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What It Has Meant To Me To Be A Silver Fox Advisor - July 2026

What It Has Meant To Me To Be a Silver Fox Advisor

Jim Griffing
A Silver Fox Advisor

Being a Silver Fox Advisor has been one of the most rewarding professional experiences of my career. Although I became aware of the organization when it was founded in 1986 through Joe Bond, one of its founding members, I officially joined in 1987 after starting my own CPA firm. At the time, the organization was seeking younger, active business professionals to complement its distinguished group of seasoned business leaders.

Over the years, my involvement has only deepened my appreciation for the value of the membership. Early on, I was entrusted with the finances and tax reporting responsibilities of the organization, a role I have proudly maintained ever since. As I became more involved, I served on many committees, including a term as Chairman of the Education Committee. I also had the privilege of serving the organization in a variety of leadership positions, including Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and ultimately Chairman. These opportunities allowed me to become more engaged with the Board and to contribute to the continued success of the organization.

In the mid-1990s, I joined my first CEO Roundtable and have participated in several Roundtables over the years. One of the greatest benefits of my membership has been the opportunity to meet and get to know so many outstanding people. The friendships, business relationships, and shared experiences have enriched both my professional and personal life. Silver Fox Advisors has also been a trusted resource for my clients, providing a network of highly accomplished professionals to whom I can confidently make referrals.

Looking back, it has been a wonderful 39 years with the organization. I am grateful for all that I have gained through my involvement and, God willing, I look forward to many more years of friendship, learning, service, and fellowship as a Silver Fox Advisor.

Is Your Financial Reporting Keeping Up With Your Growth?

Is Your Financial Reporting Keeping Up With Your Growth?

Jim Griffing
A Silver Fox Advisor

Growing a business is exciting. New customers, new opportunities, and increasing revenue are all signs that years of hard work are paying off.

Yet growth often creates challenges that business owners don't expect.

Many companies continue using the same accounting processes that worked when the business was smaller. At first, that may not seem like a problem. But over time, owners can find themselves spending more time questioning the numbers, worrying about cash flow, or struggling to get the financial information they need to make important decisions.

Here are three signs that your financial reporting may not be keeping pace with your growth.

1. You're Making Decisions Without Complete Financial Visibility

As businesses grow, decisions become more significant. Hiring employees, expanding operations, purchasing equipment, or pursuing new opportunities all require reliable financial information.

If financial statements arrive late, contain frequent adjustments, or don't provide meaningful insight into profitability and cash flow, it becomes difficult to move forward with confidence. Business owners shouldn't have to guess whether they can afford their next big decision.

2. Lenders, Investors, or Buyers Are Asking Questions You Can't Easily Answer

Many business owners first discover weaknesses in their financial reporting when an outside party requests information.

A lender may ask for reviewed financial statements. An investor may want greater transparency. A potential buyer may request detailed financial records during due diligence.

When these requests create stress or require significant effort to fulfill, it may be a sign that the business has outgrown its current reporting structure.

3. Accounting Issues Are Consuming Too Much of Your Time

Most business owners didn't start their company because they enjoy reconciling accounts or troubleshooting financial reports.

Your time is better spent serving customers, developing employees, and growing the business. When accounting problems become recurring distractions, they can pull attention away from the activities that drive success.

The Cost of Waiting

One of the most common mistakes business owners make is waiting until a financing opportunity, business transition, or growth initiative forces them to address financial reporting challenges.

By then, the pressure is higher, and the timeline is shorter.

Strong financial reporting does more than satisfy banks and outside stakeholders. It provides clarity. It helps business owners make decisions with confidence, identify opportunities sooner, and reduce the uncertainty that often accompanies growth.

As your business evolves, your financial reporting should evolve with it.

At Griffing & Company, we help growing businesses strengthen their financial reporting processes so owners can focus less on uncertainty and more on achieving their goals. Whether you're preparing for growth, financing, succession planning, or a future business transition, we're always happy to serve as a resource.