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"Why do you do what you do?" If you ask a group of entrepreneurs this question, the most common answer will be, "I do it because I love what I do, even though it's hard." Running a business is tough, and navigating a rapidly changing industry makes it even more challenging. As a self-proclaimed history buff, I couldn’t think of a more fitting quote than the one from Jack Kennedy in 1962, during the space race. His words explain perfectly why entrepreneurs persevere: we choose to do what we do, precisely "because it is hard."

Since joining ConnectCPA 10 years ago during its early days, I’ve been fortunate to witness our founders' — and our clients’ — growth and journeys. Being involved in various capacities has allowed me to observe and identify trends and lessons that resonate with all entrepreneurs who embark on this challenging - and sometimes lonely - journey of entrepreneurship.

I’d like to share some key insights that can benefit entrepreneurs and business owners alike.

The Need for Speed

The ability to win the race by adapting quickly is a key x-factor for any business. Thankfully, advances in technology, alongside the rapid dissemination and availability of information, have made it easier to adapt to market fluctuations quickly. With the playing field leveling out for numerous competitors, success truly comes down to the speed of executing a plan properly. To secure growth and success, companies must make quick investments in adequate resources, infrastructure, and capital—whether monetary or human—backed by a clear vision and defined goals. As Maverick from Top Gun once said, “You don’t have time to think up there. If you think, you’re dead.”

Scaling Requires a Continuous Building Mindset

The biggest lesson I’ve taken from my role at ConnectCPA is that processes and infrastructure must continually evolve to support business growth. Over the years, ConnectCPA has tested and upgraded numerous platforms, built automation both internally and externally, and expanded our service offerings. However, I’ve come to realize that the strategies that once enabled us to scale are no longer enough to take us to the next level. As the team and business grow, oversight challenges become more evident, and relying solely on people’s skills becomes less dependable. Training programs that once worked lose their effectiveness, and expecting the same results from the current team can become burdensome. These examples underscore the importance of staying adaptable and embracing new approaches.

Your Customers’ Needs Change - You Must Change Too

Change doesn’t stop with your internal processes or roadmap - your customers will also undergo their own growth and face new challenges. As technology and AI have leveled the playing field, your services may become more commoditized, prompting customers to reassess their needs and goals. It’s crucial to understand these evolving needs and adapt quickly - whether that means introducing new services, creating dedicated customer success roles, or discontinuing offerings that no longer provide significant value. Being responsive to these shifts is essential for continued success.

A Is for “Assemble the A-Team”

"Do your job." This phrase, made famous by legendary football coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots, applies equally to business. From my decade of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly things can escalate once your business gains traction. Revenue surges, customers demand constant communication, and opportunities you’ve dreamt of start becoming reality. But with this growth comes new challenges. Quality can slip as the team gets stretched thin, and gaps in knowledge may prevent you from capitalizing on those new opportunities. As the business scales, founders must step back and observe from a 30,000-foot view to ensure the company is moving in the right direction. This isn’t achievable without a team of “A-players” who understand their roles, are always prepared, and consistently perform at a high level. This principle also extends to hiring the right external support, such as finance and accounting teams. A competent, proven advisory team can make a tangible difference.

More on Accounting and Finance…

I’d be remiss not to highlight the importance of hiring the right accounting team—an area I know well. As your business grows, the consequences of inaccurate financials and missed deliverables become increasingly severe. Entrepreneurs must carefully consider the qualities they need in their accounting and finance teams. Forward-thinking leaders who deeply understand your business and industry can provide a real competitive edge. The days when accountants were simply compliance officers are long gone. The best in the field now leverage tools like automation, APIs, and AI—though many firms still lag in adopting them. Having a team that builds infrastructure around these technologies will soon be a baseline requirement. In the meantime, I’ve loved watching our clients grow, thanks in part to the unique combination of technology and human insights that we provide.

Driving Meaningful Change

We’ve asked why entrepreneurs do what they do, but what about ConnectCPA? One thing is certain: we are entrepreneurs too. Our firm was founded 10 years ago with a mission to transform the accounting industry and empower our clients through technology. We've succeeded because we’ve walked the same path as our clients - embracing the challenges, learning from them, and continuously striving for more.

So, why does ConnectCPA do what we do? We do it not because it’s easy, but because it’s hard. It’s the relentless pursuit of solving complex problems that pushes us to innovate, excel, and drive meaningful change. We’re partners in growth, and our success is measured by the success we help create. We understand the demands and struggles of business ownership because we live it ourselves. The question is, are you ready to take your business to the next level? We are.

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