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

Hi Joe, how do you think about risk?
I read something the other day, a tree was planted in a biodome, protected from the environment and given the perfect balance food, water and sunlight. The tree grew quickly and was very health. When the dome was taken out, the tree fell almost immediately. This was due to the lack of wind when under the dome. The tree never developed strong roots, because it was never under stress.

Risk produces pressure, and pressure produces strength, too much pressure without a break, though, will cause a break. Risk is necessary to take, and/or to put a company under pressure when the time is right. For example, when I started my company I took the risk that, I was making just enough money to pay the bills to be able to quit my job, if I lost one client (of my 7) and could not replace them, I was going to let my family down. I had no safety net and that pressure allowed me to double the size of my company within 6 months. It was a very difficult time, but it was necessary. Without the risk, without the pressure, I would not have a company today.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The path was not easy, however, the strategy was incredibly simple. I have spent many nights working past midnight, some days waking up at 2:30AM because I could not sleep and had very high priority work that needed to be complete. However, I always took the approach of a go-giver. How can I help my broker client and CPA firm clients. How can I help not only their businesses, but by helping their business I help their family. Always trying to go the extra mile with the mindset of helping them, not the mindset of “what’s in it for me.” With this approach, it is surprisingly easy to get long-term, great clients.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For a week long visit to College Station, TX, I would take my friend to downtown, Bryan preferably on a first Friday weekend to check everything out. We would also go down the The Cove and BearX and float the lazy river. Speaking of rivers we would definitely take a day trip down to the Frio or Guadalupe river to float as well. Sar Cinema Grill in College Station at Century Square is a must on a visit too.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Louana Paddock, my wife who has sacrificed and support me for these 2 years of business.

Michael Branton, tax accountant extraoridnare, we built our firms simultaneously and without him I would not have gained so much traction.

Will Hayes, financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual. He is a truly great friend and man, through his support, community, and referrals played a large part of where I am today.

Nathan Teinert, CEO of Graystone. For putting his trust and confidence in me and my firm to assist with his business empire who has become one of my closest friends.

Website: https://graystonecorporate.net/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/

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