This month, we’re thrilled to feature Dennis Gonzalez, a dedicated tax professional registered with the state of California to prepare taxes, and valued member of our Trusted Business Partners community. His journey provides valuable insights into entrepreneurship and the profound impact of effective small business networking. Dennis’s story is a testament to the growth and support found within TBP.
The Path to Purposeful Accounting
Dennis Gonzalez embarked on his entrepreneurial journey in 2009. After gaining experience at several CPA firms, the last of which had him building his own client base, taking the leap felt natural. “Since I already knew how to get clients, it felt like the right time to go out on my own,” Dennis recalls. While he quickly learned that running a business involved much more than client acquisition, he adapted and thrived.
His gravitation towards accounting was almost serendipitous. “I always seemed to get put in accounting roles,” he shares, “even when I was working in my dad’s construction business.” This continued through college internships. Dennis found satisfaction in helping people with a task many found daunting. “People appreciated the help, and I felt good about that… I didn’t mind it and was good at it, so I just kept going with it.”
A pivotal ‘ah-ha!’ moment redefined his approach. He realized clients didn’t just want tax savings; they craved understanding. He recounts a client who owed thousands but after time with him, he left feeling content because he understood why. Conversely, another client was distraught over a few hundred dollars until Dennis took the time to explain the situation to them. “That moment stuck with me,” he says. “Everyone deserves to understand their situation.”
Resilience, Systems, and the Start of Small Business Networking
Like any business owner, Dennis has faced periods of overwhelming stress, particularly during the tax season. “I deal with hundreds of clients, and it’s usually just a few that cause the most stress,” he admits. These challenging times, however, honed his perspective, reminding him that “the overwhelming majority of clients are good people I enjoy helping.” This focus keeps him motivated.
His advice to fellow professionals is rooted in progress and preparation. “Start with the end in mind, know where you want to be, and if you’re moving closer to that, keep going.” Critically, he adds, “Don’t wait to build systems. Even if you’re small, think big. Build your systems as if you had a thousand clients.” This proactive mindset in creating processes for onboarding, training, and, importantly, small business networking, paves the way for future freedom.
Dennis initially built his clientele through direct sales methods, such as cold calling. While these taught resilience, small business networking presented a more collaborative path. “Instead of trying to convince people to work with me, I was meeting professionals who already knew people that needed someone like me,” he explains. This shift towards mutual support and referrals transformed his business growth.
Finding a Home with Trusted Business Partners and Small Business Networking
His entry into Trusted Business Partners was a story of loyalty. When a proposed merger threatened his existing position in his networking chapter because of a category conflict, the chapter chose a different path. “Instead, they turned down the merger and formed TBP,” Dennis shares. “That loyalty meant a lot to me, and I’ve been loyal to TBP ever since.”
This experience underscores the TBP philosophy: we are a select group of trusted professionals committed to valuable connections. Our exclusivity—one business per profession per group—ensures maximum exposure. TBP fosters strong relationships through structured, vibrant small business networking groups, enabling members to expand their networks and build thriving businesses through qualified leads and referrals. It’s about creating a trusted networking family dedicated to mutual success and community impact.
Dennis lives by the “Be, Do, Have” mantra: “Be the person you want to be now. Do the actions that person would do. And eventually, you’ll have what they have.” This proactive approach to personal and professional development aligns perfectly with the TBP spirit of growth.
Grow with Dennis and TBP
Dennis is currently offering a free consultation, including a tax planning session, for any self-employed professional referred through TBP—a fantastic opportunity to optimize your business structure. Stories like Dennis’s highlight the power of connection and shared expertise within our community.
We encourage you to share this inspiration with others who could benefit from exceptional small business networking.
