We had the good fortune of connecting with Merrill Bennett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Merrill, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Ultimately my thought process behind starting my business was creating a position that simply doesn’t exist outside of being a small business owner – setting my hours, true flexibility in the amount of money I make (or don’t), and the ability to choose the businesses and individuals that I work with. There is no job working for someone else that provides these benefits.

When I assessed what my work needed to provide for myself and my family the clear priorities were allowing my wife to stay at home with our children, flexibility in my work schedule for family and other obligations, & less stress. Starting out by defining success for myself, rather than simply what a job paid or what skillsets were required, gave me direction in creating a position that better suited my goals in life.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I set out to create a firm that specifically did two things: First, to provide great service to small businesses and individuals around taxes and tax planning that is affordable for these businesses and individuals. More than just accurate returns, I also wanted to provide an ongoing conversation around their tax circumstances, what can be done to mitigate these taxes, and educating these individuals on their taxes. Secondly, I needed the business to provide for my family, allowing my wife to stay home with our kids, continue working in foster care AND allow me to engage more in each of these; true freedom in how I spend my time relating to my family & the business.

I couldn’t see a position that currently existed that fit these requirements, so I decided to create it for myself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Breckenridge – mountain biking, small mountain-town, great food and little shops to visit, fun river walk (maybe some fly fishing here)

Colorado Springs – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, very unique zoo and experience at the base of the mountains, Garden of the Gods, good, short hiking trails in a beautiful and unique place

Denver – Cuba Cuba Cafe & Bar – delicious, unique food and cocktails, Denver Aquarium – great activity for the kids, interactive (touching the rays)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My dad encouraged me to pursue my degree in accounting from the get-go when I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. He has been a constant support whether studying for the CPA exams, persevering when my work was overwhelming or in stepping out in my own business. Learning from him and his mistakes in owning a business, establishing a work-life balance and raising a family has been an enormous blessing to me.

Website: https://www.bennettcpallc.com/

Image Credits
family, logo and name

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