MPCG Cuts Accounting Time from 16 Hours to 2 with Bright Line
Mental Performance Consulting Group Solutions replaced admin overload with smart systems and strategic growth, powered by Bright Line
About MPCG Solutions
MPCG Solutions is an executive coaching consultancy that provides health and human performance solutions to senior leaders and teams across North America. Founded in 2008 by Colin Guthrie, a former sport psychologist turned trusted advisor, the firm helps medium and large organizations accelerate the execution of their talent strategies through individual and team-based programs.
From the beginning, Colin built the business alongside his father, who played a key role in keeping things running. “He was really there from the start,” Colin reflects. “We were learning together about how to run the business; if he wasn’t there we probably wouldn’t have made it through the first five to seven years.”
The firm is intentionally nimble and responsive, with much of its work still led directly by Colin himself.
“I am part entrepreneur, part social scientist, strategically connecting in my network and delivering unique approaches to problems, but definitely not a person who can afford to get stuck in the weeds of accounting. I don’t like that type of work, I’m not good at it, and I can’t afford to take my eye off the ball with clients.”
As the business expanded, that balance between delivering high-impact client work and managing increasingly complex operations became harder to maintain.
The Challenge
“We were working with U.S. clients, doing business in different states, and I had no idea how to navigate some of that. I just didn’t have the background.”
In the early days, Colin worked with a few different accountants but couldn’t find the right fit. Then he met Stacey Thomas, now Bright Line’s co-founder and CIO, who was working at another accounting firm at the time.
“What we came to realize very quickly was that what we valued more than anything was Stacey. It wasn’t actually the (previous) firm and the big kind of machine behind it all.”
“She was the one that we had formed a relationship with because she was doing so much of the bookkeeping. She was the one that was hands on.”
“So then when she rotated out and started up Bright Line, we just came straight with her out of that and followed along on the journey.”
The Bright Line Solution
“They helped us build a bridge through that transition. It’s stressful when you’re handing over the books and letting go of control, but they made it feel really steady.”
From managing cash flow to building processes that work, Bright Line gave Colin the structure he needed to stay organized and focused.
“They’re responsive. They listen. And they’re calm. There have been some moments where I was like, Oh my God, how are we gonna make it through this month or this quarter or what do I do. And she would just sort of calm me down and say, Colin, you always hit your numbers every year. It’s going to be OK. Here’s some ideas that you should think about. We’ll find our way through it.”
Technology That Fits
As Colin’s business grew, so did the complexity of staying financially organized. He needed tools that fit into his fast-paced, travel-heavy schedule. Bright Line delivered with systems like Dext, Karbon, and Uncat that made it easier to stay on track without slowing down.
“I travel a lot, so I’ve got the Dext, and then every now and then I’ll get the Uncat stuff from Steven. They just sort of send it along and we’re just getting into a rhythm from that perspective.”
The shift away from time-consuming admin work was a major relief. Tasks that used to take hours could now be handled in small, manageable steps.
“It takes the stress out. I don’t have to sit there and be like, Oh my God, I gotta spend two hours doing this stuff that I hate the most.”
Bright Line’s use of modern tools also stood out from other firms Colin had worked with.
“I have not seen another accounting practice even remotely close to that level of sophistication and early adoption.”
Transitioning to new systems can be a big shift, especially during a period of change. For Colin, the move to Bright Line’s tech-forward approach came at a time when his business was evolving and taking on new challenges. The onboarding process introduced new tools and workflows, but Bright Line made sure nothing got lost in the transition.
The team was quick to respond with the clarity and structure Colin needed. They walked him through how everything worked, kept communication simple and direct, and provided a strong foundation for working together efficiently.
“They were really responsive to that, to be honest. Since then it’s been really good and it continues to evolve. They’re educating me and I’m starting to learn more about what’s happening.”
Growing Together
Colin has watched Bright Line grow over the years, and that growth has had an impact on how he runs his own business. Their mindset around technology and innovation challenged him to reflect on his own systems.
“They inspire me. They’re younger. They’re early adopters. They’re always pushing the envelope.”
That influence pushed Colin to think differently about his workflows and the experience he delivers to clients.
“I’m thinking about automation now. I’m looking at how I can streamline my workflows and make things easier for the people I serve. That came from watching Bright Line.”
At the same time, he appreciates that Bright Line encourages him to stay engaged in the process. While their support is always available, they make it clear that financial clarity is a shared responsibility.
“I know they’re there if I need to, but they’re not like spoon-feeding me. I have to own some of this too, which is good. They’re patient, but they expect me to engage. It’s a good balance.”
Results
Bright Line’s partnership with MPCG Solutions has helped Colin:
Successfully transition financial responsibilities from family to firm
Introduce intuitive systems that reduce stress and manual effort
Build cash flow visibility for more confident planning
Stay focused on client work instead of getting stuck in admin
“I trust them. It doesn’t feel like I’m chasing a ghost in a big firm. I know who’s on my team.”
Final Thoughts
Like any business, there were moments when things didn’t go perfectly. But for Colin, what mattered most was how Bright Line responded.
“Sometimes things get bumpy. That’s normal. But what matters most is how people respond. Bright Line didn’t make excuses. They got on a call, they showed up, and they worked with me to figure it out.”
That kind of steady support is exactly what Colin was looking for in a long-term partner.
“Having partners who actually care, who listen, who adapt. Those are the people I want in my corner.”
And most importantly, it lets him do more of what he’s best at.
“I get to focus on what I love. And I know I’ve got a team that’s got my back.”
