In Episodes #36 and #37 of the CPA Career Paths podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Chris DeBlanc, a seasoned CPA with an awe-inspiring story. From playing lead guitar in a rock band to leading Marines in combat and eventually building his own CPA firm, Chris’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of growth. In this blog post, I’ll share key highlights from our conversation and actionable advice for aspiring accountants seeking to carve their unique paths.
1. A Rocker Turned Marine
Chris’s journey began far from the world of accounting. “I played lead guitar in a band for eight years,” he shared. But when the band fell apart, life took a turn. Seeking stability, he joined the Marine Corps in 2001, a decision that would define much of his early adulthood.
“I was in boot camp when September 11th happened. That moment changed everything,” Chris said.
During his time in the Marines, he deployed to multiple countries. These experiences taught him leadership, perseverance, and discipline—qualities that later became invaluable in his accounting career.
2. Discovering Accounting in the Middle of Chaos
Oddly enough, it was a book that sparked Chris’s interest in accounting during his deployment.
“My commanding officer gave me Rich Dad Poor Dad, and it opened up a world I didn’t know existed,” Chris explained.
The book’s focus on balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow intrigued him, setting him on a path to pursue an accounting degree after leaving the Marines.
3. Overcoming the Challenges of Being a Non-Traditional Student
Returning to college as a veteran was not without its challenges. “I felt out of place,” Chris admitted. Yet, his laser focus helped him stand out.
Juggling Full-Time Work and School: Chris worked at Lowe’s while taking a full class load. “I woke up at 4:30 a.m. and went to bed at 11 p.m. It was tough, but nothing compared to the Marines,” he said.
Meeting His Wife in Class: Chris met his wife, also a CPA, in cost accounting class—a silver lining to his rigorous schedule.
4. Starting in Public Accounting and Pivoting
After graduating, Chris entered public accounting, where he gained exposure to various aspects of the profession, from tax to audits and reviews. However, he quickly realized audits weren’t his calling.
“The key to success is finding out what you don’t like and stopping it,” Chris emphasized.
His early experience at smaller firms gave him a strong foundation, allowing him to build expertise in tax work and financial planning—areas he later specialized in.
5. Taking Risks to Achieve Financial Freedom
To pay off $100,000 in student loans, Chris took a bold step: returning to Iraq as a private security contractor. This unconventional move provided the financial freedom to clear his debt and start anew.
“I even started a small tax prep shop in the desert,” Chris revealed.
This entrepreneurial venture planted the seeds for his future as a business owner.
6. Building His Niche and Becoming a Business Owner
Chris steadily narrowed his focus to wealth management and advanced tax planning, leveraging his CPA background to deliver comprehensive services to high-net-worth clients. In 2020, he took the leap to acquire his own CPA firm, integrating wealth management into his offerings.
“The CPA firm and the wealth management practice complement each other. It’s about creating value for clients—not just saving them $10,000 a year in taxes but millions over a lifetime,” Chris explained.
7. Finding Balance in a Busy Life
Running two businesses while raising two young children with his wife, a senior manager at Deloitte, is no small feat. Chris shared candidly about the importance of prioritization and teamwork.
“We live by our Outlook calendars. It’s not romantic, but it works,” Chris joked.
He also emphasized making time for personal hobbies like cycling and kayaking, noting that life is about more than work.
8. Volunteering and Giving Back
Chris is heavily involved in the AICPA, where he helps organize events and moderates sessions.
“Volunteering not only lets me give back but also keeps me at the forefront of industry trends,” he said.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring CPAs
- Chris’s journey offers invaluable lessons:
- Embrace Change: Life rarely goes as planned. Adaptability is key.
- Focus on Your Passion: Identify what you enjoy and steer your career in that direction.
- Work Hard and Smart: Success requires a mix of determination and strategy.
- Invest in Yourself: Whether it’s a conference or a certification, continuous learning pays off.
Chris’s story is a powerful reminder that there is no single path to success in accounting. Whether you’re just starting out or considering a pivot, take a moment to reflect on your goals and take deliberate steps to achieve them.
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Until next time, keep thriving!