Meet the Founder

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Meet the Founder

Brian Amann, CPA, CGMA, CEPA · Founder, WorthWorx

I grew up in an entrepreneurial family, working alongside my parents, grandparents, and siblings in the family distribution business. We jokingly referred to evening dinner as “The Board” meeting.

I declared my major quickly in college, after getting my hands on the textbook for the first required accounting course — Accounting: The Foundation of Business Decisions. The possibilities of combining foundational accounting knowledge with business acumen were inspiring. I was hooked.

Since then, I've sat on both sides of the table — the accountant advising entrepreneurs and their businesses, and the entrepreneur betting everything on a business of my own.

To me, the most fascinating part of being an accountant and tax advisor is seeing how many creative ways people have figured out to make money. Along with that fascination came a deep frustration: the success rates of start-up businesses are anemic. The success rates of second- and third-generation businesses are higher, but not great. And most business transitions are unplanned, leaving significant dollars on the table. That fascination and frustration fueled my desire to dig deeper and serve clients better.

Along the way, I learned a few lessons that drive my work today:

A business is both a livelihood and an asset — and many owners focus only on the former. Both can be optimized.

A business has an obligation to the customers and employees who take a risk on us, the families who stand by us, and the stakeholders and communities that support us.

The best tax planning is coordinated with a clear vision and strategy for the business.

Above all, a business is a vehicle to help us achieve our personal goals.

I founded WorthWorx — an accounting and advisory firm purpose-built for entrepreneurs and the self-employed — to focus on the success of your biggest asset.

As you pursue your business ambitions, I hope you'll consider two principles:

  • Operate your business as if you will never sell it
  • Operate your business as if it is always for sale.

Focusing on both aspects of this paradox will reward you with a business that’s worth more and a business that’s worth keeping.