Jul 10, 2025

Case Study: Jose’s Story — Building the Foundation of Ownership with the Right CPA Partner

Overview

Jose had always been around his father’s painting and remodeling business—working, helping, and learning. Growing up, his father would mention that one day the business would be his. Jose took his father’s words with a grain of salt and moved to Florida to pursue his education. After graduating, Jose struggled to find work in his preferred field. His father offered him a position at the company, and Jose reluctantly accepted. Unexpectedly, Jose was put in a position to take over his father’s business. In doing so, he leaned on the guidance of Sareen & Associates to not only survive but to grow and thrive. Jose’s story is one of overcoming adversity and staying resilient.

Challenges

After working in the business for a few years, in 2019, Jose’s father was diagnosed with cancer. As a result, Jose stepped up and took over as the sole business owner. Being an only child, he was responsible for transitioning titles, caring for his sick father, managing employees, and trying to obtain new business. Despite the emotional and mental toll, the business kept running during one of the most challenging times of Jose’s life.

“It was a daunting task. My uncles were working for the company and had some resentment about the fact that their nephew took over the business.”

Jose found it difficult to assert himself as the owner around his uncles, who had always been authority figures in his life. Now that the roles were reversed, he faced not only the pressures of leadership but also the complexities of family dynamics.

Turning Point

As Jose settled into his new role, he sought to understand the financial health of the company. He began asking questions and wanted to learn directly from his father’s CPA.

“Unfortunately, when I went to talk with them, I realized they were not able to provide me with the assistance I wanted. My father’s best friend, who is also a business owner, referred me to Sareen & Associates.”

Jose could have stayed with the CPA firm out of comfort and familiarity. But because they weren’t meeting his expectations, he made a bold decision to switch based on a trusted referral.

“As a student of the game, I needed to learn from an expert, and the experts at Sareen & Associates gave me the resources and guidance on how to grow my business.”

The Right CPA Matters

Since partnering with Sareen & Associates, the business’s back office has undergone a complete transformation. The Sareen & Associates team didn’t just offer advice; they implemented structural improvements and identified critical inefficiencies. One of the biggest changes was reevaluating Jose’s salary.

“It was not an easy pill to swallow. I was not aware that my actions were affecting the longevity of the company. But at the end of the day, they are more knowledgeable, they are the experts, and I trust them to give me advice to keep me in business.”

As Jose grew to trust Mr. Sareen and the team, he gained peace of mind knowing he had a reliable and dedicated CPA firm supporting his business. The relationship extended beyond accounting; it became a mentorship.

“With Mr. Sareen, I view him as a mentor. I always call or text when I need guidance, and he always responds as soon as he has time. He and his team always make themselves available because I needed and still need help.”

This level of dedication is what sets Sareen & Associates apart. Whether it’s helping a client refine their business strategy or guiding them through hard decisions, the firm is committed to client success across a wide range of industries. When asked whether he would recommend Sareen & Associates to other business owners, Jose said:

“Yes, I would recommend Sareen & Associates because they are thorough, experts, and willing to go the extra mile to get the job done. They want me to be successful as much as I want that for myself. They always say to me, the more I grow, the more they grow.”

Now, with the support of a trusted CPA firm, Jose’s company, LA & Brothers Inc., confidently scales its operations while continuing to build strong relationships with both residential and commercial clients.

If you are interested in exterior or interior painting, drywall or tile repairs, or other installations, please visit LA & Brothers, Inc. on their website: https://labrothersinc.org/ or call them: (703) 534-4557.

Make the Switch

Sareen & Associates is a CPA firm dedicated to supporting small- to mid-size businesses. We don’t just crunch numbers; we educate and guide each of our clients to ensure they meet their business and financial goals. If you’re a business owner looking for a CPA firm that wants to see your business grow, connect with us today to schedule a free consultation with a trusted Sareen & Associates team member. Email us at info@sareentax.com or call (703) 366-3444.