Many people are motivated to help others simply because it feels good. Whether offering emotional support, volunteering, or helping those less fortunate, acts of kindness bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Giving back not only boosts one’s mood but also releases positive endorphins, reducing stress and increasing overall joy. Over time, this sense of service contributes to emotional well-being, resilience, and the development of stronger communities.
John Adams, CPA, exemplifies the power of service, offering a unique perspective on how giving back can extend beyond personal satisfaction and into the realm of meaningful impact. As an accomplished accountant, founder of Bridgewater Tax and Financial Consulting, and co-founder of the nonprofit Love 2 Read, John has seen firsthand the many forms that service can take, whether it’s through local communities or the clients who depend on his expertise.
At his accounting advisory firm, John goes beyond the typical client-service relationship. His commitment to democratizing financial knowledge drives his approach, prioritizing clients’ needs over profit. His deep sense of empathy for others also led him to co-found Love 2 Read, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children with learning differences like dyslexia and helping them improve their reading skills.
John’s motivation to start the nonprofit came from a personal place. His daughter, Madeline, struggled significantly with dyslexia. Despite her best efforts, she fell behind in reading and missed key academic milestones. These challenges also impacted her self-esteem, and her confidence in reading and speaking aloud began to diminish. John, desperate to find help for Madeline, reached out to academic colleagues in search of a qualified instructor. With limited options available, he felt frustrated and helpless.
“Before my wife and I found Madeline’s instructor, it was really disheartening to see her struggle and not be able to provide her with the support she needed,” John recalls.
Thankfully, through a family connection, John found Mandy Horton Walker, an experienced educator specializing in dyslexia. With Mandy’s guidance, Madeline made remarkable progress, moving from two years below her reading grade level to matching her peers. As her academic performance improved, so did her self-confidence. John and his wife witnessed their daughter’s transformation, as she embraced her differences and began advocating for other children with dyslexia.
Dyslexia, the most common learning disability, affects one in 10 people, with 20% of children in the U.S. living with the condition. This made John realize the importance of accessible support services. Inspired by the help Madeline received, John co-founded Love 2 Read with Mandy, determined to make quality reading instruction available to children from all backgrounds.
“One afternoon I asked Mandy, ‘Wouldn’t it be amazing if every student could have this level of support no matter their financial situation?’” he says. “I was so relieved to be able to offer my daughter the help she needed, but I know many other parents can’t afford or have limited access to certified professionals.”
John’s collaboration with Mandy represents just one of many ways he has positively impacted his community. In addition to his work with Love 2 Read, he has also served as a volunteer Programming Chair for the West Palm Beach FiCPA chapter. He has always been open with his clients about his nonprofit work, offering support and sharing resources with those who might benefit from them.
John’s story is one of entrepreneurship driven by a genuine desire to help others. Through his business, nonprofit, and community involvement, he demonstrates the power of altruism, empathy, and generosity. Business owners and financial professionals alike can draw inspiration from John’s legacy of service, proving that success isn’t just measured in profits, but in the lives we touch along the way.
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