Mentors Matter

As the recruiting season is well underway, I can't help but think about my first accounting internship, and where my accounting journey truly began. It was with Dr. Al Hopkins, CPA of Buckley & Hopkins in Forsyth, Georgia. Growing up in a small town working at the nicest restaurant in the city when you declare your major word travels quick. I remember receiving a call from Mr. Al and speaking with him for a few minutes. It resulted in me going to see him the very next day. I remember sitting in the conference room talking with him and meeting team members that were in the office that day. In the end, I remember him saying, “We will see you the first week in January, Joshua.” I had my little office, and he could see me directly from his desk. That semester I learned and grew and I began laying my foundation as a young professional. I had the opportunity to truly learn, be mentored and be challenged to be the absolute best professional I could be. I got to watch him interact with clients who had been his client as long if not longer that I had been alive. Mr. Al instilled from day one to invest in clients, actively listen to clients and always look for opportunities to help clients. Every Friday I sat in a chair right in front of his desk and received feedback (good and my opportunities for growth) from the returns I had completed that week. I grew each week I was there. In the picture above I remember standing in that very spot asking a million questions about Ultra Tax, why we did this, and how do you that. Whenever I am in town, I always make an effort to stop by and sit in that same chair, and I still manage to get an earful of advice each and every time I visit. As I continue my journey through working towards being a CPA and growing as a professional, I often think about that semester. I am very thankful for Mr. Al for giving me my first accounting opportunity.