33. Small Town, BIG Network with Nick Hurliman

About the Guest(s):

Nick Hurliman

Nick Hurliman is the co-founder and owner of Hurliman CPA, a prominent accounting firm offering tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll services, and startup consulting. With a background in computer science and accounting, Nick has a rich professional history that spans from running his own IT support business to working in consulting at Deloitte and Touche. Besides his role as a CPA, Nick is an avid entrepreneur with interests in the food cart industry and concessions, where he owns multiple food cart pods. He is also actively involved in his community, supporting small-town businesses, coaching youth sports, and even dabbling in music, making him a well-rounded and well-connected individual.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of “Well Connected with Ricky and Fletch,” the hosts sit down with Nick Herliman, co-founder and owner of Herliman CPA, a dynamic entrepreneur deeply rooted in his community. Nick’s diverse interests and ventures, including his ownership of food cart pods and his active role as a baseball dad and musician, provide a unique backdrop for exploring how he leverages networking to drive his success.

Nick delves into the origins of his entrepreneurial spirit, which began on a farm in Tillamook, Oregon, and followed him through a career in IT and accounting. He sheds light on pivotal moments in his career, from the challenges of starting a business during the .com bust to his significant role at Deloitte and Touche. The discussion pivots to the importance of community involvement, showcasing how Nick’s engagement in local projects, such as food cart pods and youth sports, has kept his business thriving while connecting him deeply with the people around him. The episode is a treasure trove of insights on blending professional expertise with community service to build lasting relationships and business success.

Key Takeaways:

• Community Engagement: Nick emphasizes the vital role of community involvement in networking, sharing how participating in local events and supporting community initiatives has been instrumental in growing his business.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Through anecdotes and personal stories, Nick illustrates the journey of an entrepreneur, from initial struggles to diversified ventures in accounting, food concessions, and more.
• Building Relationships: The episode highlights the importance of cultivating long-term relationships over quick wins in networking, stressing the need for genuine connections.
• Mentorship and Learning: Nick discusses the value of mentorship and learning from experienced business professionals, which has shaped his understanding and approach to business.
• Family and Business: Integrating family into his business ventures, Nick shares how his family’s involvement in his entrepreneurial activities has been both a learning experience and a bonding opportunity.

Notable Quotes:

1. “Wrestling was my sport, which is, you know, more prominent… probably still pick a wrestling.” - Nick Herliman
2. “It’s the intersection sort of, of small town level of service, you know, friendliness with the big city level knowledge.” - Nick Herliman
3. “I had no clue the caliber… this is going to be an effing game changer for our town.” - Nick Herliman
4. “We were thinking like, here we are, boom. It has kind of built that snowball effect, I guess, in a way.” - Nick Herliman
5. “Join and get in it so you can, you know, get that little community built.” - Nick Herliman

Resources:

• Hurliman CPA
• Keith Ferrazi’s book, “Never Eat Alone”

Listen to the full episode to dive deeper into Nick Hurliman’s fascinating journey and gain insights into leveraging community and networking to build a thriving business. Stay tuned for more enlightening conversations on “Well Connected with Ricky and Fletch.”

 

#NETWORKING #BNI #SOCIALNETWORKING #SMALLBUSINESS