AVAILABLE NOW · ORDER YOUR COPY
Beyond The Books
A Bookkeeper’s Guide to Building
a Profitable, Meaningful Business
After more than two decades of helping entrepreneurs navigate the financial side of business, Stacey Gardner has gathered the practical lessons, real-world experience, and foundational principles every business owner deserves to know. Beyond the Books is a clear, approachable guide to understanding your numbers, making stronger decisions, and building a business with greater confidence and long-term purpose.
20+
Years Accounting Experience
150+
Businesses Served
Roles
City Treasurer, Controller, CFO, Founder
WHY I WROTE THIS
“Over the past 20+ years, I’ve worked alongside hundreds of small business owners, celebrated incredible wins with them, helped navigate difficult seasons, and watched avoidable mistakes cost people time, money, and confidence.
I wrote this book because I believe every entrepreneur deserves practical guidance before they have to learn these lessons the hard way. Beyond the Books brings together the conversations I’ve had across conference tables, bookkeeping meetings, coaching sessions, and years of working beside business owners every day.
My hope is that this book helps you build not only a profitable business, but one that reflects your values, supports your family, and creates the future you envision.”
- Stacey Gardner
Founder & CEO, Shoebox Bookkeeping Service
A Personal Note from Stacey
“Owning a business isn’t just about making a living; it’s about creating something that reflects your purpose, persistence, and passion.”
WHO THIS BOOK IS FOR
This Book Is For You If...
You’re preparing to start your first business
You’ve been in business for years but still don’t feel fully confident with your finances
You want to better understand your financial reports
You need practical guidance without complicated accounting language
You’re building with long-term goals in mind
You believe success should be measured by more than profit alone
WHO THIS BOOK IS FOR
Find Your True North, Four Directions at a Time
Every business needs a compass. These are the four directions Beyond the Books will help you navigate.
Build a Strong Foundation
Business planning
Entity selection
Insurance
Taxes
Building your professional team
Understand Your Numbers
Cash flow
Budgets
Financial reports
Payroll
Owner compensation
Lead and Grow
Hiring
Leadership
Mindset
Technology
Networking
Build a Lasting Legacy
Personal finance
Exit planning
Long-term growth
Creating meaningful impact
A PEEK INSIDE
Beyond the Books was created to feel practical, manageable, and easy to return to as your business grows. Explore a few pages and get a feel for the guidance waiting inside.
Take a Look inside
“The most successful businesses are built on genuine care. When customers feel seen, heard, and valued, they don’t just buy your product or service; they buy the experience.”
Get the introduction sent straight to your inbox and see why Beyond the Books belongs on every business owner’s shelf.
Read the Introduction, Free
Stacey Gardner, Founder & CEO, Shoebox Bookkeeping Service
MEET THE AUTHOR
Stacey Gardner is the Founder and CEO of Shoebox Bookkeeping Service, serving clients across Utah and beyond. With more than 20 years of accounting experience, she has held roles including City Treasurer, Controller, and CFO.
She is passionate about helping small businesses succeed and believes strong businesses are built through integrity, relationships, and a genuine desire to serve others.
Through both her work and Beyond the Books, Stacey helps business owners gain the clarity, confidence, and financial foundation they need to grow their business and their vision.
20+
Years Accounting Experience
Roles
City Treasurer, Controller, CFO · Serving Utah & Beyond
Early Praise
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![Five-star rating graphic in teal-colored stars.]()
Sarah Engler
“I've used Shoebox Bookkeeping during the last year as I've started my small business. They have been easy to work with and it is a major relief for me as the business owner to take off one of the many hats I'm wearing and trust that my finances are being taken care of. Would highly recommend.”
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![Five teal-colored stars arranged in a horizontal line.]()
“I’ve worked with Stacey
for nearly a decade, first while I was part of a corporation where she managed the company’s books as a contracted partner as a fractional CFO, and later as a business owner and Shoebox client myself. Through both experiences, I’ve seen firsthand how her knowledge and experience extend far beyond bookkeeping. She has always poured her perspective as a business owner into the way she guides others, helping them better understand both their numbers and their business. Reading Beyond the Books, it was incredible to see all of that wisdom brought together in one place: years of lessons compiled into a single resource that’s thorough, manageable, and genuinely actionable. Highly recommend!”
Mary Bevins
Founder & CEO, Memora Marketing Shoebox Client -
![Five teal-colored stars in a row.]()
Juan Carlos Prado
“One of the best decisions I have made as a new business owner was acquiring Shoebox Bookkeeping to manage my books for all my businesses. They have competitive rates, a variety of services that cover a majority of bookkeeping needs and outstanding customer service with great response times. There are other services outside the realm of what a bookkeeping service would do that Shoebox provides. I would highly recommend Shoebox Bookkeeping.”
AVAILABLE NOW
Add Beyond the Books
to Your Business Library
Paperback
Ships nationwide
Signed copies available, while supplies last
Bulk ordering available for teams, workshops, and events
Whether you’re building your first business or strengthening one you’ve led for years, Beyond the Books offers practical guidance you can return to through every season of growth.
LOVE LEARNING?
Continue the Journey with Shoebox
Shoebox Bookkeeping helps business owners stay organized, understand their numbers, and confidently manage the financial side of their business.
Learn About ShoeboxFrequently Asked Questions
Beyond the Books will be released on October 24, 2026! You can pre-order now and make sure you get your copy as soon as it's released.
“Owning a business is more than a career choice; it’s a privilege and, for many, a dream realized.”
MEET THE AUTHOR
Ready to Build Your Business with Greater Confidence?
Start with the lessons, tools, and perspective Stacey has gathered through more than two decades of working alongside business owners.
NEED MORE SUPPORT?
Continue the Journey with Shoebox
Shoebox Bookkeeping helps business owners stay organized, understand their numbers, and confidently manage the financial side of their business. If the book helps you recognize that you need more hands-on support, Stacey and the Shoebox team are ready to meet you where you are.
Beyond the Books
A Bookkeeper's Guide to Building a Profitable, Meaningful Business, by Stacey Gardner.
© 2026 Stacey Gardner / Shoebox Bookkeeping Service. All rights reserved.