103: Dave Finklang flies his way to better client connections [podcast]

Dave Finklang achieved what most little boys only dream of – becoming a pilot. He flew for Chautauqua Airlines for several years before retiring to pursue his accounting career. Dave decided to pair his Aviation degree with a minor in Accounting because he grew up around a small business that his father and uncle owned, so he saw first-hand how accounting was used in making business decisions. In this episode, Dave and I talk about the direct correlation between being a pilot and a tax accountant, including how to manage people with different personalities, quick thinking skills, and the methodical nature of planning. Thinking ahead of his clients is not much different than thinking ahead of an airplane midflight. And it's allowed him to have a huge advantage when talking to clients. He said, "When you use your hobby as an ice breaker, it let's people remember you and differentiates you in the marketplace."