James A. Chaston CPA expansion includes new building (video)

Feb 8, 2016

Growth is on Jim Chaston’ 2016 agenda for his certified public accounting firm. As a precursor to expanding his staff and client base, Chaston bought, and in January moved into, a new office building.

The office is in the complex northwest of the John Wayne Parkway and Smith-Enke Road intersection.

With 25 years’ experience under his belt, Chaston has spent most of his adult life as an accountant, and it has taught him to look past the numbers when addressing each client.

“I’ve learned that [being a CPA] is not about the numbers,” Chaston said. “It’s about individuals and people and business. It’s not about numbers.”

Chaston’s journey toward becoming a certified public accountant began when he was 19 years old. He spent the summer working for his uncle, who was a CPA, and he enjoyed the work.

As he developed his career, the opportunity presented itself to become a trailblazer. There was no accounting firm in Maricopa when Chaston moved to town in 2003, so he opened James A. Chaston CPA, and he has been a staple of the community since.

“My philosophy has always been, ‘take care of my clients, and it will come back to me,’” Chaston said. “It’s not about trying to make the most amount of money right now. It’s about making my clients successful, and when they’re successful, I am too.”

James Chaston
Age: 46
Business: James A. Chaston CPA
Business address: 21300 N. John Wayne Parkway, Suite 110
How many employees: 6
Family: Wife and three kids (ages 20, 17, 14)
Community involvement: Maricopa Unified School District, Chamber of Commerce.
What do you like most about Maricopa: The atmosphere. Maricopa is close to a large metro area but still has a small-town feel. It’s great for business opportunities.
What do you like least about Maricopa: The Planning and Zoning statutes and regulations. (City officials) need to adjust them to become the business-friendly community they say they are.