Meet James Giacopelli

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful James Giacopelli a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

James, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

o I owe my work ethic to my father, He was the kind of person whose passion could light up an entire room. I’d stumble out of bed before the sun rose, still half-asleep I would walk down to his office, and there he’d be—hours into his work, with a smile so big that made you forget how early it was. He wasn’t just going through the motions; he genuinely loved what he did. Accounting was never just a job to him—it was an extension of who he was, and watching him pour his heart into every single client is what made me realize that true success is found in doing something you love. All too often people call their clients and co-workers family but he took it seriously he never forgot that every single one of his clients had a choice not to use him and that those who trusted him with their personal financial information made the right choice and would be treated as if they were his own family.
o Seeing this excitement daily I often naively asked myself, “Why doesn’t everyone work for themselves?” because from my vantage point, being your own boss meant waking up excited every morning, hand picking the work you get to do and working with all your friends and family. That’s a big part of why I became an accountant: I saw firsthand how rewarding it could be to help businesses thrive, and I wanted that sense of fulfillment as well. You don’t get to hide much from your accountant and because of that I have built some of the deepest friendships with my clients talking through some of their hardest moments from losing loved ones, family issues, hirings and firings and much more. I get to share the highest of highs with my clients like when they hit their first sale or that first million or even the lowest of lows when a loved one is lost or business has to close down. These are conversations people aren’t comfortable having with their closest friends sometimes but I’m the one you have to tell your crazy goals to and share those financial accomplishments because that only makes our plan for creating your best future stronger.
o When I left my job in the city to join him, my father and I would tackle tax seasons together, and no matter how hectic it got, he was there smiling, laughing, and reminding me that if you truly love what you do, it’s never work. Even in the hardest moments he still woke up excited to just be in the office. When he became ill, he still pushed through one more tax season unable to do much work but being in that office was what made him feel whole even if it was having that one last conversation with the client to catch them up on his grandkids and hear about their life.
o He taught me that the real mark of success is finding joy in the process, not just the end result. Every day I strive to wake up with a fraction of that energy and dedication he had.
o

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

• People don’t wake up excited about taxes. They don’t dream about financial planning. But they do dream about creating, building, and changing the world without the financial anxiety and stress. My job is to remove the obstacles that keep them from doing that.
• The people I work with aren’t in business just to make money. They didn’t choose their path because it was convenient, or because someone told them it was a good idea. They’re doing this because they can’t imagine doing anything else. It’s who they are.
• What I do isn’t just about numbers—it’s about giving them the freedom to focus on what matters most to them. To create without fear. To build without uncertainty. To do what they were meant to do, without financial complexity holding them back.
• Because at the end of the day, money is just a tool. And when it’s managed right and that stress is relieved, it disappears into the background so people can do the work that truly matters.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

• Working with the Right People
• Early on, you might have to take on clients who don’t fit your ideal mold—but as you grow, you gain the ability to be more selective. I always created a vision of my ideal client, ensuring that the people I work with align with my values and approach. The more intentional you are about choosing the right clients and the long term path, the more fulfilling and productive your work becomes.
• The Power of Compounding—Not Just Money, But Knowledge
• Compounding applies to more than just finances—it’s about knowledge accumulation too. Reading is one of the most powerful tools for growth, especially in finance, where the same principles often repeat but are presented in different ways. Sometimes, a concept doesn’t click when one person explains it, but the right phrasing from another source makes it all clear so the more you expose yourself to it the more comfortable it becomes.
• Finding Mentors—Learning from Everyone
• I believe in learning from every interaction—mentorship doesn’t always have to come from one on one interactions. Many people feel they need to personally connect with influential leaders, but the truth is, everything about them is already documented. Books, interviews, and case studies provide direct access to their insights.
• I also seek out mentors for different aspects of life. For example, Steve Jobs is a great inspiration for creativity and passion, but he wouldn’t be my go-to mentor for parenting. Over the years, I’ve built relationships with mentors in various ways, including through books and direct outreach. I always want to learn from the people around me and what they excel at.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

o I have so many favorite books—it’s been my secret weapon. I always ask people about the books that have impacted them because it tells you a lot about who they are. In today’s world, where people are constantly consuming short-form content through podcasts, social media, and quick videos, committing to a book requires focus, discipline, and a desire for deeper learning. That alone makes it a fascinating question.
o For new business owners—or really anyone looking to grow—I always recommend the following books:
o Joseph Michelli’s The New Gold Standard or Driven to Delight
 These aren’t just books about customer service—they’re blueprints for creating legendary brands. Through deep dives into world-class companies like The Ritz-Carlton and Mercedes-Benz, Michelli reveals the strategies that set them apart and, more importantly, how any business can implement the same principles.
 What makes his work so powerful is that it’s not just about improving service—it’s about creating unforgettable customer experiences. Michelli doesn’t focus on quick fixes or surface-level changes. He teaches how to build a culture of excellence, where anticipating customer needs before they even ask isn’t just a goal—it’s the standard.
 Even if you think your business already delivers great service, these books will challenge you to refine, innovate, and elevate. The best brands in the world don’t succeed by accident—they follow principles of deep customer connection, empowered teams, and relentless improvement. If you’re serious about setting your business apart, Michelli’s work isn’t just recommended—it’s essential
o Jesse Itzler’s Living with a SEAL
 It’s one of the most inspiring deep dives into mental toughness and pushing past self-imposed limits. Jesse, a wildly successful entrepreneur, doesn’t just talk about discomfort—he lives it. He hires a Navy SEAL (David Goggins, though unnamed in the book) to move into his home for 31 days and completely upend his daily routine. The workouts are brutal, the discipline is relentless, and the lessons are life-changing.
 But this book isn’t just about physical endurance—it’s about mindset. It’s about learning to embrace the uncomfortable, silence excuses, and build resilience in ways most people never consider. Jesse makes it clear that success—whether in business, fitness, or life—comes down to how far you’re willing to push yourself.
 Looking at Jesse today, his success seems larger than life—entrepreneur, endurance athlete, NBA team owner, and beyond. But Living with a SEAL strips it all down and shows you exactly what shaped him. It’s more than a story; it’s a blueprint for anyone who wants to level up and redefine what’s possible
o Jason Feifer’s Build for Tomorrow
 This is the ultimate playbook for navigating change—not just surviving it, but using it as fuel for your next big move. As the editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur magazine, Jason has had a front-row seat to the successes and struggles of some of the world’s most innovative minds. What he’s learned is that the most successful people aren’t the ones who resist change; they’re the ones who embrace it, adapt fast, and build something better because of it.
 This book breaks down the four phases of change—panic, adaptation, new normal, and Innovation—and shows you how to move through them with confidence. Whether you’re an entrepreneur pivoting your business, a professional navigating career shifts, or someone simply feeling stuck in uncertainty, Build for Tomorrow delivers a powerful mindset shift.
 What makes this book stand out is how actionable it is. It’s not just theory—it’s packed with real-world examples, stories from top business leaders, and practical strategies to help you future-proof yourself and your work. Jason makes it clear that change isn’t something to fear; it’s something to harness. If you’ve ever worried about what’s next, this book will show you how to turn uncertainty into opportunity and build the future you want—starting today.
• I’ve been incredibly fortunate to develop personal relationships with Joseph, Jesse, and Jason—three people whose work has profoundly shaped the way I think about business, resilience, and leadership. Their insights have not only influenced my approach but have helped me sharpen my vision in ways I never expected.
• But one of the most powerful things about books is that you don’t have to personally know someone to learn from them. You can sit down with the greatest minds in the world—entrepreneurs, athletes, thought leaders—just by turning a page. Books give you direct access to strategies, mindsets, and experiences that might otherwise take decades to learn firsthand.
• At the end of the day, reading has been one of my biggest competitive advantages, and I encourage everyone to build the habit—especially when it comes to subjects outside of their specialty. I’ve found that the most valuable lessons about growing my business haven’t come from within my industry, but from studying how other industries solve problems, serve customers, and innovate.
• The right book at the right time doesn’t just change what you know—it changes how you think. And the knowledge you gain doesn’t just stop with that book—it compounds, shaping the way you approach challenges and opportunities for years to come.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.JPGAccounting.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_giacopelli/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgiacopelli/