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Beyond The Books
After more than two decades of working alongside business owners, I’ve learned that building a successful business is about so much more than the numbers.
Beyond the Books brings together the practical lessons, real-world experience, and principles I’ve learned throughout my career to help business owners build with greater confidence, understand
their numbers, make better decisions, and create a business that’s both profitable and meaningful.
This book is about building a business that works; not just on paper, but in real life.
A Bookkeeper's Guide to Building a Profitable, Meaningful Business
20+
Years Accounting Experience
Roles
City Treasurer, Controller, CFO, Founder
"Owning a business isn't just about making a living; it's about creating something that reflects your purpose, persistence, and passion."
WHY I WROTE THIS
A Personal Note from Stacey
This book is about building a company the right way, with integrity, hard work, and a genuine desire to help people.
It’s about creating something that matters beyond the numbers, it’s about building YOUR business!
Inside these pages, I share the experiences, lessons, and challenges that helped shape Shoebox Bookkeeping Service into what it is today, along with the knowledge I’ve gained from helping countless other business owners navigate the challenges of building and growing their own businesses.
Bookkeeping and financials are an important part, but every business owner also needs to focus on their leadership skills, relationships, growth and building a business that truly supports their people.
From my practical, real-world experiences, my goal is to encourage you, the business owner, to build something profitable, sustainable, and meaningful, all without losing sight of why you started in the first place.
- Stacey Gardner, Founder & CEO, Shoebox Bookkeeping Service
WHO THIS BOOK IS FOR
This Book Is For You If...
You're starting a business and want to build it on a strong foundation
You've been in business for years but know there are areas you could manage better
You want to better understand your numbers and use them to make confident business decisions
You want practical, real-world guidance on the things business owners need to know, from finances and taxes to hiring, leadership, time management, and planning for growth
You're ready to stop simply reacting to what comes your way and start running your business with greater intention
You want to build the right team, put better systems in place, and create a business that doesn't depend entirely on you
You're building for the long term and want to create something that's profitable, sustainable, and meaningful
You believe owning a business is about more than making money, it's about building something with purpose and creating an impact that reaches beyond the books
Navigate The Business Beyond the Books
Building a successful business means navigating more than just the numbers. Beyond the Books brings together the financial knowledge, practical business foundations, leadership lessons, and long-term thinking every business owner needs along the way.
Build your Foundation
Start Strong and Protect What You're Building
Business planning
Choosing the right entity structure
Operating agreements
Insurance and compliance
Taxes
Building your Business Dream Team
Know Your Numbers
Understand the Financial Side of Your Business
Financial management
Budgets and cash flow
Understanding your financial reports
Payroll
Owner's payroll vs. draws
Planning and making informed financial decisions
Build & Lead
Create a Business That Can Grow
Hiring and building the right team
Leadership
Time management
Networking
Client experience
Technology and systems
Plan Beyond Today
Build Something That
Lasts
Long-term business planning
Personal finance for entrepreneurs
Creating a business that isn't entirely dependent on you
Exit strategy
Building a profitable, meaningful business
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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![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.”
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?
"Owning a business is more than a career choice; it's a privilege and, for many, a dream realized."
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Continue the Journey with Shoebox
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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