Shawn Finnegan: Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Innovation and Community

Shawn Finnegan is not your typical entrepreneur. With a passion for creating solutions that empower business owners to achieve their goals, the Utah State grad has founded multiple successful ventures that are revolutionizing how businesses navigate finances, taxes, and leadership. From reshaping tax services to building exclusive communities for CEOs, Finnegan’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through in every project he undertakes.

Building Businesses That Make a Difference

Finnegan’s journey into entrepreneurship began with a mission to support other entrepreneurs. One of his standout ventures, Tax Hive, has become a trusted resource for business owners seeking smarter ways to manage their taxes. Tax Hive offers forward-thinking financial strategies to ensure clients not only meet compliance standards but also unlock their full growth potential.

At the core of Tax Hive’s appeal is its bold $10,000 guarantee. The promise is simple: if Tax Hive can’t identify at least $10,000 in missing or potential tax deductions. This assurance, paired with year-round tax support, reasonable service plans, and expert audit responses, has positioned Tax Hive as a go-to solution for business owners looking to save money while reducing stress.

But Tax Hive is more than a tax service; it’s a community. Finnegan’s vision extends beyond numbers, focusing on how proactive financial strategies can fuel entrepreneurship and long-term success.

Canadian politician and businessman, investor, journalist, author, and television personality, (and sometimes called "Mr Wonderful"), Kevin O’Leary is one of Tax Hive's strategic advisors, equity partners, and who is connected with Tax Hive as its national spokesman.

For years Tax Hive and O’Leary have been focused separately on the same idea: saving small and medium sized businesses money on taxes. They came together to amplify this message through Tax Hive's marketing efforts. Finnegan explained how the partnership came together.

"We know 70% of businesses in the US are run by small business owners; 70% of the entire tax preparation market is underserved," said Finnegan. "These businesses can't go to Big Four accounting firm because they are too small. They might try off the shelf tax software, but with limited results. Basically no one's handling this business."

"So Kevin and all his content have been making this point for years: 'Hey, you never think about taxes, but you need to.' Kevin meets with tax pros every 14 days, all year round, not just during tax season, because he's trying to find ways to save himself money, to keep that hard earned money in his business. Kevin likes to say, 'Cash flow represents the blood in your body, once the blood's gone and cash flow is gone, you're dead.' We are are helping small and medium-sized businesses to do is to keep the hard earned dollar in your pocket. We realized we were saying the same thing. It made sense to collaborate."

In June of 2020, O’Leary and Tax Hive formed a partnership with O’Leary as national spokesman and investor in the company.

About his new role, O’Leary said, “I am excited to partner and invest in Tax Hive because I know small business is the backbone of our economy. I’m an advocate for small business, the voice for them and I believe small business owners should have the same tax advantages that big businesses have but at an affordable price. It has been, after all, my use of professionals who understand the tax code, the opportunities, that has been a key factor to my business growth and success. As a small business owner, Tax Hive is the best source you can turn to.”

The X Room: Where Visionaries Connect

Finnegan has also launched a community to cultivate opportunities for founders and CEOs to connect, collaborate, and grow. The X Room is a quarterly, invitation-only event that brings together top entrepreneurs and leaders in an intimate setting.

The purpose of these meet ups is to help founders connect and explore new ideas with other founders and CEOs. "The point of The X Room is 'to seek to understand,' following the principle articulated by Stephen R. Covey in his timeless classic, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.

Finnegan continued, further explaining The X Room concept: "I think a lot of business owners can't wait to pitch someone on a new idea, to talk about their new business idea. A lot of people are scared, nervous, they feel imposter syndrome, or are unsure of their new business idea. X Room is a place we were go 'to seek to understand' with questions like, 'Hey, tell me about your business,' 'What are you hoping to accomplish in 2025,' 'What's big on your mind right now,' 'What are you hoping to do with your team,' 'What's the biggest challenge you're having right now,' 'Who's someone I that would be a great intro for you,'... we just seek to understand, and as they're talking, you can see the fit for your business."

These gatherings go beyond typical networking events. They provide a unique environment for visionaries to forge genuine connections, share insights, and address challenges together. The X Room reflects Finnegan's belief that authentic relationships and collaboration are the foundation of innovation, creating a space where meaningful ideas are born, and leaders inspire one another to reach new heights.

Entrepreneurship With Impact

Finnegan’s approach to business is deeply rooted in a desire to create meaningful change. Whether through Tax Hive’s meticulous financial services or The X Room’s focus on high-level connections, his ventures embody his dedication to supporting entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

Finnegan understands that running a business is about more than just hitting revenue goals—it’s about empowering others and contributing to the greater good. His entrepreneurial journey is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets purpose, and his efforts continue to inspire and uplift those around him.

Looking Ahead

In 2025, one of the things Finnegan will be focused on growing Tax Hive's solar tax credit business. He anticipates that more and more people will be wanting to take advantage of government solar tax credits with the rise of energy-hungry AI that is taking more and more of available electricity supplies.

"AI is going to drain the grid. Communities will need to increase the production of electricity just to handle the AI that's coming online. State and federal government will want to put in place incentives for business owners to do their part to prevent the electricity grid from being drained by offering credits and discounts, to make residential and business properties more self-sufficient energy-wise. Filing those tax credits is complex. It's a pain. For many, it's a bad experience. People are getting bad advice from their brother-in-law. This is what we are good at. We can do all the compliance documentation to make sure people get all the solar tax credits they have coming. And then we'll also file their taxes. We'd love to do tens of thousands of solar tax credits in the coming year."

As Finnegan continues to grow his businesses, one thing remains clear: his unwavering commitment to helping entrepreneurs succeed. Whether he’s saving businesses thousands in tax deductions or creating spaces for CEOs to innovate, Shawn Finnegan is advancing Utah's strong entrepreneurial ecosystem and culture of collaboration.

More more information about Tax Hive, click here.