What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Discounts are offered.
Fees may be due as a retainer of services to start work on any project like bookkeeping cleanup or business, DOT set up. The minimum start-up fee is $600.00 for long term engagements.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Our typical process is to sign an agreement on the scope of work, collect payment to start work where we set up a cloud drive to share documentation. We prefer not to receive documents by email for security purposes.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
20+ years of experience in managing small-mid size businesses. Accounting 15+ years of experience. Transportation / Fleet Management 20+ years.
PTIN/EFIN, cleared by IRS, QuickBooks certifications and other CPEs throughout the year in tax law & payroll.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
I started as an office manager of a limousine company right out of High School. I moved to a call center job where I was top in sales, had 5 star customer service experiences, assisted in other departments such as QB, Customer Escalations, and Credit Card Processing at Home Decorators Collection. When they were bought out by Home Depot, I went into Inventory Management as a Buyer for the blinds department for both companies. This led me to a bookkeeping career at an Art Transportation company where I was mentored by a Business & Marketing major, and also a CPA for a period of 6-7 years. They got me to take an educational class which turned out to be a class to start my Bookkeeping & Accounting business. I am still in touch with my Business mentor who just so happens to also be my mother and had been in touch with my CPA mentor for 11 years total as I refined by accounting and tax skills. When this position ended due to the owner getting sick, I went into a managerial accounting role as an Accounting Manager / Controller at a Trailer & Container Dealership where there was a full-service trailer shop. During my tenure, I assisted with starting up 2 other businesses and maintained them. A brokerage, and trucking company. Shortly after, we decided it would be a good idea to purchase another trailer shop in MO while we moved from MO to IL. I managed the DOT authorities for the trucking businesses subject to FMCSA regulations and continue this practice as well.
What types of customers have you worked with?
Schools, Non-Profits, Real Estate, Transportation, Brokerages, Service businesses, Food Trucks, Boutiques, Attorneys, & those without businesses who may have tax related questions.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
Over the past two years, quite a few milestones have occurred. 2023 we purchased land in Granite City, IL and erected a new building, moved into the new building March 2024 right after going through an acquisition in 07/2023 and getting that entity settled with their new applications. June 2024-Aug 2024 a software conversion was completed for both shops and the sales and leasing division where I bought in the previous year end numbers and each month going forward in a system called Karmak geared towards dealers.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
I would certainly make sure to review their experience, and seeing how it could relate your business. I would also check the internet for reviews and do your due diligence in selecting a provider to give you peace of mind.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
Every customer is different, and I imagine if you are at a point of seeking professional guidance, you will have all your questions ready. The engagement alone will raise more questions, and it is helpful to have all your documents in the cloud.
