Free Advice from a CPA: Insights from Carlton

Carlton went from Big 4 to building small businesses—and now he’s sharing what he’s learned. Free advice from a CPA who gets it.

Not Just Theory—Real Advice from a Real Business Owner.

If you’ve ever wished you could sit down with a CPA and ask all your business and tax questions without worrying about the clock ticking, you’re in luck. Carlton—a Certified Public Accountant with experience at one of the world’s top accounting firms—has walked both sides of the financial street: corporate and entrepreneurial.

Not only has he helped Fortune 500 companies make strategic financial decisions, but he’s also rolled up his sleeves and built three small businesses from the ground up: a successful Turo fleet, an Amazon FBA store, and his latest venture, a bookkeeping and tax advisory firm. Carlton understands the numbers and the hustle.

Here’s a taste of his no-nonsense advice—completely free:

1. Treat Your Side Hustle Like a Real Business—From Day One

Whether you’re renting out your car on Turo or flipping products on Amazon, Carlton says, “If it brings in money, the IRS considers it a business. So should you.” That means opening a separate bank account, keeping receipts, and tracking your income and expenses from the start. This will save you stress—and money—come tax season.

2. Don’t Wait to Set Up an LLC - Just ask a CPA

Carlton is often asked, “When should I form an LLC?” His answer: “As soon as you're serious about what you're doing.” An LLC helps separate your personal and business liabilities, makes your business more credible, and opens the door to smart tax strategies like the S Corp election (once the income supports it).

3. Know What You Can Write Off—And What You Can't

One of the biggest mistakes small business owners make is either missing deductions or taking ones they shouldn’t. According to Carlton, “If you use your car for business, your phone, your home office—those are all potentially deductible. But they need to be documented properly.”

He recommends working with a professional or at least reviewing your expenses quarterly to ensure you’re not leaving money on the table—or raising red flags.

4. Profit Isn’t Just What’s in the Bank

Many entrepreneurs confuse cash flow with profit. Carlton breaks it down this way: “Just because you have money in your bank account doesn’t mean your business is profitable. Look at your financials regularly.” That’s where bookkeeping comes in—not just to help you pay taxes, but to help you make better decisions.

5. You Don’t Need to Do It All Alone

As someone who has juggled launching multiple businesses while advising others, Carlton’s most valuable advice is simple: “Focus on what you're good at. Then get help with the rest.” Whether that means hiring a bookkeeper, a virtual assistant, or a CPA for tax strategy, investing in support can help you grow faster and avoid costly mistakes.

Need Help? You Can Now Book Time with Carlton

For a limited time, Carlton is offering 1-on-1 business and tax consultations for just $100/hour—no strings attached. Whether you’re just getting started or scaling your business, you’ll get clear, actionable advice from someone who’s been in your shoes.

Schedule Here

Final Word: Carlton blends corporate-level insight with real-world entrepreneurship. His advice isn’t just theory—it’s built from experience, tested in the trenches of small business ownership. And now, it’s available to you.