Most people think taxes are a once-a-year chore. We think they’re one of the most powerful levers for building a healthier business—if you get advice before the deadline crunch. Garfield sits down with CPA Seth Kamens of Kamens & Associates to unpack how a service-first mindset turned a one-person startup into a multi-thousand-client practice, and why the real value of a great accountant shows up long before a return is filed.
Seth takes us from big-firm halls to the grit of a ground-up launch, sharing how an early health scare pushed him toward work with more meaning. He breaks down the line between compliance and advisory work, clarifying where DIY tax software is perfectly fine and where it can quietly cost you—think entity selection, retirement plan design, stock options, and timing of purchases or payments. We dig into reputation in fiduciary work, the discipline of fast, clear communication, and the practical systems that make small firms feel accessible while still delivering big-firm technical depth.
For entrepreneurs and solopreneurs priced out of national firms yet underserved by mom-and-pop shops, this conversation offers a roadmap: treat your CPA like a year-round advisor, not a form processor. Seth shares why contacting your accountant during slow periods can open better options, reduce stress, and create measurable savings. We also explore his entrepreneurial side—ideas for an educational show with his market-researcher wife, the realities of time and family, and upcoming services designed to meet clients where they are.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re leaving money on the table or waiting too long to ask for help, this is your nudge to get proactive. Listen, share with a business owner who needs it, and subscribe to get more candid conversations that help you run smarter. If you enjoyed this, leave a review and tell us the one tax question you want answered next.
