We recently connected with Cassandra Forbes and have shared our conversation below.

Cassandra, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happy running your own firm? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

There are definitely days when I romanticize the idea of a “regular job”, you know, the kind where someone else worries about payroll, clients, and whether the printer has enough toner. The last time I had that thought was deep in tax season, late at night, surrounded by stacks of client files and a computer glowing with endless spreadsheets. I imagined leaving the office on time, not fielding last-minute calls, and going home without a to-do list trailing me like a shadow.

But then I paused and remembered: I built this. Forbes & Associates, LLC isn’t just a business, it’s my fingerprint on the world. Every client we help, every business we keep afloat, every “you made this easy” email makes the long nights worth it. Every challenge, late night, and solved problem is a reflection of the work I’ve poured into it. The autonomy, the ability to shape the client experience, and the direct impact we have on people’s lives remind me that the hard parts are worth it. I may daydream about “regular,” but the reality of owning my own firm is far more fulfilling.

Cassandra, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Cassandra Forbes, President of Forbes & Associates, LLC, a full-service accounting and tax firm. I’ve spent over 20 years in public accounting, and along the way I discovered that what drives me most isn’t just balancing books, it’s helping business owners and individuals gain clarity, confidence, and control over their financial lives.

I started in accounting because I loved solving complex problems and guiding people through financial decisions that can be intimidating or overwhelming. Over the years, I built Forbes & Associates with a clear mission: to provide expert, personalized accounting and tax services that actually make a difference for our clients. Our services range from bookkeeping, payroll, and tax preparation to strategic business planning and consulting, all designed to help clients save time, reduce stress, and grow their businesses sustainably.

What sets us apart isn’t just technical skill, it’s our approach. We combine experience with empathy, giving clients the information, strategies, and confidence they need to make smart financial decisions. I’m proud that our firm isn’t just about numbers; it’s about building relationships, supporting dreams, and empowering people to succeed.

For anyone considering working with us, I want them to know this: we’re not here to overwhelm you with jargon or paperwork. We’re here to simplify, clarify, and help you achieve your goals- whether that’s growing your business, preparing for a major life change, or just finally feeling on top of your finances. At Forbes & Associates, your success is our priority, and we treat every client like the unique individual or business they are.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What helped build my reputation in the market is a mix of experience, consistency, and genuine care for my clients. Over the past 20 years, I’ve worked with a wide variety of businesses and individuals, which gave me the technical expertise to solve complex financial challenges. But expertise alone isn’t enough, I’ve always made it a priority to communicate clearly, provide actionable guidance, and treat every client as a unique partner rather than just a number on a spreadsheet.

Word-of-mouth referrals have been huge, because clients trust that I’m reliable, knowledgeable, and truly invested in their success. I also stay engaged in the business community, staying current with trends and regulations so clients know they can depend on me for accurate, up-to-date advice. At the end of the day, I think my reputation comes down to integrity, results, and showing people that I care about more than just their finances, I care about their goals and growth.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The biggest driver of growth for Forbes & Associates hasn’t been flashy marketing, it’s been relationships. I focus on really understanding each client’s unique challenges and goals, then delivering results that make their lives easier. When that happens, they tell their friends, colleagues, and business partners, and referrals start to snowball.

I also make a point to stay active in the business community, sharing knowledge, attending events, and being accessible. At the end of the day, clients stick around and bring others because they trust that we care about their success as much as they do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.forbesanassociates.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forbesanassociates