Compass Conversations: S&S Services

'Compass Conversations' is our newest feature where we shine a light on the vibrant businesses that are the true heart of our community.

Each month, we'll take you on a journey through the unique stories, passions, and dreams that drive our local entrepreneurs. These are the stories behind the logos and social media posts, the spirited souls enriching our daily lives with their craft and dedication.

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This month, we invite you to join the conversation with Samantha Simmons from S&S Services LLC.

I personally love Samantha's spirit, enthusiasm, and constant encouragement!

What inspired you to start your business?

S&S Services was born out of a deep desire to serve, not only my community but also my family. My husband, unfortunately, suffers from Crohn's disease and Alpha Gal, which severely limits his physical abilities to work. He used to be a skilled welder before his illness progressed significantly in 2018. With two boys, Norman and Samuel, I had to find a way to provide for them. After spending two years in the package and postal delivery industries, I realized that something had to change. Working six to seven days a week was not sustainable considering the demands at home. I yearned for time freedom.

In 2021, I took on a role as an office manager at a landscaping company, mainly focusing on bringing their financials up to date. Remarkably, I completed two years' worth of bookkeeping in less than a month. Simultaneously, I also took on a part-time job at a lake, assisting a short-term rental property manager. They had a backlog of one year's worth of financials, which I accomplished in less than a single working day. After discussing with my husband, we both agreed that it was time for me to embark on my own business venture, offering these services to others. My ability to work swiftly and efficiently meant that, even at a higher hourly rate, I was more cost-effective than most in-house employees.

How does your business contribute to the local community?

We offer a service that defies industry norms in the accounting world. Our primary focus is on nurturing the client-bookkeeper relationship. We strive to deliver consistent service and maintain open lines of communication at all times. Recognizing that life is unpredictable, we proactively plan for such occasions, both internally with our staff and externally with our clients.

We aim to be a reliable presence for our clients and the community at large. This involves actively participating in non-profit boards, volunteering in the local area, and offering a supportive presence when needed.

Can you share a memorable experience or success story related to your business?

The story that circulates, though not from my own lips, recounts how I acquired my inaugural client for S&S Services. It began when I attended a CVABC Health fair, eager to promote myself. Accompanied by my husband, as my nerves were getting the best of me, I approached various professionals.

Initially, I almost passed by the Visiting Angels booth, assuming they had no need for my services, being a nationally recognized company. However, spurred on by Stephen's encouragement, I decided to seize the opportunity to practice. I introduced myself to Mike Norfield, proffering my business card and explaining the teaching, clean-up, and maintenance services I offered within QBO.

To my surprise, Mike's enthusiasm was palpable as he promptly promised to share my card with their financial director, Marilyn. The very next day, an email arrived, and in a matter of days, I found myself in their office. Remarkably, they remain loyal clients and have even become cherished friends. It's worth noting that the payment from that initial service covered the expenses for registering my LLC. The gratitude I feel towards both my husband's gentle push and the trust bestowed upon me by the Norfield family will endure eternally.

What challenges have you faced in building your business, and how have you overcome them?

I believe in trusting that business opportunities will come and avoiding the gatekeeping mentality. Maintaining an open and collaborative environment is crucial to me, even among fellow accounting professionals. I value the power of collaboration and recognize that I don't possess all the knowledge. When we learn from one another, we all have a greater chance of success.

What makes your business unique? 

Family and relationships are profoundly meaningful. My business flourishes thanks to a team of inspiring individuals, with a majority being devoted mothers. They possess the determination to support and serve their families and clients alike.

The invaluable compassion of these individuals becomes apparent when navigating the intricacies of different businesses. We offer something unprecedented in our industry: guaranteed weekly communication and maintenance for all our retained clients.

What advice would you give to other small business owners who are just starting out?

Find a community, like the CVABC, that is going to cheer you on, be honest with you, correct you, challenge you, and love you through your growth! Delegate as soon as you are able. Do not limit your growth by not allowing others to help. It could be a bookkeeper, virtual assistant, internal employees, social media support, etc. Get help early and grow your business! 

How do you see your business evolving in the future?

I hope I am able to grow my business by maintaining what we offer now, but also diving into the consulting and CFO side of the business. I love being able to be in the background and cheering business owners through their failures, growth, wins, and more! 

Do you have a special message that you'd like to share with the community through this article?

You do not have to be alone. Do not believe that lie, ever.