing expectations amid staffing shortages.

October 21, 202529 min

#43: Roundtable: When Government Stops, Business Doesn't: Navigating the Current Shutdown

In this episode, recorded on Friday, October 17th, Principals Adam Hennen and Daniel Owens discuss the ongoing government shutdown—now entering its third week—and the broad ripple effects it’s having on businesses, consumers, and the economy. They explore how shutdowns happen, their historical context, and the immediate impacts on key federal agencies like the IRS, SEC, and Department of Labor. They also unpack what the shutdown means for industries that rely on government contracts or funding, as well as the potential slowdown in lending, supply chains, and consumer spending.

September 17, 202529 min

#42: Avoiding Surprises in Estate Planning – Valuation Post Connelly vs. U.S. with Tony Oman

In this episode of Q&A Over Coffee, host Tom Pesch sits down with Tony Oman, Principal of Business Valuation & Transaction Advisory Services, to unpack a complex but important issue: how life insurance impacts business valuations after the recent Connelly Supreme Court case. Tom and Tony walk through how buy-sell agreements funded by life insurance traditionally worked to create liquidity and preserve continuity when a shareholder passes away—and why the Court’s ruling has now upended that approach. They explore the practical implications for privately held companies, from unexpected estate tax consequences to challenges in succession planning, and discuss potential strategies business owners can consider, including special-purpose entities, cross-insurance, and irrevocable life insurance trusts. Whether you’re a business owner, advisor, or just interested in how valuation and tax law intersect, this conversation highlights why proactive planning—and keeping those buy-sell agreements current—is critical.

September 3, 202532 min

#41: Busting Tax Myths with Lance Nieland and Tom Pesch

#41: Busting Tax Myths with Lance Nieland and Tom Pesch by Olsen Thielen CPAs & Advisors

August 20, 202536 min

#40: Internal Controls with Michael Feriancek and Daniel Owens

In this episode of Q&A Over Coffee, host Adam Hennen sits down with Audit Principal Daniel Owens and Audit Director Michael Feriancek to explore how businesses can strengthen internal controls while working within tight budgets. The discussion covers why internal controls are essential for financial accuracy, fraud prevention, and accountability, and why businesses and organizations in particular face challenges due to limited staffing and resources. Together, they share practical, cost-effective solutions—such as leveraging board oversight, recruiting volunteers, and using technology tools like QuickBooks and Bill.com—to improve safeguards without overspending. The episode also highlights common problem areas like segregation of duties, payroll, and vendor management, and offers insights on red flags that may signal failing controls. Throughout, the message is clear: internal controls aren’t a one-time task but an ongoing journey that evolves as a business grows and changes.

August 6, 202535 min

#39: Trust and Estates with Adam Thielen and Andrew Knewtson

In this episode, host Tom Pesch is joined by Adam Thielen, Principal in Olsen Thielen’s estate and trust group, and Andrew Knewtson, Tax Senior and Enrolled Agent, for a deep dive into what really happens when someone passes away. They unpack the first steps families should take, key documents to gather, timelines for estate administration, and important tax deadlines. The team also discusses federal and Minnesota estate tax updates, trust planning strategies, and common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you're a personal representative, business owner, or just planning ahead, this episode offers practical insights and professional guidance.

July 23, 202534 min

#38: Managing your Not For Profit During Uncertainty with Pat Powers and Dan Owens

In this episode, Olsen Thielen's Not For Profit practice leaders and Audit Principals Dan Owens and Pat Powers share proven strategies for managing nonprofit organizations during times of economic uncertainty. They discuss the biggest challenges facing nonprofits today, how recent changes in federal and state funding are impacting organizations, and practical budgeting recommendations for maintaining stability. The conversation also covers effective communication strategies for engaging with board members, staff, and donors during challenging periods, the importance of regular financial health assessments, and key metrics that deserve closer monitoring.