Meet Adam Desjardins, Business Advisor, Private Enterprise

Although his childhood dreams were focused on numbers, Adam thought they’d be on a scoreboard rather than a balance sheet. But he discovered helping entrepreneurs succeed was even more fulfilling.

Did you always want to become an accountant?

Not at all. I was passionate about sports, particularly hockey. I thought about being a sports agent or physical therapist — something to keep me in the game. But I started taking business courses and accounting seemed like it would be a good background for my bachelor’s degree, and I just stuck with it. I enjoy working with people. The numbers are important, and it’s important to get them right, but it’s the people that I enjoy.

What is your role with MNP?

I’m a business advisor in our Cowichan office and I focus on private enterprise. My clients are small- and medium-sized businesses in a broad range of industries, including forestry, food and beverage, retail, and professional services. Day-to-day, I’m focused on income tax, financial statements, and advising my clients on the issues they’re facing.

How would you characterize your professional self?

I’m very dedicated and enthusiastic about finding ways to help my clients add value to their businesses. I’m always very accessible to provide timely, useful advice on ways to save them money or opportunities they can take advantage of. I’m very casual but I focus on providing exceptional client service. 

What’s the common thread that runs through your clients?

They’re entrepreneurs and they want to be successful. Being an entrepreneur is a 24/7 job and I want to provide as much value to them as possible to help maximize their efforts and grow their businesses.

How do you approach a client conversation?

I listen. Listening helps me understand their issues and how we as a firm can help, whether its something I do or one of our many specialists can do for them. I don’t go into client meetings with a set of expectations that we’re not going to stray from. It’s about what they need and want.

What challenges are your clients facing?

It varies based on industry. The pandemic has had a negative effect on a lot of industries and a positive effect on others. Many clients are looking at how to get funding and subsidies and how to prepare for a possible economic downturn. The labour shortage is also a big challenge.

What’s the number one piece of advice you’re giving clients right now?

Each of my clients is unique and my advice is tailored to their particular issues. Forestry is seeing a lot of issues with the old growth forestry, so they’re focused on planning for the future. Food and beverage clients are facing restrictions and having to police some of the provincial guidelines and need advice on those issues. Professionals want help with tax planning. The advice is going to vary from client to client because there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ for the people I work with.

What do you do when not working?

Like many people, I play hockey in the winter and baseball in the summer. I also enjoy hiking with my Boston terrier, mountain biking, kayaking, and woodworking.

What is the best thing about living in Duncan?

I grew up here, went to school here, and most of my family and friends are here in the Cowichan Valley. Besides a few cold winters spent playing hockey, I’ve lived on the island and grown accustomed to our very mild winters. I really enjoy the scenery—the lakes, the ocean, the mountains—and all the things you can do outside.