Early in my marriage, my husband and I owned a small business that was growing out of control and we were not able to make ends meet.  We were clueless on what we were doing wrong and how to fix it.  We sought the counsel of a CPA firm who made promises to help us figure everything out.  They were expensive, but we felt it was worth the investment.  It soon became obvious that his monthly rate was too expensive to be sustainable and he was not providing the services and expertise we needed to keep our business going.  Sadly, with the economic effects of 9/11 and the lack of business analysis, we ended up closing our doors.   

 

At our last meeting with the CPA, I told him that he just hadn’t given us services and advice tailored to our business.  I asked him “How can I become an accountant who specializes in small businesses and give them the help they need?”  He was a courteous and kind gentleman and, after confirming I already had a college degree, told me “Just go up the road to UNCC and get your Masters in Accountancy.” 

 

I took the appropriate courses to get into the program, and fours years later I had my MACC.  Two years later I passed the final CPA Exam and received my NC Certified Public Accountant title. 

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And I am here today specializing in helping the small businesses we once were.  I wish I knew now what I didn't know then.  So I am offering my experience and knowledge to you.

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-Branden Chopelas