Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Tisdale.
Stephanie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In 2014, I retired from the Army as a Major. I served 20 years, 14 years as a Quartermaster and the remaining six years as a Finance Officer. My husband retired a year before me and we decided to move back to Houston, my home town. I spent a year trying to find a job not knowing what I wanted to do. Through a referral, I landed a position as an Operations Manager for a small business. It was my first civilian job and an excellent learning experience. My job consisted mostly of full-charge bookkeeping. I absolutely loved that part! After three years, I left the company and decided I didn’t want to work for anyone anymore. But what in the world was I going to do? What do I have to offer that people or businesses need? I was getting my hair done by my cousin who is also an entrepreneur and wise businesswoman. We were talking through what I could do next and what I loved about my last job. She said, “You’re going to open your own bookkeeping business. Yes! That’s what you’re going to do.” I thought it was a brilliant idea. I went home immediately and started researching bookkeeping programs and I found one designed by a CPA to help entrepreneurs start and build their own bookkeeping business. I purchased the program and filed for my business in late 2018. I had my first two clients by early 2019. I always dreamed of owning my own business and here I am my own boss.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been fast-paced and I’ve certainly have had my fair share of challenges. My most significant challenge is effective networking strategies. A bookkeeping business is centered around relationship building and getting referrals from current clients. You have to have clients in order to get referrals and this requires networking. It’s something that at first, was very uncomfortable for me. In this business, building relationships and leveraging proactive, online and in-person strategies is the way to be most effective.
Breakthrough Bookkeeping – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
If I could give every business owner the gift of time, I certainly would. My mission is to free up their time by providing top-notch bookkeeping services so that they can focus on what they do best…run their business.
My expertise is in construction and service-based businesses. I am especially interested in exploring the healthcare services industry as I have a Master’s in Health Administration.
There are two things that set me apart from other bookkeepers. First, I work virtually which saves clients money. Second is my focus on providing advisory services to clients which can help them transform into a high cash-flow, financially efficient business.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Retiring from the Army in 2014 after 20 years of service. I was thankful to be able to serve my country but I am also elated to be returning to my family and friends in my home town.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.breakthrough-bookkeeping.com
- Phone: 832-669-2665
- Email: stephanie@breakthrough-Bookkeeping.com
- Instagram: breakthroughbookkeeping_tx
- Facebook: @breakthroughbookkeepingllc
Image Credit:
Crystal Lynn Photography
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