“Because of the powerful benefits that KepnerCPA and I have personally received from MindSmarts, this is my Legacy Calling.”
— Kep Kepner, Sr. Partner – KepnerCPA, Owner of MindSmarts
The Challenge: The Trusted Advisor’s Dilemma
For years, Kep Kepner, Sr. Partner at KepnerCPA, observed a recurring pattern among his clients. Many were brilliant entrepreneurs who were nonetheless “stuck or trapped in their business.” As a trusted advisor, he provided high-level financial and tax guidance, but he recognized a deeper issue that balance sheets couldn’t solve. His clients needed a fundamental shift in their thinking to break free from operational gridlock and unlock their business’s true potential.
“I tried many actions to encourage change by these clients,” Kep recalls. This realization led him on a quest for a more effective solution—one that could address the root cause of entrepreneurial stagnation. His search brought him to the Center for BrainHealth at the University of Texas at Dallas, where he discovered the science behind high-performance thinking.
The Shift: Discovering a New Toolkit for Growth
At the Center for BrainHealth, Kep learned that strategic thinking isn’t a fixed trait, but a skill that can be developed. Their extensive clinical research proved that anyone can literally grow their brain and become smarter with the right training. He saw the immense potential of this SMART training to help not only his clients, but also his own firm.
“I took the training. It was so impactful that I had my staff take the training,” he says. This decision marked a pivotal moment for KepnerCPA. The firm began integrating brain-based principles into its advisory services, equipping the team with new tools to foster genuine, lasting change for their clients. MindSmarts became the key to moving beyond traditional accounting and becoming true strategic partners.
The Bigger Picture: Elevating the Role of the CPA
CPAs are relied upon for their ethics, knowledge, and objectivity. However, Kep recognized an opportunity to deepen these relationships. By introducing MindSmarts, KepnerCPA could offer something more valuable than financial oversight: a clear path to enhanced decision-making, strategic clarity, and business resilience.
“MindSmarts strengthens our important client relationships,” Kep explains. It allowed his team to provide a unique combination of financial acumen and brain-based coaching, helping business owners gain the objectivity and perspective needed to navigate complex challenges. The impact was immediate, with clients confirming that “all businesses should have the training.”
The Result: Measurable Growth and a Reclaimed Vision
The implementation of MindSmarts within KepnerCPA yielded extraordinary, quantifiable results. The firm wasn’t just advising on growth; it was experiencing it firsthand. Kep found that his own leadership transformed, allowing him to work more strategically and efficiently than ever before.
“My decisions today are far better on behalf of my company, more strategic and long-term in our profession. What a great ROI,” he states.
Outcomes:
- Increased firm sales by 25%
- Doubled company profits
- Saved 30%-40% of time running the practice
- Enhanced strategic decision-making across the firm
- Strengthened client relationships and advisory value
Final Thought from Kep:
“For KepnerCPA, our sales went up 25%, our profits doubled, and I saved 30%-40% of my time running an active CPA practice. As we get older, we begin to ask how we will be remembered. I want to be remembered for bringing this concept to the small business community. This is my Legacy Calling.”
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