How Shreeve Landry CPAs Thrives with Canopy: Insights from Travis Landry

At Shreeve Landry CPAs, success isn't just about numbers—it's about relationships, communication, and efficiency. During a recent conversation with Liz Scott, Travis Landry, CPA, shared how his Utah-based firm leverages Canopy to manage an impressive 2,200-client workload with a team of just 11 core staff members. What came through clearly in their discussion was a blend of passion for client service and a commitment to operational excellence.

Building a Firm with a Personal Touch

Travis's journey started humbly in 2012, taking on tax work for friends and family while working full-time in public accounting. By 2018, what began as a side hustle transformed into a full-time business with a growing team. “We emphasize connecting with our clients and educating them,” Travis explained. “Nothing makes me more excited than when a client wants to understand their taxes.”

The firm’s approach goes beyond transactional tax preparation. “I like to help [clients] see the flow of how decisions they make throughout the year impact their bottom line,” Travis said. It’s about demystifying the process and creating a relationship where clients feel informed and involved.

Finding the Right Technology Fit

As the firm grew, Travis recognized the need for technology that could handle the challenges of managing a distributed team and a large client base. That’s when Canopy entered the picture.

“We started with Canopy in 2018, looking for a client portal system that allowed secure two-way access,” he shared. “But it’s evolved into so much more—a seamless workflow management tool that’s become the pulse of our firm.”

Travis highlighted the game-changing impact of consolidating systems. “Less logins, less passwords. The team is more organized, and we’ve got access to data in one place,” he said.

Standardization and Efficiency with Canopy

One standout feature for Travis is Canopy’s ability to standardize processes. “We’ve set up an internal control of two weeks from the time we get everything from our clients to having their taxes filed,” he noted. The team uses Canopy to track tasks, start dates, and deadlines, ensuring efficiency and transparency.

Travis also emphasized the value of Canopy’s annotation tools. “Tick marks are important, but sometimes they don’t tell you much. Canopy lets my team leave notes with context—where they entered numbers, questions they had—so there’s less guesswork and more speed,” he explained.

Thriving Through Challenges

The pandemic was a true test of resilience for many firms, and Shreeve Landry CPAs rose to the challenge. “COVID showed us the strength of being early adopters of technology,” Travis said. “We were already using client portals and video conferencing, so the transition to remote work was seamless.”

Looking ahead, Travis sees Canopy as a key partner in navigating the growing demands on accountants. “The profession is shifting, with fewer people entering the field but more needing services. Tools like Canopy are essential for managing growth and staying efficient,” he concluded.

Key Takeaways from Travis Landry:

• Client Education is Crucial: “Nothing makes me more excited than when a client wants to understand their taxes.”
• Efficiency Through Standardization: “We track tasks, deadlines, and notes in Canopy, ensuring a two-week turnaround for tax returns.”
• Adapting to Change: “Technology like Canopy helped us weather COVID seamlessly, keeping us connected and efficient.”
• Plan for Growth: “Get on the bandwagon early. You’ll need tools like this to handle the increasing demand for accountants.”

Shreeve Landry CPAs is proof that the right mix of client care and operational excellence—powered by tools like Canopy—can help firms thrive in an ever-evolving industry. If you’re looking to streamline your processes, reduce your tech stack, and create lasting client relationships, Canopy might just be the solution for you.