In the world of finance, where complexity often reigns supreme, Maddie Brown, CPA, is a seasoned veteran with over four decades of experience. As the Virtual CFO at Smashing Numbers, she has not only accumulated a wealth of financial knowledge but has also made it her mission to extend a lifeline to small businesses teetering on the brink of financial turmoil. 

Maddie embarked on her journey as a Certified Public Accountant in 1981, and from the very beginning, Maddie possessed a clear and unwavering vision: to assist small business owners in not only making money but also retaining it. She recognized an unsettling trend—too many small business owners, despite their hard work and dedication, found themselves struggling to turn a profit and unable to pay themselves a living wage.. For Maddie, this was a clarion call to action.  

In Maddie’s eyes, financial skills were an enigma for many, and the art of managing money remained a perplexing mystery for the majority. In a world where financial literacy was often scarce, Maddie was determined to make a difference. Her firm, Smashing Numbers, emerged as a beacon of hope for small businesses seeking in dire need of financial guidance. 

The staggering statistics painted a sobering picture—there were approximately 12 million women-owned businesses in the US alone worldwide, yet a staggering 88% of them were making less than $100,000 in GROSS revenue. Furthermore, less than 2% were achieving seven-figure success. Small businesses, often regarded as the backbone of economies, were crying out for assistance, and Maddie was ready to answer the call. 

Maddie observed a critical gap in the industry, where many CPAs were fixated on catering to million-dollar Plus enterprises, leaving those with less revenue in dire straits to fend for themselves. Maddie understood that success was not determined solely by the scale of a business. The same mistakes made at $10,000 could persist at $100,000 if the underlying financial fundamentals were not addressed.  

Guiding Principles for Making a Positive Impact 

Maddie draws most of her guiding principles from her mentor, Jack Canfield. She is deeply passionate about her work, knowing that it has a profound impact on people’s lives and contributes to making the world a better place. However, she recognizes that individuals in service industries this field often encounter unique financial challenges. 

These individuals are driven by a mission to create positive change and improve the world. They understand that their work has a ripple effect, benefiting many more individuals beyond those directly impacted. Despite their impactful work, many of them grapple with the discomfort of charging what they are truly worth for their services. This challenge arises from a strong desire to serve and make a difference, sometimes overshadowing the importance of financial sustainability in their endeavors. 

Aligning Aspirations with Action 

Maddie firmly believes that there’s nothing more crucial than defining what you want to do, who you want to be, and what you want to have. She starts by identifying these personal aspirations and then develops a strategic and profitable business plan that aligns with them. Maddie recognizes that, in reality, making a significant impact often requires financial resources. The more one can generate, the greater the potential to make a substantial difference in the world. Therefore, she emphasizes the importance of financial success as a means to amplify one’s capacity for positive change and contributions to society. 

Transforming Lives Through Financial Guidance 

Maddie often finds that clients seek her assistance during times of crisis. She shares the example of a coach who was earning $500,000 annually but was facing significant financial challenges, including substantial debt and minimal savings. Through dedicated effort and Maddie’s guidance, this individual was able to turn their financial situation around. They now own multiple properties, have substantial retirement savings, are debt-free, and can enjoy a lifestyle they love. Maddie provided the framework and accountability necessary for this transformation. 

When asked how this recognition impacts her approach to supporting clients and the broader small-business community, Maddie emphasizes that the recognition itself doesn’t alter her approach. She derives immense satisfaction from helping people and witnessing genuine transformation in the lives of small business owners. Her motivation remains grounded in her passion for facilitating positive change and financial well-being for her clients, regardless of external recognition.  

Seeking Financial Support 

Maddie’s advice to entrepreneurs who are deeply passionate about their creative endeavors but find themselves grappling with the financial aspects of their ventures is straightforward: Get help! She emphasizes that worrying about finances is neither a productive use of time nor energy. Instead, she encourages entrepreneurs to seek assistance, particularly from a certified public accountant (CPA) who specializes in their specific type of business. It’s crucial to find a CPA with whom they feel comfortable, safe, and can engage in regular conversations. 

Maddie underscores that if entrepreneurs don’t feel at ease talking to their financial support team, they should not hesitate to seek someone else who better aligns with their needs. There should be no room for shame, guilt, or judgment in the relationship with financial professionals. The goal is to establish a partnership that fosters open communication and allows entrepreneurs to focus on their creative passions while ensuring their financial well-being. 

Investing in Growth 

Maddie places a significant emphasis on investing in professional development and coaching, both for herself and her team. She believes that personal growth and leadership development are essential not only for self-improvement but also for inspiring and empowering others. In addition to personal development, Maddie recognizes the importance of staying updated on tax laws, which are constantly changing, and fulfilling the continuing education requirements necessary for professional licensing. This commitment to ongoing learning and growth is integral to her leadership philosophy and her dedication to providing the best possible service to her clients. 

The Success Principles 

Maddie acknowledges the profound impact of her work with her mentor, Jack Canfield. She holds his book ‘The Success Principles’ in high regard and considers it a valuable gift for every new client. She firmly believes that self-employment is an unparalleeda  classroom potent avenue for personal development, and it serves as a powerful catalyst for growth. In her view, achieving success requires a clear understanding of one’s goals and the courage to take decisive actions in pursuit of those goals. 

Maintaining Balance and Success 

In a fast-paced and demanding field, Maddie’s primary strategy for maintaining a sense of balance and well-being is delegation. She believes that delegation not only lightens her load but also inspires her team. Maddie places immense trust in her team and relies heavily on their expertise and capabilities. As mentioned earlier, she invests in her team by providing them with coaching opportunities that she believes would benefits and work experience that challenges them. 

Additionally, Maddie places great importance on time management and emphasizes the significance of one’s calendar. She views the calendar as the number one tool for achieving a healthy work-life balance. By effectively managing her calendar, she can allocate time to work on the business, rather than getting bogged down in the day-to-day operations of the business. This approach allows her to maintain a sense of control and focus in her fast-paced field. 

Empowering Clients to Realize Their Limitless Potential in Finance 

When contemplating the legacy or impact she aspires to leave on her clients’ financial and entrepreneurial journeys, Maddie underscores a straightforward yet powerful philosophy: it all begins with a clear determination of what one desires, followed by taking inspired and logical steps to realize those goals. She firmly believes that individuals can achieve, become, or acquire anything they set their minds to, emphasizing the importance of never settling for less. Maddie’s legacy is rooted in empowering her clients to recognize their limitless potential and to pursue their dreams aspirations with unwavering determination. 

Smashing Numbers