Contact Name: Grant Neilley
Business Name: Neilley & Co. CPAs
Business Address: 2720 Airport Dr, Ste 150 Columbus, OH 43219
Website: http://www.neilley.com
Business Phone: 614-418-1775
Business Description:
I work with business owners to move their business forward and achieve their personal goals through increased profitability, ease of operations, reduced stress, and more time available for family and community. As a CPA, I use my 40 years of experience working with hundreds of businesses, to help owners minimize taxes, understand what their financials are trying to tell them so they can make better decisions, and in general get “unstuck” from whatever is in the way between where they are now, and where they want to be.
What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?
During college, I wasn’t really sure what career I wanted to pursue, but I had an aunt who kept telling me I’d be a great accountant. I kept thinking, “Yuck! Boring!” But I finally relented and took one class… and much to my surprise, found out I really did enjoy and was good at it. I was so blessed to have someone in my life who had an insight to my skills and gifting. That really impressed upon me to never underestimate the power of a “passing comment” that you might offer to someone. While I started out doing traditional accounting and tax planning, those skill sets laid a foundation for me to help business owners be more successful and reach their full potential not just in business, but in life.
How did you come to faith in Christ?
I grew up in a Christian home, going to church every Sunday. But in my teen years, I was always uneasy about whether I was “good enough” to go to heaven when I die. My freshman year in college I read Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” That verse really clicked and the light went on… I don’t have to, and in fact can’t earn my way to peace with God. It is only by loving Him, trusting Him, putting my faith in Christ’s completed work on the cross, that I can have eternal life.
How does your faith impact the way you do business?
I am not in business to get ahead, make as much money as I can, have as many toys and luxuries as I can, or to build a multi-million dollar retirement account. I am in business to utilize the talents and gifts God has entrusted to me, to be of the most service to others as possible. Yes, I think certain financial rewards will come from doing that well, but money isn’t the driving factor for me. I feel personal fulfillment when I make a difference in other people’s lives; to me, that’s the indication I’m pursuing God’s purpose for my life.
What ministry/cause do you champion and why?
My first priority is supporting my local church and its various ministries. That includes a former pastor who is now seeing amazing things happen in India and Nepal (RunGlobal.org). Apart from many other worthy causes we also support, my wife and I have spent years volunteering as 4-H advisors because we’ve seen the life skills, work ethic and character those programs have built into our own kids and so many other children. We also enjoy supporting our State and National Parks because we are so often humbled and grateful for both the grandeur and the intricate design of God’s creation in these awe-inspiring spaces. We feel so refreshed and renewed after spending time in nature and want to help ensure others can continue to be inspired and drawn closer to God by experiencing them as well.