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Beyond The Books
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.
A Bookkeeper’s Guide to Building
a Profitable, Meaningful Business
20+
Years Accounting Experience
150+
Businesses Served
Roles
City Treasurer, Controller, CFO, Founder
WHY I WROTE THIS
A Personal Note from Stacey
“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
“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
MEET THE AUTHOR
Take a Look inside
“Owning a business isn’t just about making a living; it’s about creating something that reflects your purpose, persistence, and passion.”
MEET THE AUTHOR
Stacey Gardner, Founder & CEO, Shoebox Bookkeeping Service
20+
Years Accounting Experience
Roles
City Treasurer, Controller, CFO, Founder
Stacey Gardner is the Founder and CEO of Shoebox Bookkeeping Service, which serves clients across Utah and beyond.
With over 20 years of accounting experience, she has held roles that include City Treasurer, Controller, and CFO. She is passionate about helping small businesses succeed and she believes strong businesses are built through integrity, relationships, and a genuine desire to serve others. Through her work, she helps business owners gain clarity, confidence and the financial foundation needed to grow both their business and their vision.
Early Praise
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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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“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.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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You can order your copy of Beyond the Books directly through this page using the button above.
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Beyond the Books is currently available in both paperback and e-book formats, so you can choose whichever works best for you.
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Yes! Signed copies are available while supplies last. The first 50 copies purchased directly through this website will be personally autographed by the author.
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Yes! Copies of Beyond the Books can be shipped nationwide, so you can order from anywhere in the U.S.
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Please allow approximately 5–10 days for processing and shipping. We’ll work to get your copy headed your way as quickly as possible.
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Absolutely. Bulk ordering and discounted rates may be available for businesses, teams, workshops, and events. If you’re interested in ordering multiple copies, contact Shoebox Bookkeeping and we’ll be happy to help with the details.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Ready to Build a Business with Greater Confidence?
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Shoebox Bookkeeping helps business owners stay organized, understand their numbers, and confidently manage the financial side of their business.
Beyond the Books
A Bookkeeper's Guide to Building a Profitable, Meaningful Business, by Stacey Gardner.
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