Today, we’d like to introduce you to Stacey Gardner.
Hi Stacey, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My passion for accounting started in high school, I had an amazing teacher who encouraged me to join FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) after taking an elective accounting course. I found that I really enjoyed accounting and going on to win 1st place in an accounting competition I found that I was good at it.
This inspired me to move towards an accounting degree after high school. I married my high school sweetheart at 19 and started our family young. Raising three boys, for many of those years, my husband was deployed or on military training orders, leaving little time to work and obtain a degree. But after a long seven years, I was able to earn my bachelor’s in accounting. I held pivotal roles such as Accounting Clerk, City Treasurer, & Controller. Although my journey wasn’t without challenges, I was fortunate to have the guidance of amazing mentors, who I still look up to today.
Shoebox Bookkeeping Services started as a side hustle, aiming to ease student loan burdens. A little over five years ago, I took the plunge, turning my side hustle into a full-time venture. From a modest beginning with six clients and myself as the sole employee, the business has flourished to over 100 clients and a team of 13. Shoebox Bookkeeping Services provides bookkeeping, payroll, cash flow management & consulting services in all 50 states.
I am so proud of the success of Shoebox Bookkeeping Service and take pride in the small businesses we have been able to help over the last five years. Many of them struggled to keep their doors open during the pandemic and are now making amazing profits. We have helped them develop procedures, follow good accounting practices and aid in tax planning.
I continue to be proud of Shoebox Bookkeeping Service and our growth and commitment to helping those entities thrive. I wanted more, but on a large scale, I wanted to help struggling small businesses turn things around and achieve their goals. With this in mind, the culmination of my experiences and passion for supporting small businesses led to the creation of Start It Up Smart. This innovative business conference is designed to empower small business owners with insight from experts in areas such as tax, bookkeeping, payroll, marketing, health insurance, investments, legal, and more.
For me, success isn’t just about numbers; it’s about fostering genuine connections and witnessing others thrive. My belief in the transformative power of mentorship and continuous learning has not only shaped my journey but also inspired me to create opportunities for others. I am so excited to embark on the exciting journey of launching Start It Up Smart, as I believe it will be an amazing addition to the services we offer at Shoebox Bookkeeping Service.
I am confident we will have a positive impact on small businesses with my expertise, passion, and unwavering commitment to success.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Although my journey wasn’t without challenges, I was fortunate to have the guidance of amazing mentors, who I still look up to today.
I really have been very fortunate over my 20 years experience to work with some amazing CPA’s. The key, as I have learned from my mentors, is to approach every opportunity with an open mind, a hunger for knowledge, and a willingness to absorb the wisdom that seasoned professionals have to offer. The guidance received from these CPAs wasn’t merely about the technicalities of accounting; it encompassed insights into the nuances of the industry, navigating challenges, and the importance of fostering meaningful relationships in the business world.
My biggest challenges has been keeping up with the growth, From a modest beginning with six clients and myself as the sole employee, the business has flourished to over 100 clients and a team of 13. Keeping up with such rapid growth brings its own set of hurdles, and it’s been a challenge to stay ahead of staffing needs. Evolving procedures have been a central focus for us. The commitment to anticipating future demands and ensuring our team is adequately staffed speaks volumes to our dedication to sustaining the high-quality service that has fueled our success.
In an effort to continue on the path of growth, I am currently pursuing a dual Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Accountancy (MAcc) from Southern Utah University. I believe my academic pursuits complement my extensive practical experience in the accounting field, positioning me as a trusted authority in financial management.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Shoebox Bookkeeping Services provides bookkeeping, payroll, cash flow management & consulting services in all 50 states.
The experience of occasionally feeling torn between professional commitments and personal priorities fueled my determination to create a workplace where individuals wouldn’t have to sacrifice their personal lives for their careers. When conceptualizing Shoebox Bookkeeping Services, my vision was clear—I wanted to establish an environment that prioritized flexibility. This vision became a cornerstone of our company culture, and it continues to shape our approach to work.
As Shoebox Bookkeeping Services continues to grow and flourish, the commitment to maintaining a flexible and family-friendly workplace remains unwavering. Our story is not just about numbers and financial expertise; it’s a testament to the belief that a fulfilling career and a rich family life can coexist harmoniously. Through this commitment to balance and flexibility, Shoebox Bookkeeping Services stands as a testament to the idea that success is not just measured in profit margins but in the well-being and fulfillment of the individuals who contribute to our collective journey.
I continue to be proud of Shoebox Bookkeeping Service and our growth and commitment to helping those entities thrive. I wanted more, but on a large scale, I wanted to help struggling small businesses turn things around and achieve their goals. With this in mind, the culmination of my experiences and passion for supporting small businesses led to the creation of Start It Up Smart.
This innovative business conference is designed to empower small business owners with insight from experts in areas such as tax, bookkeeping, payroll, marketing, health insurance, investments, legal, and more.
Alright, so before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
We are always looking for professionals who share the same values as ours and to whom we can refer clients for various needs.
Building a network of professionals who share our values and can be trusted to meet our clients’ various needs is a strategic and community-oriented approach. It not only enhances the services we provide but also strengthens the overall support system for our clients.
Pricing:
- Bookkeeping for as little as $150 a month, we make it affordable for businesses of all sizes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shoeboxbookkeepingservice.com/
- Facebook: shoeboxbookkeepingservice.com
