Max Fritz, CPA

Max Fritz is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Dark Horse CPAs. He focuses on building the systems, processes, and infrastructure that keep the firm running smoothly and allow both clients and CPAs to operate at a high level.

Max believes most problems in business aren’t talent problems—they’re systems problems. His role is to eliminate friction, create clarity, and build an environment where great people can do great work. The end result is simple: better service, better communication, and better outcomes for clients.

His path into accounting wasn’t exactly planned. Max started his college career at a military academy, where he also played football, before transferring to the University of San Diego. After realizing he wasn’t headed to the NFL—and that he was far more interested in business than science—he made a late pivot from Biology to Accounting, taking the long way around and figuring it out along the way.

After graduating, Max teamed up with Chase Birky to build Dark Horse CPAs. They shared an early belief that the traditional accounting model made things harder than they needed to be—for both clients and accountants. Instead of accepting that, they built something different: a firm designed around strong systems, modern tools, and a model where taking care of the team leads directly to better client experiences.

Originally from Arizona, Max now lives in Point Loma, San Diego with his wife, Paige, and their dog, Buddy. Outside of work, you’ll find him on the golf course, staying active, or taking full advantage of San Diego’s year-round weather.