We were lucky to catch up with Nick Shook recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nick, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

For me, naming a business wasn’t just a branding decision—it was a spiritual one. I wanted a name that would reflect not only my professional mission but also the deeper purpose God has placed on my heart.

I was raised in a single-parent household where money was often scarce. We depended on food stamps and government assistance, and I remember many moments of uncertainty—wondering how we’d afford school supplies, clothes, or even where our next meal would come from. But through it all, God provided. He placed people in my life who offered not just financial help, but also wisdom, encouragement, and opportunities that shaped the course of my life.

That experience instilled in me a deep belief: that financial stability isn’t just about wealth. It’s about wisdom, access, and the ability to serve others. I came to understand that money, when managed faithfully, can be a powerful tool for good.

That’s why I chose the name Good Works Financial, inspired by one of my favorite scriptures—2 Corinthians 9:8:
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

This verse reminds me that God doesn’t just bless us for our own comfort—He equips us to be a blessing to others. Financial planning, to me, is an act of stewardship. It’s about using what we’ve been given—whether little or much—with wisdom and intention, so we can live generously and fulfill the good works God has prepared for us.

Good Works Financial is more than a business name—it’s a reflection of my testimony and a calling to help others steward their resources in a way that honors God, strengthens families, and blesses communities.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve always been a math nerd. Growing up, I loved numbers and problem-solving, and for a while, I thought I’d become an engineer. But deep down, I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. As I explored my options, I realized that engineering offered limited opportunities for business ownership, so I pivoted to a field where I could apply my analytical strengths while also building something of my own.

I began my undergraduate studies at the University of Georgia as a finance major. When I realized I could complete my bachelor’s degree in just three years, I decided to stay for a fourth year to earn my Master’s in Accountancy. While in school, I worked multiple part-time jobs to support myself. One day, I received an email about an internship at a local CPA firm preparing individual tax returns. I decided to give it a shot. While I didn’t always love the technical work at first, I quickly recognized the potential of becoming a CPA—not just as a career path, but as a stepping stone to business ownership.

Going through UGA’s MAcc program opened doors I hadn’t even considered. It gave me the eligibility to sit for the CPA exam, which I completed in less than a year while working my first corporate accounting job at Unum Group. Around that time, I also started a small side business preparing tax returns for individuals and small businesses. At first, I had just a handful of clients, but the experience showed me how much I enjoyed working directly with people on their finances.

After two years at Unum, I moved back to Georgia to be closer to my fiancée, who’s in veterinary school at UGA, and took a job at UPS in corporate tax. That first year at UPS, my side practice grew quickly—from 7 or 8 clients to over 25. That’s when I realized I had something special and began planning my transition out of corporate life. Over the next year, I budgeted carefully, saved aggressively, and laid the financial groundwork to make the leap into full-time self-employment. During that time, I also passed the CFP® exam to strengthen my financial planning expertise, along with the SIE and Series 66. I’m now finishing the Series 7 to expand into investment advisory and asset management. Finally, in February 2025, I left UPS and took my business full-time.

Today, I run Good Works Financial, a solo firm specializing in individual and small business tax preparation, along with holistic financial planning. I help clients with tax planning, retirement income strategies, insurance planning, estate and charitable giving strategies, and more. But what truly sets me apart isn’t just the range of services I offer—it’s the relationship I build with each client.

Many tax preparers simply gather documents, file returns, and move on. That’s not how I operate. I take the time to work closely with my clients, helping them think ahead and make informed decisions that improve both their tax outcomes and their long-term financial well-being. I don’t just process numbers—I help people build strategies for lasting success. Sometimes that means putting in extra hours to ensure my advice is thoughtful, proactive, and personalized. My goal is to make financial planning accessible, collaborative, and deeply impactful.

What I’m most proud of is the discipline and determination it took to get to where I am today. In just a few years, I built a business from the ground up while managing a demanding corporate career. More importantly, I’ve created a career that aligns with my passion: helping others achieve financial security, independence, and peace of mind. Every day, I get to make a real difference in people’s lives—and that’s what drives me.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I’ve always been drawn to resources that challenge traditional thinking about money, business, and leadership. A few books, in particular, have had a profound impact on my entrepreneurial philosophy and management style.

Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki shifted my mindset around wealth-building and financial independence. It taught me the importance of investing in assets and thinking beyond just earning a paycheck. The concept of financial education has become a cornerstone of my approach—not just for myself, but in how I help clients think about their long-term goals.

The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko reinforced the value of living below your means and practicing financial discipline. It’s a powerful reminder that wealth isn’t about the things you see—it’s about the things you don’t see: the quiet decisions, the delayed gratification, and the long-term habits that build real financial security.

The Servant Leader by Ken Blanchard has also deeply influenced my leadership style. Blanchard’s idea that leadership is rooted in service resonated with me. In my business, it’s not just about delivering a service—it’s about putting clients’ needs first and leading by example. I believe that mindset has helped me build trust and develop meaningful relationships with the people I work with.

These books—and others like them—have shaped how I think about business and life. They’ve emphasized the importance of financial literacy, intentional living, and service-driven leadership, all of which continue to guide how I serve clients and grow my firm.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building a reputation in my market has been a gradual process, but I believe a few key factors have played a major role in shaping how people view my work and my business.

First and foremost, it’s been about trust. From the very beginning, I’ve prioritized building strong relationships with my clients. I take the time to understand their unique financial situations and provide personalized advice tailored to their needs. I think people genuinely appreciate the level of care and attention I give, which naturally leads to word-of-mouth referrals—by far the most effective way I’ve grown my reputation.

Another major factor has been my commitment to being proactive. Many accountants and financial planners take a reactive approach, especially during tax season. I focus on being hands-on throughout the year—offering tax planning, long-term financial strategies, and ongoing support. I help clients make decisions that benefit them not just today, but well into the future. That proactive mindset has positioned me as someone who’s truly invested in my clients’ success.

I’ve also worked hard to differentiate myself through accessibility and service. I don’t just clock in and out—I make myself available when clients need advice, even if that means going above and beyond standard expectations. I believe that level of dedication has helped me earn my clients’ trust and respect, which in turn has fueled my business growth.

Finally, staying authentic to my values has been essential. I’m not in this just to make money—I’m in it to help people. My clients see that I’m genuinely invested in their futures, and that sincerity has been a major factor in building my reputation.

Together, these elements—trust, proactive service, accessibility, and authenticity—have helped shape a reputation rooted in genuine care and long-term impact. That foundation continues to drive both my business and my purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://goodworks.financial
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-shook1248/

Image Credits

Drew Collins – Upscale Media