Meet Zachary Montgomery | Attorney & CPA

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zachary Montgomery and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zachary, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I believe risk is both something to strive for and avoid depending on the context. There is unnecessary risk and necessary risk. Unnecessary risk avoids pragmatic behavior and puts you in a bind due to errors in preparation, judgment, etc. Testing how fast your car can go during rush hour traffic certainly involves unnecessary risk. On the other hand, necessary risk embraces the unknown to push your limits and grow as an individual. Several phrases come to mind, such as: “no risk, no reward” or “I don’t want to be okay with just being okay.”

I believe we should constantly challenge ourselves to grow spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, and professionally. Growth in these areas involves some measure of risk. Unfortunately, I believe we let fear override our need to push ourselves. In a business context, the fear of failure, particularly for the entrepreneur, is particularly poignant.

Looking at my life and career, necessary risk was involved at multiple crucial points. For example, I wouldn’t have met my wife years ago had I not pushed myself to be a dancer in The Gift of Christmas, a musical production at Prestonwood Baptist Church. Believe me, I’m no Fred Astaire, but I wanted to do something I had never done before.

Similarly, I am now an entrepreneur and manage two different firms. I exchanged the “secure” employee position at a more established company for the “risk” of being self-employed. I’ve never worked harder, but I’ve also never spent so much time with my family and enjoyed the work I’m doing. I would consider necessary risk a friend on my journey.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I own and manage Provident Legal Counsel, PLLC, which is a law firm based in the North Dallas area. The primary practice areas include: federal tax planning and preparation; federal tax controversy and litigation; business planning, formation, and structuring; estate planning and probate; forensic investigations; real estate transactions; and ongoing business services and litigation.

Provident Legal Counsel is different in a number of ways. First, I offer free consultations to prospective clients. Second, the fees for my services are nearly all fixed fee arrangements to provide upfront transparency to clients. Third, I operate my firm based on my strong faith, so clients can be assured of my principles and integrity in all matters. Fourth, I work hard to capitalize on my background as an attorney and CPA to provide multiple viewpoints. Finally, my mission is to serve people because people are at the heart of my work. Accordingly, I work hard to ease the burdens of my clients and make their lives easier through my work and communication.

Hanging up your own shingle is not the most popular path, but I’m thankful my professional career ultimately led to starting my own firm. Clocking in and out as an employee always left me wanting more. I wanted to manage something that I created; I wanted to own and operate a business that would reward my hard work and incentivize me to keep pushing myself.

One of the biggest things I’ve learned and opportunities I’ve found is that relationships are absolutely key. As an employee, there is a sense of security because you may have a job whether or not you bring on a particular client. In that way, there isn’t necessarily an incentive to network and build relationships with people; frankly, some companies can work you to the point that you simply don’t have time to network. By starting my own business, I have found it so rewarding to be more involved in my community and to build relationships with new people each week. Everyone has a story, and it is nice to connect with people regardless of whether it’s a means to future business.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Generally, I would say it depends on how far we were willing to travel around Dallas, but I suppose that’s part of the adventure.

For general locales, I would say the Star and Grandscape and Legacy West.

For sports, I would want to go see a Dallas Cowboys game at Cowboys Stadium.

At some point during the week, we’re going to have to stop and get gas/snacks, so we might have to drive to the closest Buc-ee’s.

For food, there are too many choices. However, we would definitely need to get barbecue at Hutchins BBQ and perhaps a steak from Chamberlain’s or Al Biernat’s.

For activities, I enjoy the Dallas Aquarium, Dallas Zoo, Perot Museum (on adult nights), and the Texas State Fair (in season).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I need to thank the Lord for His faithfulness and blessing, knowing I’m not deserving. The key personal and professional decisions in my life involved much prayer, and I am thankful for His guidance all along the way. Moreover, I’m thankful for the confidence I have in Christ because that naturally carries over to the various endeavors of my life.

Second, I want to give a special shoutout to my wife, Bethany. She is the most beautiful, hard-working, and organized person I know. She is the best mother to our daughter (soon to be daughters). I am thankful that she is a constant source of encouragement with unquestionable loyalty. She is my best friend who spurs me to be better each day. And, I’m thankful that she is not afraid to speak her mind and shoot me straight even when it’s not something I want to hear.

Website: www.providentcounsel.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/providentlegal/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-montgomery-jd-cpa-cfe-5351aa1a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Provident-Legal-Counsel/100090095253213/