Studio Origin Story: Austin Malone, CPA
I started working in accounting in 2020 and worked at Inuvo, Intuit’s QuickBooks, BKD CPAs and Advisors, and Fair & Company CPAs. I’ve been a serial entrepreneur my whole life, so as soon as I got licensed, I knew I’d be looking to go out on my own.
I finally pulled the trigger and quit my job in December 2022 (against the advice of my entire family). When I went out on my own, I was having a hard time. I was in the process of splitting up with my partner of five years, and that meant finding a new place to live and changing my business address. (I’d been working from home from Jan-May of 2023).
I didn’t like having my clients know where I lived, and I felt guilty charging market rates because I didn’t think I was a “real business.” Silly, I know.
I’m not sure what happened, but as soon as I moved, I found it almost impossible to get anything done from home. I had contract gigs going with big firms but was struggling to find balance between my real workload with the chores around the house.
Austin Malone, CPA.
I decided to tour The Studio and think it over. I made sure that Connor (the community manager) knew I was aloof and uncertain. My cash flow was pretty tight, and I wasn’t sure that I could justify the cost. But after trying to work from home again… I signed up myself within the week.
Studio Members left to right: Yennifer Lopez, Jessica Jones, Jessica Crum, Rachel Lovelace
On my first day at The Studio, I made sure to introduce myself to members Rachel Lovelace, owner of Young Designers Academy, and Jessica Crum, owner of Silverlake Design Studio.
They were super welcoming, and the first business-owner “friends” I’d made.
And since joining I’ve made so many more business owner friends, colleges, and professional connections.
My business is growing, and I’ve been able to adapt the way I use the Studio as I’ve grown. I take some meetings in my office, but sometimes my office is a mess of paper work and boxes!
So when I’m meeting a client I’ll book a meeting room (free with membership!) since it’s easier than cleaning up my office.
Not to mention the receptionist greets my guests, offers them coffee and snacks, and then lets me know they’ve arrived.
The result: my clients get a great experience, without me having to hire, train, and pay for a receptionist who isn’t adding to the bottom line of my business.
One of 3 conference rooms available to members.
And I’m very I’m proud to say I no longer have any files in my home!
Get to know Austin!
I’m Austin Malone, I’m a CPA working with business clients, estates, and trusts to optimize their taxes, implement efficient accounting processes, manage/forecast cash flow, and supercharge their salability.
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