“Success in business isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who you surround yourself with. When you intentionally align with the right mentors, advisors, consultants, and coaches, you stop guessing and start growing with purpose.”
— Roger Knecht
In today’s rapidly shifting business landscape, knowing who to turn to for guidance can make all the difference between success and stagnation. Business owners and entrepreneurs often find themselves wearing too many hats—CEO, marketer, financial analyst, and beyond—yet still feeling like they’re navigating blindfolded. That’s where Roger Knecht comes in. As President of Universal Accounting Center and host of the podcast Building the Premier Accounting Firm, Roger has dedicated over two decades to helping accounting professionals and business owners gain clarity, confidence, and control over their businesses. His approach blends financial strategy, personal empowerment, and a clear distinction between the essential support roles every entrepreneur should understand: mentors, consultants, advisors, and coaches.
In this powerful interview, Roger joins Stacey Chillemi to share his insights on how to leverage the right people at the right time in your business journey. He breaks down the unique value of each role and reveals why understanding their differences is crucial for achieving sustainable growth. Roger also discusses the mindset shifts that elevate business owners from simply surviving to strategically thriving, offering actionable advice and wisdom drawn from his own life experiences. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, this conversation is a must-read guide to building a support network that drives real results.
Thank you so much for joining us, Roger! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
Absolutely, Stacey. I’ve spent over two decades leading Universal Accounting Center, helping accounting professionals and entrepreneurs build profitable businesses. But beyond the professional side, I’m a husband, father to three amazing grown children, and a proud grandfather—with more grandbabies on the way. What drives me is helping people find success in business while also enjoying the personal side of life. I believe strongly in balance—working to live, not living to work—and I bring that philosophy into everything I do.
What inspired your passion for accounting and business coaching?
It really began when I saw how many business owners were passionate about their craft but completely overwhelmed by their financials. They weren’t equipped with the tools to run the business side of their business. That’s what sparked my desire to bridge that gap—by not only teaching accounting but showing how financial clarity could unlock growth, confidence, and long-term value. It’s deeply rewarding work.
You’ve said many business owners confuse mentors, consultants, advisors, and coaches. Can you explain the differences?
Yes, and it’s a common problem. These roles are often used interchangeably, but they serve different purposes. A mentor is someone who shares life and business experiences with you—informally and without being paid. A consultant is someone you hire to do a very specific task—they come in, execute, and leave. An advisor teaches you strategies and best practices, but you’re responsible for implementing them. And a coach? A coach is the one who holds your feet to the fire, keeps you accountable, and helps you follow through with what needs to be done. All four are powerful, but each has a very unique role.
Let’s start with mentorship. What does a mentor do, and how has mentorship impacted your life?
A mentor is someone who has walked the path before you—someone you associate with, not through a formal program, but through casual relationships. It could be a friend, someone from a networking group, or someone you regularly connect with. For me, I have four good friends who are also successful business owners. We go snowmobiling, have dinner, attend plays—and during those interactions, we naturally talk business and life. They challenge me, offer insights, and share lessons they’ve learned. That’s the magic of mentorship. It’s informal, but incredibly impactful. You grow simply by being around the right people.
How can someone find the right mentor?
It starts with proximity. Put yourself in environments where growth happens—networking groups, industry associations, business meetups. You’ll find people who have walked the path you’re trying to walk. Build relationships, offer value, and over time, mentorship will happen naturally. And remember, it’s just as important to mentor others. You grow both by learning from someone and by lifting others up.
Now let’s talk about consultants. How are they different?
Consultants are experts you pay to complete a specific task or project. They’re there to do, not to teach or advise. Their involvement is focused, short-term, and transactional. Maybe your business needs to automate a system or implement a new technology—you bring in a consultant who knows how to get it done, they execute, and then they move on. You’re not looking for a long-term relationship—you’re looking for a solution, delivered quickly and efficiently.
What’s a common mistake people make when hiring consultants?
Not being clear on the goal. That’s when you run into “scope creep”—when a project starts with one objective and then spirals into multiple tasks, timelines, and expenses. Before you know it, a $5,000 engagement becomes $30,000. You must clearly define what needs to be done and when. If not, you’ll pay more than you should and potentially still not get what you want.
What are your top tips for choosing the right consultant?
Three things: clear expectations, a defined timeline, and proven experience. First, know what you want done—be specific. Second, set a deadline. A consultant should bring efficiency, not delays. And third, make sure they’ve done it before. Don’t let them “figure it out” on your dime. You want someone who can say, “Here’s exactly how I’ve solved this before for others like you.”
Can you define what an advisor is and how they contribute differently?
An advisor teaches and informs—they’re the strategists. They don’t do the work for you, but they provide the frameworks and systems you can follow. Think of them like teachers—they give you best practices, blueprints, and knowledge, but you’re expected to implement it yourself. It’s a more formal relationship than mentorship and typically includes structured guidance or programs.
How is that different from a mentor?
A mentor shares advice casually, based on lived experience. An advisor is more structured. You might enroll in a program or take a course—there’s a beginning, a curriculum, and clear takeaways. With a mentor, you might get tips and wisdom over coffee. With an advisor, it’s a step-by-step guide. Both are valuable—but in different ways.
That brings us to coaching. Why is a coach so essential for business owners?
Because a coach helps you take action. Advisors give you a plan, but coaches walk with you through implementation. A coach holds you accountable, checks in on progress, and helps you stay focused. They also ask the hard questions—questions that challenge you, reveal blind spots, and push you to grow. Think of a coach as your partner in execution. They care whether you actually do the things you say matter to you. That alone is worth its weight in gold.
How do you know if a coach is a good fit?
They should have a process. Not just advice, but a proven framework. You’re looking for someone who can say, “I’ve helped people like you get from point A to point B—and here’s how.” Also, if they make you uncomfortable in a productive way, that’s a good sign. Growth often comes from discomfort. And give it time—at least three to four months—to really see progress and build trust.
How long should someone commit to a business coach?
You need enough time to build momentum, implement changes, and evaluate results. I recommend at least a quarter—three or four months minimum. Coaching isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about transformation, and that takes consistency and follow-through.
Can AI ever replace a business coach?
No. AI can be a fantastic tool. It can provide strategies and generate ideas—it can even act like an advisor in some ways. But it cannot replace the human connection, accountability, or perspective that a real coach provides. AI won’t hold you accountable. It won’t challenge your excuses. A coach will. And that’s the difference.
Is it necessary to have all four—mentor, consultant, advisor, and coach—at the same time?
No, but you’ll likely need each at some point in your journey. Mentors? Always. That’s part of growing as a person. Advisors? Yes, whenever you’re learning something new. Consultants? Bring them in for specific projects. Coaches? Ideally, have one during key seasons of growth. You don’t need them all at once, but you’ll benefit from having each at the right time.
Tell us about your book Your Profit and Growth Expert—what can readers expect?
The book is a roadmap for business owners who want clarity, structure, and profitability. It breaks down everything we’ve talked about—mentors, consultants, advisors, coaches—and goes deeper into how and when to leverage each. But more than that, it introduces a framework based on five key areas: leadership, accounting, revenue generation, profit retention, and business valuation. These are the pillars of long-term business success. And it’s written to be actionable—not just theory, but strategies you can implement.
Where can our readers get a copy?
You can grab a free copy at universalaccounting.com. Just head to the “Free Resources” section and look for the eBooks. Your Profit and Growth Expert is right there—no strings attached.
Can you talk briefly about the services your organization provides?
Universal Accounting Center helps people build successful accounting, bookkeeping, and tax businesses. We offer certification programs, courses, and business coaching for accounting professionals who want to thrive—whether they’re just starting out or scaling up. We teach not just the technical skills, but the business skills—how to get clients, grow revenue, and make an impact.
Before we wrap up, can you leave our readers with a powerful takeaway?
Absolutely. Business ownership can feel lonely—but it doesn’t have to be. Surround yourself with mentors who inspire you, advisors who guide you, consultants who solve problems, and coaches who push you. When you build the right support system, you not only gain clarity—you gain the confidence to succeed on your own terms.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
The best place to start is universalaccounting.com. You’ll find free tools, training programs, and my podcast Building the Premier Accounting Firm. I’m also active on LinkedIn and happy to connect with anyone looking to grow their business. Let’s keep the conversation going.
Roger, thank you so much for joining us today. Your insights were incredibly valuable, and I know our listeners are walking away with a whole new understanding of how to grow their businesses the smart way. It was an absolute pleasure having you on the show.
Thank you, Stacey. It’s been a true pleasure to be here and share this conversation with you. I appreciate the opportunity to speak with your audience, and I hope they found the discussion as energizing and informative as I did. Wishing everyone continued success in their business journey!
To dive deeper into Roger Knecht’s insights on the distinct roles of mentors, coaches, advisors, and consultants, listen to the full podcast episode here: Mentor vs. Coach vs. Advisor vs. Consultant – They’re Not the Same.
