We’re looking forward to introducing you to Stacey Gardner. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Stacey, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
Many people believe that anyone can do what we do. The truth is, bookkeeping and accounting have become far more complex over the years, and the industry is constantly changing. A skilled bookkeeper doesn’t just save you time; they save you money.
Time and time again, clients come to us only after trouble has already started. They’re behind on their bookkeeping, payroll taxes, or sales tax, and we often uncover costly errors in their financials. We regularly see tens of thousands, and sometimes hundreds of thousands, of dollars lost simply because items were incorrectly classified, especially on the balance sheet.
A good bookkeeper isn’t an expense — they’re an investment, and they’re worth every penny.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Stacey Gardner, Founder & CEO of Shoebox Bookkeeping Service & Payroll, a Utah-based firm I started over 13 years ago with one simple mission: to help business owners truly understand their numbers so they can build profitable, sustainable businesses with confidence. Today, our team supports over 150 small business clients across multiple industries with bookkeeping, payroll, cash flow management, and controller-level support.
What makes Shoebox different is that we don’t just “do the books” — we become a financial partner to our clients. I bring more than 20 years of experience in accounting and finance, from serving as a City Treasurer to working as a Controller and CFO, and I combine that experience with real-world entrepreneurship as a multi-business owner myself. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and am currently pursuing my MBA and Master of Accountancy.
Beyond the numbers, I’m passionate about education and empowerment. I host year-round business trainings and masterminds, speak regularly to business owners, and I’m currently wrapping up a book designed to give entrepreneurs clear, practical guidance for building strong financial foundations. At the end of the day, my goal is simple: help business owners stop guessing, start planning, and create a business that truly supports the life they want to live.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I had the privilege of working alongside some truly incredible CPAs, auditors, and business coaches who saw potential in me long before I fully saw it in myself. They took me under their wing and became mentors during some of the most pivotal years of my career.
One of the greatest lessons I learned early on was this: when you’re in a room with great people, be quiet and soak it all in. I made it clear that I was eager to learn, and I raised my hand for every opportunity I could, from software conversions and old-school filing system setups (which definitely ages me) to financial closings, inventory counts, audits, and tax preparation.
Every one of those experiences shaped the professional and the leader I am today. I remain deeply grateful for those who chose to share their knowledge. Their generosity changed the course of my life, and I strive to pass that same mentorship forward every chance I get.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Giving up has never really been in my nature. That said, there have absolutely been moments when I questioned my abilities and wondered if I was truly “good enough.” I’ve battled imposter syndrome, like so many entrepreneurs do. Owning a business is hard, and the accounting industry in particular is demanding, high-pressure, and driven by nonstop deadlines.
There are days when it feels like a lot. But even in the hardest moments, I always come back to my why. When you clearly define your reason for doing what you do, and you revisit it often, it becomes your anchor.
For me, my why is simple: I get to help small business owners succeed, and I get to watch them achieve their dreams. And that makes every challenge worth it.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely! To be truly genuine in what you do isn’t something you can turn on and off. If you are kind and if you genuinely care about people, it’s because you live that way, not because you’re performing a role.
I am the same person with my clients as I am with my friends and family. I like to think of my clients as friends, and I hope they feel the same. I would never suggest something to a client that I wouldn’t confidently recommend to my own friends or family. I don’t look at people through dollar signs; I look at them with a genuine desire to help and to serve. I honestly don’t know any other way to be than genuine.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Oh my goodness — yes! Starting Shoebox Bookkeeping has been, and continues to be, an incredibly fun and fulfilling journey. I’ve had so many amazing opportunities, and some of my greatest joy comes from celebrating wins right alongside my clients.
From participating in a sanctioned USA boxing match for business executives to having actual “front-row seats” as my clients chase their dreams, whether that’s in boxing, racing, grand openings, business expansions, or everything in between, I feel incredibly grateful to be part of their journey.
I love that I get to support my clients behind the scenes while cheering them on in the spotlight. Getting that front-row seat to their success is something I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shoeboxbookkeepingservice.com/
- Instagram: shoeboxbookkeepingservice
- Facebook: shoeboxbookkeepingservice
