From the podcast: Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes
For many entrepreneurs, taxes feel like a burden or a once-a-year task. But tax strategy for business growth can completely change the trajectory of a company. In this episode of Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes, host Jamie Seeker talks with Seth Kamens, founder of Kamens & Associates in Livingston, NJ, about how proactive tax planning and smarter financial systems help business owners scale with clarity and confidence.
Seth Kamens’ Journey: Building a Firm Through Grit, Strategy & Service
Seth didn’t plan on becoming a business owner. After grad school in Washington, D.C., and early career stops at Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Deloitte, and Cohn Resnick, he still hadn’t found his path. A battle with H1N1 forced him to pause and reflect—and ultimately decide he didn’t want to work in cutthroat corporate environments.
After earning his CPA, he began reaching out to everyone he knew via Facebook and LinkedIn, landing six clients and launching what would become a global firm.
“I learned how not to treat people.”
Today, Kamens & Associates serves clients worldwide—from solopreneurs to billionaires—by offering not just tax prep, but strategic guidance rooted in trust and responsiveness.
Why Tax Strategy for Business Growth Matters More Than Ever
Most entrepreneurs only speak with a CPA during tax season, but Seth warns this is where mistakes—and missed opportunities—happen.
“If you want to go from $100K to $500K in three years, you’re going to need help.”
Tax strategy for business growth means reviewing:
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Entity structure
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Cash flow patterns
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Retirement planning
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Multi-state filing
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Estimated tax payments
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Year-end spending decisions
These decisions directly affect profitability, especially for fast-growing companies.
Learn more about our approach to business systems here: /business-process-management/
How Proactive Planning Protects Your Bottom Line
Seth outlines why semi-annual or quarterly check-ins are essential:
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You can adjust before tax issues pile up
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You can choose the right entity for where your business is going
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You can make tax-smart investments and purchases
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You avoid surprises that derail growth
He recalls a real estate client who jumped from $125K to $400K without planning—and ended up with a $60,000 tax problem that compounded over several years.
This is where tax strategy for business growth becomes a lifeline.
Process Management & Systems That Support Growth
When helping clients set up strong financial systems, Seth keeps it simple:
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One business credit card
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A dedicated bank account
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QuickBooks or similar bookkeeping tool
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Monthly financial check-ins
“The idea isn’t to be perfect—it’s to get you in the ballpark.”
Simple systems create clarity, reduce stress, and support long-term scalability.
The Emotional Side of Growth: What Entrepreneurs Forget to Plan For
Seth also emphasizes something most business owners overlook: emotional support.
“You need guts, emotional support, and a basic business background.”
During the early years, he experienced many late nights wondering if the business would survive. Support from family, a partner, and a business partner helped him push through uncertainty—something he says is essential for any entrepreneur.
What It Takes: Seth’s Advice for Business Owners
Every episode asks guests the signature question: What does it take?
Seth’s answer includes:
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The guts to take a chance
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Trusted advisors who will tell you “no”
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Systems that keep you in control
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Proactive tax strategy for business growth
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Emotional and professional support
These pillars helped him grow his firm from a handful of clients to a thriving 25-person team.
Where to Find Seth Kamens
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Website: https://kamenscpa.com
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LinkedIn Profile: https://linkedin.com
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Twitter/X: https://x.com/Kamensandassoc
See more of our podcast episodes here: /podcast/
Final Thoughts
Seth Kamens isn’t your typical CPA. He’s a strategist, advisor, and systems builder who believes that tax planning is one of the most overlooked tools for business expansion. This episode is essential listening for anyone ready to shift from survival mode to smart, scalable growth.
Be sure to catch the full interview on Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes.
