Chris Johnson, CPA, CCIFP

CJ CPAs

Chief Executive Officer

Generating Joy Co.

Pic2Print

Co-Founder

Slattery Perkins Ramirez P.C.

Audit Director

RSM US LLP

Supervisor

Padgett, Stratemann & Co., LLP

Supervising Senior

BKD CPAs & Advisors

Senior Associate

🌟CEO at CJ CPAs | Construction & 401k Auditor | Tech-Savvy Innovator 🌟

With over a decade of experience in the world of accounting, I'm dedicated to helping businesses in the construction industry and those requiring employee benefit plan audits navigate their financial landscape. In my role at CJ CPAs, my focus is on providing exceptional client service, fostering strong relationships, and utilizing innovative technology to deliver outstanding results.

I'm passionate about staying up-to-date with industry trends and embracing new technologies to create more efficient and effective solutions for our clients.

Outside of crunching numbers and analyzing financial statements, I'm a husband to my amazing wife Kimberly, father to two beautiful children, a jiu-jitsu hobbyist, tech enthusiast, avid YouTube learner, and a proud Texan. I'm always eager to connect with fellow professionals and share insights and ideas, so feel free to reach out!

7 Years Ago Today: The bullet that Kickstarted My Life

Seven years ago, 
an unexpected hunting 
accident left me with a bullet wound, but it 
also triggered a cascade of life-changing events. 

I got shot, 
and surprisingly, 
it set the pace for the most 
significant transformations of my life:

> 2 months after getting shot > Kimberly and I decided it was time to tie the knot

> 6 months after the proposal > we were married.

> 8 months after the wedding > we were expecting our first child

> 2 years later > our second.

> Another 2 years later > we took a leap of faith and started our own business.

While I highly recommend against getting 
shot as a method of finding clarity, 
it's undeniable that sometimes, 
life’s jolts can propel us 
into rapid action and 
decision-making. 

Listen closely—sometimes the universe 
is indeed trying to tell you something.

Here’s to the unexpected moments 
that redefine our paths. 

What’s your kickstart story?

#LifeChangingMoments #PersonalGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Family #life

This weekend, we celebrated my daughter's birthday with a cardboard box party

We built a huge maze from these simple boxes
 turning a gym into an adventure park.

The cardboard maze was not just fun;
it sparked imagination and proved
that great things can happen
with simple materials.

It reminded us of the endless
possibilities creativity holds,
even with the most
ordinary items.

Have you ever turned everyday
objects into something extraordinary?

I'd love to hear your creative stories!

#Creativity #SimpleJoys #FamilyFun

🌴✈️ #Ideas2Images Challenge: Getaway Edition! ✈️🌴

Happy Friday, travel enthusiasts! 

This week we’re exploring the theme of getaways!

🚀🏖️ How to Play:
1.  Describe Your Getaway: Tell us what makes this place a perfect escape. Is it the landscape, the culture, the culinary delights, or a cherished memory you made there?

2. Drop Your comment Below: Share your getaway spot in the comments. 

🖼️💡 Example to Spark Your Imagination:
"Picture a cozy cabin in the Canadian Rockies, 
where the only sound is the whisper of the 
wind through towering pines."

Let’s travel the globe through our stories 
and maybe discover our next vacation 
spot along the way. 

I can't wait to read about your favorite escapes!

Drop your descriptions below, 
and let’s bring these 
getaways to life, 
one story at a time!

#Ideas2Images #TravelTales #Wanderlust

🌟 Celebrating 37 Years of Love and Commitment: My Parents' Vow Renewal 🌟

This weekend was a momentous occasion 
in our family as we celebrated my 
parents’ 37th wedding 
anniversary and vow
renewal. 

My parents, 
who are actually 
my biological aunt and uncle, 
chose to adopt me when I was 10 years old.
(to give a little insight into the amazing people they are)

These aren’t a normal 37 years as they own 
a business together and spend the 
majority of the hours in the day 
within 50 yards of each other.

Probably well over 100 years of marriage 
when compared to the normal time 
spent together in a marriage!

They’ve exemplified what it means to maintain 
an unbreakable union, even in the face of 
challenges that came with raising three 
wild boys who often tested 
the boundaries.

What makes their relationship 
truly remarkable is their 
unwavering ability to 
present a unified 
front. 

Their long-lasting relationship has taught me 
that true commitment involves patience, 
understanding, and an unyielding 
commitment to grow together. 

Their incredible love and commitment 
shows us many takeaways that can 
help us all in many areas of life:

1. Commitment to Common Goals:
Unwavering commitment to shared goals, aligning all efforts toward long-term success.

2. Consistent Communication:
Effective communication builds trust, aligns teams, and resolves conflicts, crucial in both marriages and business environments.

3. Adaptability and Growth together:
Adapting together to changes, ensuring 
they evolve cohesively rather than apart.

They've shown us that love isn't just about 
riding out the storms but also about 
celebrating every sunrise together, 
knowing that each day is a new 
page in their shared story.

Here’s to my parents, whose love story 
continues to inspire and guide us. ❤️

#Family #Anniversary #VowRenewal #LoveAndCommitment #Parenting #LifeLessons

📚 From Struggling to Speed Reader: How I Read an Entire Book in under 2 hours! 📚

I've always struggled with reading. 
Maintaining focus seemed like 
an insurmountable task. 

In fact, over a decade ago, 
I purchased "The Willpower Instinct" 
hoping it would transform my reading habits
and ironically, never got past the halfway mark.

But something incredible happened recently...

I just devoured 3 books in 4 days! 
And I'm still reeling from the shock of it. 

Not only did I finish the books, 
but my retention of the content 
was surprisingly high.

So, what changed? How did I do it?

1. Dual Reading:
 I paired the traditional book with its audiobook counterpart.

2. Pace Acceleration: 
I began listening at 2.4x speed
to note, I've acclimatized myself
to faster listening over the years. 

If you're new, start slow; 
1.75x was tough for me early on
but I sped up as time passed and got easier 

3. Incremental Increase: 
Every 10 minutes, I bumped up the speed by 0.1x. 

This gradual increase helped my 
brain adjust without overwhelming it.

Before I knew it, I was engrossed, listening at
3.5x speed, and zipping through a 290-page book in less than two hours—all this while retaining most of what I read!

Result? 

On a single flight, I completed an entire book,
 something I previously would have laughed 
off as impossible for me. 

My previously record for reading 2 100+ page
books post college was probably 7 years

Now it’s 2 days 🤯🤯

I'm thrilled to share this method in hopes 
that it might inspire and assist others in 
their quest for knowledge and 
personal growth.

What about you? 

Have you tried any 
innovative methods to improve 
your reading habits or learning techniques? 

Let's exchange ideas and 
keep pushing our limits!

#ReadingHacks #PersonalDevelopment #LifelongLearning #100Mlead #alexhormozi Alex Hormozi

🎨✨ #Ideas2Images Challenge: Street Art Edition! ✨🎨

Happy Friday, art enthusiasts! 

This week everything will be "in the style of street art." 

Known for his bold, satirical, and often 
politically charged artwork, street artist  
has captured the imagination of the world. 
Now, it’s your turn to channel your inner street artist!

🚀🖌️ How to Participate:
1. Coment below: Tell us what your street art-style 
piece would look like. Is it a mural, a stencil, 
or an installation? 

What elements would you include?

2.  We'll use AI to transform your ideas into stunning images that echo street art style.

🖼️💡 Example to Kickstart Your Imagination:
"Imagine a mural depicting a robot planting flowers in an urban wasteland, symbolizing hope and renewal amidst desolation."

Unleash your creativity and let’s fill our feeds with 
art that makes people think and feel. 

I can't wait to see your revolutionary 
ideas transformed into powerful images!

Drop your descriptions below, and let’s 
make some unforgettable visual 
statements together!

#Ideas2Images #StreetArt #AIartistry #CreativeChallenge

Attending the AICPA EBP Conference this week

Excited and grateful for the opportunity to:

- Stay Current on the ever changing environment.

- Sharpen Our Skills by listening to industry leaders 

- Network with others that share our passion for serving our industry 

AICPA #EBP #audit #401k

How I Am Able to Post Every Day on LinkedIn: The One Thing Strategy

Consistency is key in building a presence on LinkedIn, 
and I've honed a strategy that allows me 
to post every day without fail: 

The "One Thing" strategy 💡

Each day, I make it my 
mission to find one insightful, 
interesting, or inspiring thing from my day

Whether it's an interaction, an idea, or a lesson learned,
 this one thing becomes the centerpiece of 
my post for the next day.

Here's how it works:

1. Daily Observation: 
Throughout the day, I keep my eyes open 
for that one nugget of knowledge or inspiration. 

It's become second nature to 
identify something impactful by day's end.

2. Drafting Early: 
I start drafting my post in the evening before posting, 
refining my thoughts and how I want to present them. 

This not only helps build my succinct writing skills 
but also ensures that my message is clear and engaging.

3. Future Posts List: 
On days when ideas overflow and I find 4 or 5 potential posts, I don’t let them go to waste. 

I add them to a "future posts list," 
ensuring a reservoir of content for busier days.

4. Occasional Repurposing: 
While I focus mainly on fresh daily content, 
I occasionally repurpose previous content 
when it's relevant and resonates 
with current discussions. 


For those looking to enhance their LinkedIn activity,
remember that it doesn't always have to be about 
creating grand, elaborate posts. 

Sometimes, the simplest observations 
or reflections can be the most 
relatable and engaging.

Do you use a particular strategy to 
maintain consistency in your posts? 

Share your tips and tricks—I'm always eager to learn more!

#LinkedIn #ContentCreation #PersonalBranding #DailyPosting

Reflecting on a Week of Learning and Innovation at the AICPA EBP Conference

This past week at the AICPA Employee Benefit Plans
 Conference was nothing short of inspiring. 

I’m returning with a wealth of knowledge 
and renewed enthusiasm for our industry’s future. 

Here are some of my key takeaways:

🚀 Inspirational Figures: 
The passions for their craft brought by presenters like  Marcus Aron, Eric Slack, and Kerri Franz, CPA (among many others!)was contagious. 

Their dedication to pushing our industry forward is a reminder of the impact passionate professionals can have.

One of my favorite moments was listening 
to Kelly Mann, CPA share her incredible 
story of preservence ❤️❤️

🤖 AI Integration: 
It’s clear that AI is no longer just a buzzword but a 
reality we’re embracing. The discussions around 
AI were more grounded and practical than ever, 
signaling real progress in how we integrate 
this technology into our workflows. 

🌟 Vendor Innovation: 
There are alot of cool products coming to market and 
improving. It’s exciting to see so many pushing 
the boundaries of what's possible, driving 
innovation that promises to 
reshape our industry.

🤝 Networking Opportunities: 
Connecting with peers and thought leaders, sharing ideas,
and building relationships was immensely rewarding. 
The collective expertise and openness in these
interactions were truly the highlight 
of the conference.

These insights are just the start. 

The challenge now is to translate this inspiration 
into actionable strategies that will benefit 
our clients and our practices. 

I'm hungry to get after it and make 
amazing things happen!

Has a conference or seminar ever significantly 
impacted your professional perspective? 

I’d love to hear about your experiences!

#AICPAEBP #Accounting #ProfessionalDevelopment #Innovation

The Worst Advice I Have Ever Received

Once, someone told me,
"Not everything has to be a lesson" 

I couldn't disagree more. 

That advice goes against everything 
I believe and how I view the world.

I see life differently:
Every breath...
Every moment...
They are all brimming with lessons.

Each second of our existence holds a lesson, 
waiting to be discovered. 

But the question is, 
are we ready to learn? 

Are our minds prepared to absorb 
the wisdom each moment offers?

Often, when we're not ready to face these lessons, 
the easiest path might seem to turn away, to 
claim, "Not everything needs to be a lesson." 

But that's a path of missed opportunities.

Life constantly teaches us. 

Every scenario, every interaction, is a classroom. 

It's on us to be perpetual students, to 
never shut our eyes to the growth 
and learning life offers.

Because in the grand tapestry of existence, 
every thread,
every color, 
every texture 
has something to teach us
—if only we choose to see it.

#LifeLessons #GrowthMindset #PersonalDevelopment #EveryMomentCounts

🦄✨ #Ideas2Images Challenge: Unicorn Wonderland Edition! ✨🦄

Happy Friday, everyone! 
Today is my daughters 5th birthday so we're 
diving into a world of magic with 
a Unicorn Wonderland theme!

🌈 How to Participate:
1. You comment: 
Type words below 👇. Anything will yield something awesome

2. We make it unicorn-ed: 
We'll automatically add "in the style of a unicorn wonderland" and run your exact words through Midjourney 

Excited to see what yall create! 

It will be a fun birthday gift for my daughter to run through your creations together tonight ❤️🦄

Drop your magical descriptions below, and let’s create a breathtaking unicorn wonderland together!

#Ideas2Images #Unicorn #AI #Midjourney #pic2print

Question: Why did I do 100 burpees at 12:38AM? 


Answer: Because I told myself I would but didn't do any in the previous 24 hours

I told myself that I was going to do 100 burpees that day. 

I worked hard all day 
Fulfilled my husbandly and fatherly duties. 
Busted my hump at the office to move the needle  

I closed the laptop lid after midnight and realized 
I hadn't done those 100 burpees

I was tired 
And could hear every voice telling 
me why its was okay for me to just go to bed

And then I heard the one that said, 
"Do not lie to yourself"

So I got down on the floor 
and got back up again 100 times

I am on a journey to never lie to you

It starts with never lying to me 

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Have you ever faced a moment 
where you had to choose between the 
easy way out and doing what you promised yourself? 

How did you handle it?

Innovation Isn't Always Packaged Neatly: Lessons from Cardboard Boxes

This weekend, 
as I watched my kids 
transform a simple cardboard box into a 
spaceship, a castle, and a secret hideout, I was 
struck by a profound business lesson hidden in their play.

📦 Cardboard Creativity: 
My kids receive packages 
containing toys, but it’s the 
cardboard boxes those simple, 
supposed throwaways that capture their imagination most. 

They see potential and opportunity 
in what many of us consider disposable.

🚀 Business Parallel: 
In the corporate world, 
we often chase the latest 
and most complex innovations, 
overlooking simple solutions that 
are right in front of us. The cardboard 
box represents untapped resources and 
ideas, readily available and often underestimated.

💡 Embrace Simplicity: 
The most impactful solutions 
don’t always come from the biggest investments. 
Sometimes, it’s about seeing the familiar in new ways. 

Just like kids with cardboard, the ability to 
innovate with simple resources can lead 
to sustainable practices and creative 
problem-solving.

Let’s take inspiration from 
the imaginative world of children

Look around, what's your 'cardboard box'? 

How can you turn simple, 
overlooked elements in your 
industry into game-changing innovations?

#BusinessInnovation #CreativityInBusiness #Leadership #Entrepreneurship



What Makes You Click the Like Button?

Here's what's on my mind: 
understanding what makes you click 'like.' 
It's more than just a button; it's a gateway.

Every 'like' you give is a piece of the puzzle. 
It tells me what content resonates, 
what matters to you, 
and what doesn't. 

It's about aligning our messages
with your interests and needs.

Why? Because each 'like' helps shape brand. 
It sends signals to the LinkedIn algorithm, 
pushing content to others who might 
find it equally engaging. 

This, in turn, 
amplifies the brand, 
helping achieve broader goals.

But here's the real question:

**What makes you click?**

- Is it innovation and new ideas?
- Success stories that inspire?
- Practical tips that you can apply immediately?
- Or maybe it's just seeing someone's genuine journey unfold?

Whatever it is, your likes help 
me understand and deliver.

They help build a community 
where each interaction adds value.

So, let's experiment together. 
Help me to help you. 

Your engagement directly 
influences the future of this content.

**Click that like, and let's shape this journey together.**

#LinkedIn #BrandBuilding #Engagement #SocialMediaStrategy #DigitalMarketing

🚗 Are We There Yet?? 🚗


Just like a child on a long car ride, we often 
find ourselves asking, "Are we there yet?"
when working towards our goals. 

The journey can stir a mix of emotions:

🌟 Excitement as we start out, 
energized by the new challenge.

😴 Boredom when the routine sets in, 
making every task feel repetitive.

😢 Frustration when it seems the 
destination might never arrive.

But just like those childhood road trips, 
the destination is worth the wait. 

Here's how to keep motivated on the journey:

1. Visualize the Outcome: 
Keep your eyes on the prize. 
Remember why you started

We all get lost. 
But come back to the path 
you know you're meant to be on.

2. Celebrate Small Wins: 
Mark progress, 
no matter how minor, 
to maintain momentum.

3. Stay Connected: 
Share your journey, seek advice, and engage 
with others who can relate to your experience.

Persistence is key. 

The journey may be long, 
but remember, success is 
just around the bend. 🛣️

What's the longest journey you've undertaken 
in your professional life, and 
how did you keep going?

 Share your stories below!

#ProfessionalGrowth #Persistence #CareerJourney

Fear Not the Man Who Has Written 10,000 LinkedIn Posts, but the Man Who Has Written the Same LinkedIn Post 10,000 Times

Bruce Lee once said, 
"I fear not the man 
who has practiced 10,000 
kicks once, but I fear the man 
who has practiced one kick 10,000 times." 

Let’s translate this wisdom into our daily
communications here on LinkedIn.

There is so much power in honing your 
message and vision until it's sharp, 
clear, and profoundly resonant.

Consider the power of a single post that has been refined and reshaped 10,000 times. 

This post doesn't just pass by unnoticed—
it strikes a chord, 
it changes minds, 
it sparks action. 

I’m grateful for the opportunity to refine 
my vision and voice.

To not just communicate more, 
but to communicate better. 

To not fear the labor of revisiting 
and refining messages until they 
are as potent as possible.

Every post and comment, a chance to 
practice, refine, and perfect. 

How are you sharpening your skills today? 

How are you ensuring that your 
message is not just heard, 
but truly understood 
and felt?

If you think you are beaten, you are,
If you think you dare not, you don't 
If you like to win, but you think you can't, 
It is almost certain you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you've lost 
For out of the world we find, 
Success begins with a person's will 
It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you are outclassed, you are, 
You've got to think high to rise. 
You've got to be sure of yourself before 
You can ever win a prize

Life's battles don't always go 
To the stronger or faster man 
But soon or late the one who wins 
Is the one WHO THINKS HE CAN!

- Think and grow rich - originally Walter Wintle



Be So F@#$ing Relentless in the Pursuit of Your Dreams

We've got one shot at this life—
a singular, beautiful, breathtaking ride. 

Every moment pulses with opportunities, 
each day holds the promise of new adventures. 

And amidst all this, 
what do we do?

We chase dreams. 

We dive headfirst into the waves 
of ambition and swim against currents of doubt.

Here's the call: Go after it!

Dive deep. 

Pursue your greatest purpose 
with an intensity that shakes 
the very foundations of 
possibility. 

Don't just walk—run, sprint, 
toward your dreams. 

And when you hit a wall, 
when mountains rise and 
barriers loom, don't you dare stop. 

Push through. 

Be the force that nothing can withstand.

Stack those small wins. 

Let each one be a stepping stone. 

One victory at a time, 
one breakthrough after another. 

Before you know it, 
what seemed impossible 
will be a tiny dot in your rearview mirror. 

This isn't just about achieving goals—
it's about how you live every fraction of your life. 

With fire, with passion, 
with relentless energy. 

Because when it comes to 
living the life you've imagined, 
half-measures just won't cut it.

Be relentless. 

Be unstoppable. 

And watch the world step aside.

#DreamBig #RelentlessPursuit #LifeGoals #Motivation #Inspiration

😡 I Was SO MAD This Morning. And ChatGPT Changed That😡

This morning, I woke up before my family, 
hoping to enjoy a few quiet moments to myself. 

But instead, I found myself staring at a mess.
One of my dogs had peed all over the floor. 🐕 

Frustration and anger bubbled up; 
not exactly the serene start to the day I had envisioned.

I've been on a personal journey to find beauty in every moment, 
but today, was VERY difficult to find it in a wet puddle. 

How do you find beauty in a mess? 

I decided to ask ChatGPT for help, pulling 
out my phone amidst the mess clean up. 
(convo screenshots in the comments)

After a bit of back and forth, 
ChatGPT reminded me of something profound: 
the beauty in my everyday actions as a father. 

It spoke of the silent responsibilities we carry
—to maintain a clean, safe home for our loved ones. 

It highlighted the unnoticed efforts 
that create a nurturing environment 
where my family, including our pets, can thrive.

This conversation completely shifted my perspective! 

It transformed a moment 
of frustration into a reflection 
on the value of my role in my home. 

I wanted to share this because it's pretty stinking 
cool how technology can shift our perspective 
and help us see the good in the bad.

Does anyone else have stories where 
a simple interaction with AI or 
another tool dramatically 
changed your view 
of a situation? 

I’d love to hear about it!

#MorningReflections #ChatGPT #Fatherhood #EverydayBeauty

Why I am terrified of a dusty bat:

"You're Tearing It Up Because You Tried!" 
Appreciated words from a mentor this 
week, well worth additional thought 

What sets apart the successful from the rest? 
It's their willingness to try. 

This simple truth came from a mentor, 
resonating deeply: 

it's not about missing goals; 
it's about making the attempt. 

Why do we hold back? 

Fear of failure. 

But true loss comes from 
never stepping into the arena. 

Whether trying new strategies 
or dreaming bigger, each effort counts. 

Not all will be home runs, 
but each is a step forward, 
bringing us closer to where we want to be. 

That's why you're making an impact. 

You're not just in the game; 
learning from each move, 
you're actively playing,
 hit or miss.

 Don't fear striking out. 

FEAR A DUSTY BAT 

Let's keep swinging, pushing, and trying.

 Because the real win is in trying at all.

#business #growth #thinkdifferent #success #fail

Taplio

Chris Johnson, CPA, CCIFP's Linkedin Analytics