Leaving a successful job in public accounting for a six-person, mom-and-pop property management business may seem like an unusual career path. But alum Patrick Ingoldsby saw a golden opportunity to help scale the fledgling company, especially as the mom-and-pop are his own.
What was it like going from assurance manager at a top-tier, fast-growing CPA firm to your family’s vacation rental property management business?
It was a big transition, for sure. My dad purchased the iTrip St. Augustine franchise in 2018 with zero properties. Today, we manage 117 high-end properties and are signing new contracts every month. When I joined, however, it truly was “mom-and-pop.” There were limited systems or processes. But thanks to the skills I developed at Forvis Mazars, I felt I could implement those things and help take the business to the next level. It was an opportunity I just couldn’t say no to.
So, iTrip St. Augustine opened for business about the same time you joined Forvis Mazars. Was it the plan that someday you’d join the business?
Not at all. In fact, my plan was to stay and become a partner. I absolutely loved the firm—the culture, the learning, and the people. It taught me so much so quickly. It gave me an incredible foundation for what I’m doing now. It was very hard to leave.
Your business opened just prior to COVID-19, and now we’re seeing significantly higher gas prices and airline fares. How is this impacting your growth?
Well, uncertainty is definitely having a negative impact on vacation rentals industrywide. But we’ve been fortunate. St. Augustine is a fast-growing market and short-term rentals are in high demand. Our company’s growth rate so far this year is about 12%, which is a testament to our premier service and quality! People are taking vacations, but maybe they shorten them a day or two to fit their budgets. Guests love St. Augustine, but are looking for the right value, so we must be innovative with our marketing and promotions.
You recently participated in an alumni panel—along with your friend and mentor Ed Salek—at our recent intern training conference. What message did you hope to send?
For me, it all boils down to two things. First, focus on your character—who you are. Do what you say you will do and be disciplined and professional about it. Secondly, cultivate a solution-oriented mindset. Help solve problems and come to the table with at least three solutions. Ed Salek, who helped hire me into the firm, taught me that.
How did your time at Forvis Mazars prepare you for your current role?
By exposing me to so many different clients and responsibilities at such a young age, I learned to wear many different hats. Technically, I’m the company CFO. But in reality, I’m doing everything from process implementation to operations to HR to budgeting. It’s like drinking from a fire hose. Forvis Mazars gave me the essential skills and confidence to do what I’m doing today.
What does it mean to be part of the Forvis Mazars Alumni network?
For one, it means having the opportunity to participate in things such as the firm’s summer intern training conference. My wife and I, who’s also a CPA, love investing in people and encouraging them to consider careers in public accounting. We can’t think of a stronger foundation for any career. On a personal note, the Alumni Network lets me feel like I’m still plugged in. I recently reconnected with several former and current Forvis Mazars colleagues at a Jacksonville alumni event. It was such a refreshing opportunity. It’s nice preserving that connection with so many bright people with whom I built relationships over many years.
More About Patrick Ingoldsby
- He and his wife, Courtney, have three children, ages 4, 3, and 1, and a dog, Archie.
- Earned his M.B.A. at the University of North Florida.
- Joined legacy firm DHG in Jacksonville in 2017, following an internship.
- Joined iTrip St. Augustine as CFO in 2022.
- Enjoys serving in his local church, investing in real estate, staying active through weightlifting, and gardening.
More About iTrip St. Augustine
- Provides all aspects of short-term vacation property management, from booking reservations for renters to turnkey property management for property owners, including marketing and complete home cleaning and maintenance.
- Was nominated in 2026 as a finalist for the Best of St. Augustine Community Choice Award in the property category.
- In 2025, for the second year running, won iTrip’s global corporate award for the #1 Most Reviews Per Property among all iTrip franchises worldwide.
