I had the pleasure of speaking with Chris Papin, CPA and attorney, on this inspiring episode of the CPA Career Paths podcast. Chris shared how his career evolved from working at a law firm to launching multiple businesses—including his own CPA firm, law firm, and an insurance company—all while staying grounded in his values: family, community, and service.
🎯 Key Highlights from Our Conversation
- Built a unique hybrid career as a CPA and attorney
- Runs multiple businesses with his family
- Grew up in an entrepreneurial household
- Advocates for strong networking and community service
- Supports the next generation of professionals through mentorship and coaching
Choosing Entrepreneurship and Family First
Chris spent over seven years at a law firm before deciding it was time to build something of his own—with family at the core.
“We all have offices 100 yards from one another—mom’s here, my brother’s here… You always hear about not doing business with family, but I might be the exception.”
He wanted to create a business model that blended his legal and accounting expertise, while keeping his loved ones close. Today, his integrated approach serves clients with estate planning, tax, and advisory services under one roof.
The Power of Community and Networking
When I asked Chris about the resources that helped him along the way, he emphasized the real-world power of networking.
“You don’t know who’s going to be the resource you need until you need them.”
He’s a huge advocate for getting involved with state societies and professional organizations like the AICPA. These networks, he explained, are often more valuable than paid consultants because their mission is to support CPAs.
Working With Family: Lessons and Challenges
Chris opened up about the emotional dynamics of running a business with his mother and brother. His mom, a retired mental health counselor, shaped his emotional intelligence from a young age—a critical skill in handling client conversations.
“Money and emotion are directly connected. If you think otherwise, you’re nuts.”
While he’s grateful for the support, he’s honest about the communication challenges. “Sometimes we’re speaking two different languages,” he said. “We hit pause and pick it up another day. That’s okay.”
Business With Purpose
Chris’s firm intentionally seeks out clients who care about more than just profits. He calls it “business plus”—clients who also want to uplift their families and communities.
“The most important thing we said today? We’re on the same team. There’s plenty of work and plenty of clients to serve.”
This mindset of abundance, not competition, also shows up in how he refers clients to other CPA firms and supports peers in the profession.
Life Beyond the Office
Despite wearing multiple hats, Chris still finds balance. He enjoys yoga, hikes with his German shepherd, and for the past 24 years, he’s coached a middle school soccer team—just for fun.
“You can’t be on the field with 12-year-olds without focusing on them. It’s a great mental break.”
Final Thoughts
This episode reminded me of how interconnected success, family, and community truly are. Chris’s story is a powerful example of carving your own path while giving back—and proves that with the right mindset, resources, and relationships, anything is possible.
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