Today we’d like to introduce you to Robin Johnson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
25 years ago I was working some mid-management job for some corporation that no longer exists, I worked for my family business, and four other part-time jobs. Those part-time jobs were for extra cash and sadly, they were actually my social life. Sounds pretty pitiful, right, no, it was all good.
I learned a lot about business. I learned a lot about what not to do and mostly learned that I needed to know more.
23 years ago I met a guy, figures, right? Not just any guy, but the absolute love of my life. Turned out besides him becoming my husband, he became my mentor in the field of tax and accounting and pushed me to continue my education for my bachelors in business.
He was a Senior Partner in a CPA firm and then we went out on our own. Our firm grew because of the abilities he possessed, from teaching at the Cal Society and a Peer Reviewer, to being a senior level practitioner with a specialty in Non-Profits. His passion for accounting and order, along with a lot of hard work, made me the accountant who I am.
January 1, 2012, I lost the love of my life to a drunk driver.
I had no time to grieve, I hit the ground running and jumped right into tax season full force. Since then, I’ve been running full steam, working on growing the firm, taking every opportunity to learn more and do more for my clients.
Has it been a smooth road?
This road to where I am now has not been easy. I didn’t come from a financial background, As a matter of fact, my background was much more right brained and artsy. Although I am really organized and I live a pretty structured lifestyle, kind of in a box and compartmentalized; event planning and floral design were my passions and businesses that I owned when I first got married. I didn’t really understand things like profit margins. Back then, it was more the challenge of doing the job and crushing the event. If I had cash in my pocket when the event was over I was so happy.
Until you are in the field of accounting, you don’t realize that it is not all about preparing the event, It is knowing and understanding how the profit is made, the costing and the analysis. All of these things, were so foreign to me.
I learned that upstart business consulting was a challenge. People that want to open or start up new business have these amazing ideas in their head. Their research (or not) gets them to the place where they are up and running and quite often, slowly sinking.
They go about this venture without consulting an attorney, an accountant or even a business consultant. By the time they have reached out to me, their books are messed up or their businesses are having problems and need help to figure out what to do.
However, some are unwilling to make the changes that are recommended to save them and it is sad and frustrating.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with C.G. Johnson & Company – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
C.G. Johnson & Company is a full-service accounting firm. Business startup, accounting, tax preparation for Individuals, Individuals with businesses, Partnerships and Corporations. I currently handle some property management as well as personal management. I have clients that have stayed with me and I have known them for over 20 years
I take a vested interest in my clients with a very hands on approach to take care of their needs. I am approachable and available. My clients are not just a number to me. Their lives really do matter to me. I meet some of the most amazing people by accident, with or without accounting or tax issues, I’m always happy to be of service.
The geographical area that covers my clients is the San Fernando Valley to the OC and Pasadena to Santa Barbara. Technology makes it easier for me to help my more remote clients, but I still get out and visit most of them pretty regularly.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Long Beach, what is not to like. This is the place where I chose to move to feel closer to my heart. The people are friendly, the businesses really make one feel welcome when you come in to their establishment, even if today you didn’t buy anything. I feel like a part of my community. I make a point of trying to remember the people I meet, but sometimes it isn’t always easy.
I love that I can ride my bicycle or walk most places, Parking is kind of a problem, especially for my clients, so I go to see them mostly.
Big dislike, I’ll have to get back to you on that.
Contact Info:
- Address: 210 E. 3rd Street, Long Beach, CA 90802
- Website: www.CGJAccounting.com
- Phone: 818-990-6529
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cgjohnsonaccounting/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/tow_fin
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cg-johnson-and-company-long-beach-4
- Other: http://cgjaccountingblog.com
Image Credit:
Robin Johnson
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