Five Highlights from our First Five Years
I’ve always been a big goal setter. I have a five-year plan; I set goals for the year, for the quarter, for the month, and for the week. I was raised to be like this, and now it’s ingrained in how I operate.
I recognize, however, that taking time to reflect on the joys and successes that come from all the hard work is just as important. Since Blachford Tax Law is celebrating its five-year anniversary, I thought it was fitting to reflect on five highlights from our first five years.
Ella and Dean at the Blachford Tax Law Charity Game 2024
Highlight 1: Working with Ella sui
My first highlight is working with Ella. By the time I was launching Blachford Tax Law, Ella and I had already been working together for three years. I knew what a great person she is, how smart she is, and how hard she works. So, it was very important to me that she would be on board.
I vividly remember meeting with Ella in a park, during COVID lockdowns, to pitch the idea. Ella was immediately on board. In fact, because she has a better risk tolerance than me, she was far less nervous than I was.
Five years later, Ella continues to be the rock of our practice. She is the person we turn to when we need to figure out a complicated practice management. Our clients love working with her, and we love having her as the anchor of our team.
highlight 2: hiring aaron cusi
In April 2025 we hired Aaron Cusi as our new legal assistant. Aaron lives and works in Davao City, Philippines. He has a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Ateneo de Davao University, along with extensive experience in customer service, administration, and technology.
Aaron handles client on-boarding and other key administrative roles, bringing his high energy, curiosity, and great attitude every day. Ella and I are grateful to have him on our team, and we hope to continue working with him for many years to come.
highlight 3: creating content
Since launching Blachford Tax Law, I’ve learned that I’m passionate about creating practical content for CPAs and taxpayers. The same week we launched Blachford Tax Law, we launched the Blachford Brief - our quarterly newsletter, making this the 20th edition.
I get joy knowing that the content we produce helps CPAs protect their clients from tax disputes and helps taxpayers make smart decisions in resolving their issues. Some of our favourite content includes videos, podcasts, and articles distributed through the Brief, such as:
An article I wrote about career advice from three retired CPAs.
An article on why and how CPA firms should seek Google reviews.
An article in which I explore the mounting frustrations many CPAs are feeling towards their work.
An article about how CPA firms are prioritizing their staff’s mental well-being during tax season.
A personal article about my own struggles with putting pressure on myself.
Our annual Tax Dispute Update webinar.
A tongue-in-cheek declaration that November is “Net Worth Audit Awareness Month”, coupled with 30 “nuggets” of information about Net Worth Audits.
Dean with the Crowe BGK team
It’s not always easy to produce this content. For some examples of where this went wrong, check out this blooper video from an interview I did with Audit Shield, and this video of me and my daughter where I had to re-record the name of a case to correct a previous recording.
highlight 4: spending time with cpas
My fourth highlight is engaging with you, the CPAs whom we collaborate with. I’m grateful for every time I get to meet with CPAs and discuss issues. I always learn something new that can help me serve my clients better, and I enjoy hearing about the day-to-day experiences of CPAs.
Dean with Helen Ge CPA’s team in Toronto
Whether it be a phone call, a virtual meeting, an event, or the Blachford Tax Law Charity Game, it’s always a pleasure to spend time with the CPA community.
highlight 5: winning cases
This is why I go to work every day. There is nothing like winning a tax dispute for a client. I got into law because I wanted to help people, and a tax dispute is one of the most stressful things that a person could ever face.
So, I love getting to call a client and tell them that it’s over and that CRA has conceded the dispute or accepted our settlement. Sensing the stress pour off their shoulders and hearing the relief in their voice is the best professional feeling I know. It never gets old.
Dean at the HW Partner’s anniversary party
conclusion
Reflecting on the past five years, I’m filled with gratitude for our committed and caring team; for CPAs who trust us and collaborate with us; and clients who put their confidence in us during an incredibly stressful time in their lives. Blachford Tax Law has been everything I envisioned it to be. I can’t wait to start year 6!