Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is chartered accountant Daniel DiManno, who has some very valuable advice to share with other young professionals looking to take the plunge into entrepreneurship. Find out in today’s profile…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I make any entrepreneur’s life easier to manage! I am their “go-to” person for all things business-related.
As a chartered accountant, I provide professional advice to business owners and their families, helping their businesses grow and allowing them to become successful.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
Business and finance always intrigued me, but I could never narrow my focus to one specific industry. Having an accounting practice allows me to interact with business owners from every industry imaginable, including technology, real estate, entertainment, hospitality, manufacturing, and retail, just to name a few.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The Best Part:
Working side-by-side with and helping entrepreneurs as they navigate and work through the big and small challenges of running a successful business, from start-up right through to retirement or sale.
The most challenging:
Running an accounting, tax and business consulting practice is a people business (believe it or not) and managing client personalities is sometimes a challenge.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Managing a successful accounting and business consulting firm while further developing my second passion, designing and building custom homes.
What does success look like to you?
Currently: Waking up each day knowing you are helping others while benefiting yourself at the same time. Everyone wins!
Later on: Having the option to retire early and choosing not to because you enjoy your work-life balance.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Obtaining my CA designation.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Don’t be afraid of failure, be honest and realistic with your goals, and learn from everyone around you, at all times. That includes the good, the bad, and the ugly.
If you’re considering entrepreneurship within your profession, just note the challenges you face currently at work will be amplified more than you can ever imagine when you’re on your own.
But the benefits are worth the risk and effort.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Hats On For Awareness in support of CAMH. I was introduced to the founders of this organization in 2010, and after hearing their story and reasons for starting the organization, I was eager to help as much as I could. Please learn more here.
Describe your ideal retirement: how old will you be and how do you plan on spending your retirement years?
I’m not sure I ever plan on fully retiring; I don’t know too many CAs that do.
I hope to build a successful business with a competent staff and partners that will allow me to continue working at my own pace, giving me free time to enjoy some of my hobbies.
What are you looking forward to most about retiring?
Having the freedom to pick up and go wherever you want, whenever you want.
What to you is notable?
A successful, hardworking entrepreneur who is willing to give everything they have towards achieving their goals without ever compromising the relationships and people around them.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
I reluctantly gave up my BlackBerry for an Android phone recently.
