Wealth and Tax Advisor, Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial Planner, WR Tax Planners

It didn’t take long for Paden Squires to get bored with his finance job as a freshly minted college graduate. He wanted his work to matter, and he saw that would only happen if he was entrepreneurial. With his new designation as a Certified Public Accountant, he founded Squires CPA, LLC and let go of his corporate paycheck. A new entrepreneur, dedicated to lifelong learning, was born.  

“Paden consistently seeks knowledge and growth,” says Susan Myers, broker-realtor with Weichert, Realtors – First Tier. “His enthusiasm for self-improvement is re ected in his dedication to reading insightful books and staying informed through podcasts.  is continuous pursuit of knowledge sets him apart as a driven and forward-thinking individual always seeking to be a better form of himself.”

 Paden says that money used to be his motivation to excel.  

“Now, I see most things through the lens of trying to live as an example for my family and others of how to live a good life,” he explains. 

Part of that good life is serving on the boards of directors for Rainbow House and Christian Fellowship School. But money is still at the heart of Paden’s professional life. He has now earned his certified financial planner certification as well. Last year, Squires CPA became WR Tax Planners.  

“Paden has exhibited an unwavering commitment to excellence, evident in his meticulous approach to financial and tax planning,” says Carmen McClennon, chief operating officer of WR Wealth Planners and WR Tax Planners. “He has played a pivotal role in the strategic development of our integrated wealth, tax, and insurance business model. One of his standout qualities is his commitment to continuous learning, which has significantly contributed to his ability to navigate complex financial clients needs and deliver outstanding results.” 

Teaching people about financial planning drives Paden. So does cultivating entrepreneurs. In January, Paden launched a podcast, “Behind Their Success: Advice for Entrepreneurs,” interviewing successful entrepreneurs across the country.  

Paden thinks Columbia is the perfect place for him and his family, saying he loves “the entrepreneurial spirit that comes out of the small business community and the colleges.” 

This young entrepreneur has become a big piece of that fabric.  

Age: 36 

Fun Fact:

Despite his dedication to working out (or maybe because of), Paden loves a meat-lover’s pizza with cheese in the crust.