At Builders Tax Group, we’re more than just a tax and accounting firm - we’re your dedicated partners in financial success. As you explore our services, I’d like to take a moment to personally welcome you and share my story. Because writing about myself felt a little awkward and forced, I decided to conduct an interview with myself using ChatGPT. Here’s how it went.
ChatGPT: Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background in the tax and accounting industry?
Cody: A: I’m a Certified Public Accountant with over 12 years of experience working with construction businesses and their owners. I began my career in 2012 with what is now a Top 200 CPA firm. Over the years, I developed a passion for working with construction businesses, helping them navigate the unique financial challenges they face. After twelve years in public practice, I was bit by the entrepreneur bug and founded Builders Tax Group, where I can focus on providing tailored tax, accounting and advisory solutions to construction businesses. Outside of work, I'm a husband, having married my beautiful wife Evie in 2018. In 2020, we welcomed our daughter Juniper into the world. We recently started a family goal of visiting every National Park in the country.
ChatGPT: Q: What inspired you to start Builders Tax Group?
Cody: A: Throughout my career, I’ve felt a special connection with the construction industry. I think this stems from my family’s history with the industry. One grandfather was a union carpenter. The other was a welder. My dad built the house I grew up in. I’ve got uncles and cousins that are electricians, road builders, HVAC technicians, and mechanics. When I decided to start my own firm, it was a no-brainer to focus on the construction industry. More than any other industry, construction faces unique financial challenges that are often not fully understood by traditional accounting firms. I wanted to create a firm that truly understands the construction industry and can provide tailored guidance beyond just the basics.
ChatGPT: Q: What makes Builders Tax Group different from other accounting firms?
Cody: A: We specialize in working with the construction industry, which allows us to provide insights and strategies that other firms may overlook. The tax code is voluminous and ever-changing. By focusing our efforts on one industry, we can dive deeper into the rules impacting your business and the opportunities available to you. As a virtual firm, we have the capabilities of serving contractors across the country. You shouldn’t be limited to the firm down the street. We’re a young firm. 75% of CPAs are at retirement age. We are adapting to changes in the accounting industry, staying on top of developing regulations and technology, and creating a firm that will be around for years to come.
ChatGPT: Q: What are some of the biggest challenges construction business owners face when it comes to accounting and taxes, and how do you help them overcome these challenges?
Cody: A: One of the biggest challenges is over paying income taxes. The tax laws applicable to contractors are very nuanced and many opportunities are missed each year. Taxes are one of the largest expenses an individual will incur during their life and overpaying can magnify other challenges, such as cash-flow management. We take a proactive, hands-on approach with our clients, working closely to understand their business operations and financial goals. We want to hear from clients throughout the year, not just at tax time. We’re not just here to prepare tax returns; we’re here to help our clients grow their businesses.
ChatGPT: Q: What are some of the key values or principles that guide your work and the way you run Builders Tax Group?
Cody: A: We’re still defining our company’s core values and north stars. But the first iteration centers around intentionality, adaptability, and authenticity. To me, intentionality means making deliberate choices that reflect what is most important to me and drive me toward my personal goals. Charles Darwin said “the species that survives is the one that is able best to adapt and adjust to the changing environment in which it finds itself.” The same applies to businesses. In my 12 years in public accounting, I’ve witnessed immense change and with the rate of advancing technology, I can’t imagine what the profession will look like in 2 years, let alone another 12. I literally just had an entire interview with artificial intelligence. Lastly, authenticity is key in this profession. The CPA-client relationship is predicated on trust and if you’re not yourself, how can you become someone’s most trusted advisor. Contractors especially have a nose for BS and they’re not afraid to call you on it.
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