What Hockey Tryouts Taught Me About Running a CPA Firm

Jacob Kamish grinding through Spring Break Camp 2023

Every spring, I watch my kids gear up for travel hockey tryouts. If you’ve ever been through it, you know the drill: the anxious players, the nervous parents, the whispered predictions in the bleachers, and the emotional rollercoaster that follows. It’s dramatic, stressful—and strangely enough, a perfect metaphor for what I experience running a CPA firm.

Let me explain.

1. Chaos and Uncertainty Are Inevitable—Preparation Isn’t

Tryout week is full of unknowns. Will your kid make the team? What position will they play? What’s the travel schedule? Parents trade theories like Wall Street tips. It’s a mix of strategy, hope, and barely controlled panic.

Sound familiar? It should. Every business owner I talk to faces similar uncertainty during tax season, financial planning, or audits. The rules change, expectations shift, and the pressure is high.

At our firm, we prepare our clients the way a good coach preps their team. We focus on fundamentals, planning, and poise—because once the puck drops (or the IRS comes knocking), it’s too late to wing it.

2. Drama Comes with the Territory—So Does Perspective

The emotions at tryouts run high. I’ve seen tears in the parking lot, silent car rides home, and parents ready to switch clubs over a coaching decision. It’s intense because it matters—and it’s personal.

Finances are no different. I’ve sat across from clients who feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or unsure what to do next. Money is emotional, especially when your business is on the line.

That’s why our job isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s about offering calm, experienced guidance when things get turbulent. We help clients see the big picture and make smart decisions, even when emotions run high.

3. It’s Not Just About Talent—It’s About Fit

Tryouts don’t just pick the most skilled kids—they build teams. Coaches look for chemistry, hustle, and the right attitude.

I take the same approach when working with clients. We’re not the right CPA for everyone—and that’s okay. We want clients who value a partnership, who are looking for more than just a one-time tax return.

We build long-term relationships, just like a great team builds chemistry over a season.

4. Success Happens Over the Long Haul

Making the team is only the beginning. What really matters is the work that happens after: practice, resilience, learning from mistakes.

That’s exactly how we think about financial growth. Anyone can file a return—but building a financially healthy business takes time, trust, and a consistent game plan.

Whether it’s proactive tax strategy, budgeting, or business advisory, we help clients improve over time. It’s not about one season—it’s about building a legacy.

5. We’re All on a Team—And You Deserve a Great One

Hockey parents, you know this: when your kid lands on a team with great coaching and great families, everything changes. The stress drops. The growth accelerates. The experience becomes fun.

That’s what we strive for at our firm. We want our clients to feel that same sense of “I’m in good hands.” Because you’re not just hiring a CPA—you’re joining a team that’s invested in your success.

Final Whistle

Hockey tryouts are dramatic, exhausting, and completely worth it in the end. The same can be said for running a business. If you’re looking for a CPA firm that brings structure, heart, and a game-winning mindset to your finances, we’d love to talk.

Because whether it’s on the ice or in the office—great preparation leads to great results!