Today we’d like to introduce you to Kalanie Petersen.
Hi Kalanie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my entrepreneurial journey at sixteen, driven by vision and resilience through the highs and lows that come with building businesses. When my first venture collapsed due to financial mismanagement and the complexity of taxes, I made a decision: I would master the very skills that had held me back and use that knowledge to help others succeed.
I worked my way from a bookkeeping certification to becoming a tax manager, then advanced into tax court as both an advocate and strategist. In 2016, I opened my first accounting firm, later expanding into a family office, and eventually established a tax law firm in Beverly Hills. I owned and led that firm until January 2025, when the devastating Los Angeles fires forced me to make the painful decision to close.
Today, I stand not only as a CEO who has built and scaled businesses, but as a trusted public advisor in wealth, leadership, and business—committed to guiding others in building clarity, influence, and enduring legacy.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Over the years I’ve navigated constant shifts — from learning and adapting to complex IRS tax code changes, to weathering economic downturns, government shutdowns, and of course the global pandemic. Each of these moments reshaped client behaviors and challenged me to remain agile as a leader.
During the pandemic especially, I noticed how critical innovation was. Many firms struggled to support their clients when operations moved online, but because my firm had already been built with streamlined systems and forward-thinking practices, we became the “go-to” solution when others fell short. That experience reinforced my belief that adversity always reveals opportunity.
More recently, after the devastating Los Angeles fires forced me to close my Beverly Hills tax law firm, I realized my heart was pulling me toward something even bigger. Those challenges gave me the clarity to expand beyond the U.S. and launch internationally in Singapore, Dubai, and London. Today, those very struggles have become the foundation of a global practice that is both resilient and visionary.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
EBS FIRM is a global accounting and advisory firm headquartered in Miami, FL, serving ultra-wealthy individuals, family offices, and medium to large enterprises. We specialize in accounting, tax strategy, estate planning, and international financial structuring—delivered with discretion, accuracy, and white-glove service.
My title within the firm is: Director of Private Client Experience
I serve as the Director of Private Client Experience, where I curate discreet, white-glove advisory for high-net-worth individuals and families. I ensure every interaction reflects precision, confidentiality, and a deep commitment to their long-term legacy.
What sets me apart is the standard of excellence I bring to every relationship. I provide world-class service not only outwardly to clients but also internally, ensuring a culture of precision and care at every touchpoint. My focus is on helping clients maximize the value of every dollar while strategically minimizing tax liability—building not just wealth, but generational legacy. Unlike firms that rely solely on loopholes or short-term deductions, my team operates as if every strategy will be examined under a state or federal audit. That discipline gives clients both confidence and clarity, knowing their legacy is protected with rigor and foresight.
I’m most proud, brand-wise, of being a living testimony to the work I do. I’ve personally tested the strategies I offer—proving their impact on my own journey as I’ve advanced through the wealth and income brackets. That lived experience allows me to guide clients with authenticity, precision, and a level of trust that comes only from walking the path myself.
Our commitment is not just to your financial growth, but to your enduring influence—ensuring that your legacy persists long after your lifetime.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Being very honest, it hasn’t always been smooth for me when it comes to finding a mentor. I’m such a visionary that I often feel I have yet to meet someone who fully understands the scope of what I’m building. Instead, I’ve turned inward and found guidance through a mix of reading, studying visionary leaders, and immersing myself in experiences like wellness retreats and global gatherings. Those environments give me clarity, fresh perspectives, and sometimes the kind of wisdom that a single mentor couldn’t provide.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ebsfirmglobal.com
