What is your name?
Wendy Karlon
What is your title?
CPA
What is your business name?
CPN Accounting
What is your website URL?
www.cpnaccounting.com
What is your LinkedIn URL?
linkedin.com/in/wendykarlon
How long have you been a Boston Business Women member?
2 years
Where are you based? How did you end up there?
Bolton, MA – I grew up on the North Shore of MA, and my husband grew up in Central MA, so this was a perfect in-between town.
Tell us more about your company! What do you do and what pushed you to start?
I knew from high school that accounting was my career path, completing an undergrad and MBA in Accounting. I worked over 20 years in corporate accounting, but as I advanced into management, I lost touch with what I loved about the career. The pandemic gave me the chance to reevaluate, and I decided to start my own business to directly serve clients. My mission with CPN Accounting is to empower women-owned businesses to manage their finances and profitability, so they can focus on doing what they love while staying independent and supporting their families.
How have you grown within your personal and professional life due to the success of your business?
Starting my business allowed me to be present for my three boys during the pandemic and grow the business at my own pace. I’ve learned many new skills, including marketing, website design, and tools, which helped me identify my strengths and know when to hire help.
What is your definition of success? How do you know when you’ve reached it?
Success is being able to independently take care of my family and myself while serving clients who need my services. By that definition, I’m already successful doing what I do every day from home.
What was one of your biggest challenges in business?
Defining my services and offerings. I’ve pivoted a few times over the years to create offerings that feel right for me and work for my clients.
How has being a Boston Business Women Inner Circle member positively influenced your life + business?
BBW has been the best investment I’ve made. It has allowed me to reach clients quickly and meet incredible people. At least 50% of my growth over the past year is because of the BBW membership.
Who is the woman behind your business? What does she like? How does she spend her free time? What does she value?
I enjoy bootcamps, walking outside, knitting, and spending time at my second home in York, Maine. We have a malamute, a yellow lab, a tuxedo cat, and several chickens. I also read, do crosswords, and Sudoku. I value a healthy balance of family, work, and personal hobbies.
What makes you stand out from others in your field? What do you do differently?
I take the time to personally speak with clients during an initial consultation to ensure we are a good fit. I am responsive, communicative, and provide a personal touch rather than just being a portal for tax forms. I am genuinely invested in my clients’ success.
Where can we keep up with you? What social media platforms do you use the most?
Facebook and LinkedIn