(Addison, Ethan and Ollie)
So, owning your own business has some perks . . . like company parties for 8. Our Fall Red Tree Accounting company party was at the Mayan. Semi good food, but really exciting entertainment for the kiddios (you know they still have the divers).
My partner, Melissa, and I went to college together. We had the same classes for most of our undergrad. She started her Master's in the summer and I took the summer off with new baby Addison and then we met up again for some classes in the Fall. Melissa's husband Brian was also in accounting and so was Ansen. Aren't we the cutest four-some ever?
So we all graduated, she went to Ernst & Young and then Deloitte, and I went to stay at home Mom. Eventually I found a niche and started working at home. We kept in touch for the next couple of years and met up for dinner here and there. January of 2008 she quit Deloitte and we officially started Red Tree Accounting. It was such an easy transition and it was PERFECT timing for both of us (I could give you a billion stories of how it all perfectly fell into place, but I won't bore you). We already knew we got along, we had already worked together in classes, and we already knew each other's weaknesses. Business is great and has already grown faster than we ever anticipated (but still slow some days). She's been a great partner and an even been better friend over the last 2 years.
So, what do we talk about at these company parties? Lots, and then of course Accounting! We all have a different specialty though . . . Ashleigh-Financial (and Tax), Melissa-Tax (and Financial), Ansen-Audit and Brian-Banking. We'll be so well rounded when Ansen and Brian come to work for us . . . or we sell it for millions, right.
Edited** And where did "Red Tree Accounting" come from? Oh, no good explanation. I used to joke that the only thing keeping me from officially opening a business was a good name. My brother in law did come up with "Bookkeepin' It Real" for me. It took me 3 1/2 years to think it up and then 6 months to settle on it. Melissa loved it immediately. I was trying to think of something obscure, professional, but not just Hatch Accounting. So, I don't know . . . I have red hair so Red and then I always loved the Redwood Forrest growing up in CA so Tree. And I settled there I guess.
