We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Corey G. Patterson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Corey G. thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump into the story of starting your own firm – what should we know?

The most important thing to consider when starting your own professional services firm is understanding who your client is and how you truly want to serve them. For me, service is never a transaction — it’s an investment in your client’s goals and success.

Building a firm requires more than technical skill; it requires intentional structure. You have to make sure every piece is in place to deliver your services in a way that reflects your firm’s values. For us, that means Clarity, Precision, and Accountability.

For young professionals thinking about launching their own firm, I always say — take the time to define your differentiator. There are plenty of professional service firms out there, but what will make your firm stand apart? That’s where your impact begins.

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.

My journey into the accounting profession began during my college years. At 18, I was a college basketball player whose passion revolved entirely around the game. My initial ambitions were centered on athletics — until I quickly realized that college also required me to study something beyond the court.

I chose accounting as my major because of the flexibility and optionality it offered. I appreciated that accounting could lead to a variety of career paths — whether in corporate finance, public accounting, private practice ownership, or simply building a strong foundation in the language of business.

As I matured through my college experience, I developed a genuine passion for the field. The aspiration to become a Certified Public Accountant soon followed. However, throughout the process of earning my credentials, I discovered that my true passion extended beyond numbers — it was about serving people.

I noticed that accounting was often viewed as an intimidating subject for many clients, and too often, professionals in the field struggled to communicate complex financial concepts in a way that clients could truly understand. I made it my mission to change that. My goal became to translate financial information into something approachable and actionable — so that clients didn’t feel led blindly by an expert, but rather empowered by one to achieve their goals through clarity, understanding, and trust.

That commitment laid the foundation for what we’ve built today: a full-service CPA firm offering Tax Compliance & Accounting, Consulting for NIL Athletes and Small Businesses, and Real Estate Services.

At the heart of our firm, every interaction is guided by three core values — Clarity, Precision, and Accountability. We want every client to feel comfortable, heard, and confident that their goals are on the right track.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

I stay in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty by recognizing that each client is unique — their goals, challenges, and aspirations all differ. Our firm takes a personalized approach to every relationship, ensuring that clients feel seen, heard, and valued beyond the numbers.

We make it clear from the beginning that our commitment extends far beyond traditional accounting services. If there is any way we can contribute to a client’s success — whether through strategic insight, resources, or connections — we make those tools available to them. Our goal is to position the firm as a true partner in their journey, offering guidance and support every step of the way.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The most effective source of new clients for our firm has consistently been referrals from our existing clients and individuals we’ve connected with through our community involvement. We take great pride in the fact that our relationships — both professional and personal — have become a bridge to new opportunities.

When people experience the value, integrity, and commitment that our firm provides firsthand, they naturally become ambassadors for our brand. Whether those connections are formed through professional collaboration or community engagement, each one reinforces the trust and credibility that continue to fuel our growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.CoreyGPatterson.com
• Instagram: @Corey.G.Patterson
• Facebook: @Corey.G.Patterson
• Linkedin: @CoreyGPatterson
• Twitter: @CoreyGPatterson
• Youtube: @Corey.G.Patterson