John Chenoweth, CPA, CFP®
Partner
Turning Complexity Into Confidence
John Chenoweth believes the best advisory relationships aren't built on technical expertise alone. They're built on trust.
Over the past 13 years at Templeton Advisors, John has worked with business owners, high-net-worth individuals, nonprofit organizations, and family businesses through some of their most significant financial decisions.
Whether the conversation involves tax planning, the sale of a business, succession planning, or preparing for the next generation, his role is to help clients understand their options and make informed decisions with confidence.
For John, that's what being an advisor is all about.
Where Compliance Ends and Advisory Begins
John's career at Templeton began as an intern while completing his master's degree in accounting. At the time, he wasn't certain where his career would take him. What he discovered was that accounting wasn't simply about preparing tax returns, it was about helping people navigate important moments in their lives.
Early in his career, success meant mastering the technical side of the profession. But as he worked with more clients, he realized the most meaningful conversations happened long before a return was filed.
"Compliance is the bread and butter. Once you have that foot in the door, that's where the consulting and advisory side really begins."
Today, those conversations often begin with questions that have little to do with taxes themselves.
Should I sell my business?
How do I prepare for retirement?
How do I transition wealth to my children?
Those are the moments where John believes thoughtful planning can make the greatest difference.
Relationships Built on Accessibility
One of the things John values most about Templeton is the firm's ability to combine sophisticated technical expertise with genuinely personal relationships.
Clients don't get passed from department to department. They work directly with advisors who know their businesses, understand their families, and remain available when new questions arise.
John believes those ongoing conversations are where the greatest value is created.
"Almost every time I go out to see a client or pick up the phone, I come back with more work. The more you get to know them, the more work is generated."
To him, that isn't about generating business. It's a reflection of trust. As relationships deepen, clients become more comfortable sharing their goals, concerns, and long-term plans, creating opportunities to solve problems before they become obstacles.
Technical Expertise Opens the Door. Trust Keeps It Open.
One lesson has stayed with John throughout his career.
"Clients don't care how much you know. They assume you know what you're talking about."
What clients remember is something different. They remember whether their advisor listened, explained a difficult situation clearly, and gave them confidence when the path forward wasn't obvious.
That's why John believes communication is every bit as important as technical expertise.
"If I can explain it in a way they understand, then they can make a good decision."
Whether he's working alongside attorneys, investment advisors, or other professionals, his focus remains the same: simplify complexity, anticipate challenges, and make his clients' lives a little easier.
Success Measured in Relationships
Throughout his career, John has helped clients navigate complex tax matters, business transitions, nonprofit compliance, and long-term financial planning. Those accomplishments are important, but they aren't what define success for him.
The moments he remembers most are much simpler.
A business owner calling before making a major decision.
A family introducing the next generation.
A client reaching out years later because they know someone is looking out for their best interests.
One client expressed that feeling in a way John has never forgotten:
"Thank you for taking care of my family."
For John, there isn't a better measure of success.
Areas of Expertise
- Individual Tax Planning
- Federal and State Income Tax Planning
- Pass-Through Entity Taxation
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Nonprofit Tax Advisory & Compliance
- State and Local Taxation
- Estate, Gift, and Wealth Planning Coordination
Education & Professional Affiliations
John earned a Bachelor of Science from Southeastern University and a Master of Accounting from Florida Atlantic University. He is both a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®).
He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants.