Episode at a glance: Cherie Landwehr, founder of Landwehr Tax & Accounting, shares how she built a trusted accounting firm after launching it in 2006. She talks with Kelly about their long partnership, her shift to Client Advisory Services, the challenges small business owners face, and how onboarding works. The most useful takeaway: don’t wait until tax time or until you’re overwhelmed. Partner with an accountant early, so they can help you plan and save.
Listen to Episode 022 of Behind the Brand
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Episode chapters
- 00:00 Introduction to Cherie Landwehr,
- 00:36 Meet the Hosts and the Guest
- 01:00 Cherie Landwehr,’s Journey: Founding Landwehr Tax and Accounting
- 01:48 The Challenges and Rewards of Starting a Firm
- 04:01 The Importance of Outsourcing and Finding the Right Accountant
- 04:21 Kelly’s Experience with Cherie’s Services
- 06:50 Advice for Business Owners on Hiring Accountants
- 11:17 Cherie’s Firm: Evolution and Future Plans
- 15:05 Packaging Services for Clients
- 15:33 Budgeting and Financial Advice
- 16:34 Common Struggles of Small Businesses
- 19:00 Onboarding Process and Client Packages
- 23:34 Tax Landscape and Political Influence
- 25:39 Final Thoughts and Business Tips
If you’ve listened to Behind the Brand before, you’ve probably heard us drop Cherie Landwehr’s name—usually right around the time Kelly is urging every business owner to find a great accountant. And for good reason. Cherie isn’t just a spreadsheet wizard—she’s the founder of Landwehr Tax & Accounting, and the kind of financial expert who makes the intimidating parts of running a business—like taxes, payroll, and budgeting—feel manageable and even empowering.
In this episode, we finally bring Cherie out from behind the scenes and into the spotlight. We dive into the story behind her firm, how she’s grown Landwehr over nearly two decades, and why her relationship-focused approach to small business accounting has earned her such a loyal client base.
How did Cherie Landwehr start Landwehr Tax & Accounting?
Cherie launched Landwehr Tax & Accounting in 2006 after spending 15 years at another firm. With a passion for helping people understand their finances, she made the bold move to start her own practice—right around the time the economy took a turn.
“I did so many budgets before I made the move,” she recalled. “I had a vision to help people not just with tax prep, but with understanding the bigger financial picture.”
Though she initially pursued financial advising, she found herself drawn back to accounting—especially for small businesses that often lacked the support they needed. From day one, her goal was to be more than a tax preparer; she wanted to be a trusted partner.
How does Landwehr Tax & Accounting work with Moxie Creative?
Kelly, one of Moxie Creative’s founders, remembers finding Cherie through a referral early in her business journey. “We didn’t know what we were doing,” she laughed. “But Cherie said, ‘Sure, I’ll help you.’”
That early partnership led to a system where Kelly handled daily tasks like paying bills and recording deposits, while Cherie’s team took care of the bigger stuff—bank reconciliation, tax filings, and financial reporting. It’s a perfect example of what small business owners get when they find the right accounting partner: peace of mind, expertise, and a collaborative working relationship.
What makes Landwehr Tax & Accounting different?
One of the biggest shifts at Landwehr Tax & Accounting in recent years has been the move toward Client Advisory Services (CAS)—a proactive, fixed-fee approach that gives clients access to budgeting, forecasting, and strategic guidance throughout the year. No more surprise bills or waiting until tax season to ask questions.
Each client gets to choose from a range of service packages based on their needs. Whether it’s monthly financial check-ins, annual budgeting, or “what-if” scenario planning (like expanding into a new market or hiring a full-time employee), Cherie’s team offers tailored, hands-on advice that’s designed to help businesses grow with clarity and confidence.
“This model allows us to build stronger relationships with our clients,” Cherie said. “It’s not just about compliance—it’s about helping them make smarter decisions.”
Why do small business owners wait too long to call an accountant?
A recurring theme in our conversation was how isolated many small business owners feel—especially when facing financial hurdles. Cherie has seen it all: disorganized books, missed payroll taxes, surprise profits that lead to unplanned tax bills.
“A lot of people wait too long to reach out,” she explained. “Sometimes it’s cost, sometimes it’s pride. But most of the time, it’s just not knowing what they don’t know.”
Her advice? Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed. Having a small business accountant who not only files your taxes but helps you understand your numbers is one of the best investments you can make.
How do you start working with Landwehr Tax & Accounting?
Interested in working with Cherie and her team? The onboarding process is designed to be simple and supportive. It starts with a quick phone call with Ashley—Cherie’s right-hand operations lead—who will learn more about your business needs and explain how Landwehr works.
Next comes a discovery meeting with Cherie to identify which service package best fits your business. Options range from basic tax and payroll services to full-scale advisory packages with regular meetings, financial goal setting, and real-time guidance.
What they don’t offer: one-off services like standalone payroll or a single tax return. Cherie is clear about her focus—she’s here for business owners who want a long-term partnership, not just a transactional experience.
Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs
Here are some of Cherie’s most helpful pieces of advice for small business owners:
- Start early: Don’t wait until tax time to find an accountant. The earlier you partner with one, the more they can help you plan and save.
- Ask questions: A good small business accountant should be willing to teach—not just talk at you.
- Use the tools wisely: Software like QuickBooks can help—but only if you know what you’re doing. A great accountant will help you understand how to use it properly.
- Build a team: You don’t have to do it all yourself. Outsource what you’re not good at so you can focus on what you do best.
Why a Strong Accounting Partner Matters
At Moxie, we talk a lot about brand-building, taking creative risks, and going after big goals. But none of that works without structure—and that structure often starts with your finances. From business tax planning and cash flow forecasting to bookkeeping and payroll support, a trusted accountant like Cherie provides the clarity and consistency every small business needs.
And with the way tax laws are constantly changing, having a professional in your corner who stays up to date is not just helpful—it’s essential. Cherie and her team make it their mission to filter through the noise and give their clients exactly what they need to stay compliant, save money, and build lasting success.
Tune In and Get Inspired
If you’re in a season of growth—or just want to make sure your business is on solid footing—Landwehr Tax & Accounting is a team worth calling. With nearly 20 years of experience, a deep understanding of the small business landscape, and a truly personalized approach, Cherie Landwehr is more than an accountant. She’s a teacher, a strategist, and a steady voice in an often confusing part of entrepreneurship.
So if you’ve ever asked yourself, “Do I really need an accountant?”—this episode is your answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Client Advisory Services at Landwehr Tax & Accounting?
Cherie Landwehr explained that Client Advisory Services, or CAS, is a proactive, fixed-fee approach that gives clients budgeting, forecasting, and strategic guidance throughout the year. Clients choose a service package, so there are no surprise bills or waiting until tax season to ask questions.
Does Landwehr Tax & Accounting offer one-off services?
No. Cherie Landwehr is clear that her firm does not offer one-off services like standalone payroll or a single tax return. Landwehr Tax & Accounting focuses on business owners who want a long-term partnership.
What advice does Cherie Landwehr give entrepreneurs?
Cherie Landwehr tells small business owners to start early, ask questions, use tools like QuickBooks wisely, and build a team. Her view is that you don’t have to do it all yourself, so outsource what you’re not good at and focus on what you do best.
How does Kelly split bookkeeping work with Cherie Landwehr’s team?
Kelly, one of Moxie Creative’s founders, handles daily tasks like paying bills and recording deposits. Cherie Landwehr’s team takes care of the bigger pieces, including bank reconciliation, tax filings, and financial reporting.
