Greg Lemon

Greg Lemon – Rebuilding After Divorce and Sobriety: An Entrepreneurial Comeback Story

Greg Lemon, CPA, is the Senior Consultant at Blankenship CPA Group, PLLC, one of the largest accounting firms in Middle Tennessee. With experience in accounting and consulting, he provides strategic financial guidance to clients across various industries. Greg is also the Founder and former Principal of Greg Lemon, CPA, PLLC.

Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn

[2:44] How Greg Lemon began his sobriety journey and its impact on his relationship with his son
[5:14] The role of sobriety groups in helping Greg remain sober
[7:58] Greg’s experience navigating EO events while sober
[11:47] Greg talks about his entrepreneurial drive and transition from hospitality to accounting
[19:10] How EO supported Greg during his divorce
[23:32] Training a second-in-command for Greg’s CPA firm and how he entered the landscaping industry
[30:24] How Greg identified a buyer for his accounting firm and scaled his landscaping business

In This Episode

Navigating personal upheaval while leading a business can feel overwhelming. Divorce, sobriety, and business exits are difficult on their own, but when navigating them simultaneously, how can an entrepreneur rebuild personally and professionally?

Seasoned CPA and consultant Greg Lemon leaned into community support through EO, finding mentorship that helped him maintain sobriety and emotional resilience. He made strategic decisions to prioritize his well-being, including stepping back from a business under duress and acquiring a new company that aligned with his future goals. By shifting from professional services to a blue-collar workforce model, he gained leadership insights and renewed purpose. Greg maintains that extensive EO involvement reaps greater benefits.

In today’s episode of The Decision, Robert Hartline and Eric Jackson talk with Greg Lemon, Senior Consultant at Blankenship CPA Group, about rebuilding after personal and professional upheaval. Greg talks about his sobriety journey, how he navigated his divorce, and how he shifted leadership styles after transitioning industries.

Quotable Moments:

“You’re in a rhythm, you’re used to a certain feeling… it’s like getting to know a new part of you.”
“Sometimes… you got a really good friend when you could just bitch about something.”
“The more I put into EO, the more I get out of it… you get three back.”
“It’s restored my confidence, and it’s also given me a different perspective on the workforce.”
“I didn’t feel qualified to make a decision in my life, and I didn’t know.”

Action Steps:

Lean into peer accountability during personal change: Seeking support from trusted peers can provide essential encouragement and structure during difficult transitions. Whether it’s sobriety or divorce, shared experiences reduce isolation and boost resilience.
Train a second-in-command before a major shift: Building leadership depth ensures business continuity during personal or professional absences. A trusted lieutenant can help stabilize operations and maintain momentum when life pulls you away.
Evaluate acquisition targets from the inside: Working within a company before buying offers crucial insights into culture, operations, and growth potential. This hands-on approach can surface risks and opportunities that are often missed in surface-level due diligence.
Match business structure to your new lifestyle: After major life changes, restructuring work to align with personal values supports sustainable growth. Whether scaling back hours or shifting roles, alignment creates renewed energy and purpose.
Stay active and visible in your entrepreneurial community: Participation in networks like EO fosters growth through shared experiences, resources, and emotional support. The more you engage, the more value and connection you’ll receive in return.