elevated insights
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January has a certain vibe. Fresh planners. Bold goals. Big declarations like, “This is the year everything changes.” And while we love a good New Year energy boost… we also know how quickly that momentum can turn into overwhelm, avoidance, and a vague sense that you’re already behind (it’s January 12th—how did this happen?). This year, let’s do it differently. Instead of sprinting toward the summit with no map, no snacks, and questionable footwear, we’re inviting you to start the year grounded. Clear. Intentional. Less frantic mountain goat, more seasoned climber. Because clarity—not hustle—is what actually moves you forward. Set “Trail Marker” Intentions (Not Overwhelming Resolutions) Here’s where most New Year financial plans go off the rails: massive, vague goals with zero traction. “Be more profitable.” “Get my finances under control.” “Finally feel confident about money.” Cool. Inspiring. Also… completely unhelpful on a Tuesday afternoon. Instead of resolutions, think trail markers—small, intentional signals that guide your next step. Trail marker intentions sound like:
Establish Visibility: Know Your Path Before You Walk It If you want to stay grounded throughout the year, you need systems that show you what’s actually happening—clearly and consistently. Think of visibility tools as your maps and headlamps. They don’t climb the mountain for you, but they do keep you from wandering off a cliff. Helpful visibility systems might include:
Strengthen Your Ropes: Build Accountability Into the Ascent Here’s a hard truth we say with love: most intentions don’t fail because they’re bad ideas. They fail because no one is helping you stay consistent. Climbers don’t free-solo major ascents for a reason. They tie in. They rely on belay partners. They build safety into the system. Your financial habits work in the same way. Accountability can look like:
Prepare for Weather Changes: Build Flexibility Into the Plan No financial year goes exactly as planned. Algorithms change, clients churn, and unexpected expenses arise. Smart climbers expect weather shifts—and build flexibility into their route. That might mean:
Clarity Is the Goal—Not Perfection This year doesn’t need to be louder, faster, or more intense. It needs to be clearer. Clarity in your finances creates confidence in your decisions. Confidence ignites momentum. And momentum—steady, intentional momentum—is what gets you up the mountain. So start at base camp. Set your trail markers. Tie in your ropes. And take the next right step. Schedule a conversation with us to assess where you are, identify your next trail markers, and map a financial path that feels steady—not stressful. We’ll be here climbing alongside you.
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The end of the year comes fast, and for business owners, it usually brings a mix of celebration, reflection, and… spreadsheets. Oh, the spreadsheets! If closing your books feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Many business owners can agree that year-end financial tasks often land somewhere between “I’ll deal with that later” and “maybe if I ignore it, it’ll sort itself out” (spoiler: it won’t).
But here’s the good news: year-end doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right tools, a clear plan, and a trusted financial partner, wrapping up your year can actually feel calm, organized, and even empowering. At Elevated Advisory & Accounting, we help businesses close their books with confidence. Remember that clarity now means better decisions in the new year. Let’s walk through the essentials so you can head into 2026 with peace of mind, ready to reach new summits. Start With Clean, Up-to-Date Records (Your Future Self Will Thank You) If your bookkeeping has gotten a little… behind, you’re not the only one. And you don’t have to tackle it alone. Before we move into year-end reconciliation, we’ll work with you to make sure your books are clean, current, and ready for a smooth finish to the year. When you get us the information we need, we’ll take it from there—so your future self (and your business) will thank you. Here’s what we’ll help you review and clean up:
Think of this step as decluttering before the holiday season—clearing out what doesn’t belong so everything else is accurate, organized, and ready for the next chapter. Run Your Key Year-End Reports Your financial reports tell the story of your year. Keep in mind that your reports are only as good as the numbers they’re pulled from. We like to remind clients that clean books lead to clear insights. For most business owners, the core reports to run are:
Review Your Tax-Related Items (Without the Panic) We get it. This is where year-end usually gets stressful, but it doesn’t have to. Here’s what to make sure you’ve handled:
Forecast Your Cash Flow and Goals for 2026 Once your numbers are clean and clear, it’s time to look forward. This step is where business owners shift from being reactive to proactive. It’s where your accounting system becomes a growth tool that empowers you rather than a stressor. Ask yourself:
Get Support So You Aren’t Doing It Alone Year-end can feel heavy when you’re doing it by yourself. A financial partner brings clarity, confidence, and expertise that saves you time and prevents costly mistakes. Whether you need full CFO-level support or just someone to double-check your numbers, we’re here to make the process feel manageable and even refreshing. Year-end is one of the most powerful times to bring in a trusted financial partner who can:
Close Out 2025 Feeling Clear, Calm, and Confident Year-end doesn’t need to be stressful. And it certainly shouldn’t leave you feeling behind, confused, or buried in paperwork. With the right preparation (and the right partner), closing your books can actually bring clarity, momentum, and a fresh start. So take a deep breath and remember: you don’t have to do this alone. If you want guidance, a quick review, or full advisory support heading into 2026, the Elevated team is here to help. As the year draws to a close, it’s easy to fall into planning mode. You’re probably looking ahead to budgets, taxes, and next year’s goals, already mapping out what needs to happen in January. But before you shift your gaze too far forward, let’s give this year a proper high-five before diving into the next.Because no matter what this year looked like, or how challenging it may have been, you’ve made progress. And that deserves to be celebrated. No toxic positivity here...progress is progress, even if it came with a few bumps.
At Elevated Advisory & Accounting, we believe that recognizing your wins before year-end is more than a feel-good exercise. It’s a smart business move. It reinforces what’s working, strengthens your team, builds gratitude with partners, and creates clarity for the year ahead. Let’s explore how and why you should make time to celebrate. Why does celebrating your wins matter? Celebration isn’t about ignoring challenges or pretending everything went perfectly. It’s about acknowledging progress, effort, and the lessons learned along the way. When you reflect intentionally, you give yourself the opportunity to:
Celebrating your wins isn’t frivolous—it’s foundational. It helps you close the year with clarity and step into the next one with momentum. How to Celebrate: Turning Reflection into Action Reflection can look different for every business, but it always starts with slowing down long enough to take notice. 1. For You and Your Business Before you start planning next year’s goals, look back on this year. Open a fresh document, or grab a notebook if you prefer pen and paper, and create a “Win Inventory.” Write down every meaningful milestone: financial, operational, or personal. Maybe you:
You might be surprised at how much you accomplished once you start writing it down. Next, identify a few “unexpected wins.” These are the unplanned achievements. The things that went right even though they weren’t part of your original plan. They often reveal your business’ natural strengths and areas where you can double down next year. Finally, share your wins. Talk about them with your team, clients, or even share them on social media. Sharing your success isn’t bragging, it’s storytelling. It builds trust and reminds people of your values and what your business stands for. 2. For Your Team Your team has been climbing the mountain with you, and they deserve to feel that same sense of accomplishment. Set aside time to gather everyone (virtually or in person) and reflect together. Ask questions like:
Next, give specific shout-outs to team members who went above and beyond. The more personal and specific your gratitude, the more meaningful it becomes. Lastly, if possible, mark the moment with something tangible: a lunch, a toast, or a handwritten note. These gestures go a long way toward creating a culture of appreciation that lasts far beyond the holidays. 3. For Your Partners and Community No business succeeds in isolation. Vendors, collaborators, and community partners all play a part in your success story. Send a short, heartfelt message to the people who’ve supported you this year. Let them know you see and appreciate their efforts. You can even share an example of a success you achieved together. This kind of gratitude not only strengthens relationships but also builds goodwill for the year to come. When you take time to recognize your partners, they’ll remember your professionalism, authenticity, and generosity. The Ripple Effect of Reflection When you celebrate your wins before year-end, you create a ripple effect that touches every part of your business.
At Elevated Advisory & Accounting, we know how easy it is to get lost in the numbers, deadlines, and checklists. But those numbers represent something much bigger. They showcase your effort, your resilience, and your ability to adapt. So before you turn the page to a new year, pause and look at what you’ve built. Celebrate the progress, no matter how big or small. Appreciate the people who made it possible. And step forward knowing that reflection isn’t a detour, it’s part of the climb. Final Thoughts and a Year-End Invitation As you wrap up the year, take pride in the steps you’ve taken and the view from where you are. Whether this year brought growth, challenges, lessons learned, or all of the above, every part of it has prepared you for what’s next. Thank you for letting us be part of your climb this year. We don’t take that lightly. It’s an honor to walk alongside you as you build, grow, and reach new heights. Here’s to more clarity, confidence, and maybe a few more deep breaths at the summit next year. If you’re ready to start the new year with clarity and confidence, now is the perfect time to schedule a year-end review or financial strategy session. We’ll help you look back on what worked, identify new opportunities, and build a plan to reach your next summit. 👉 Schedule your year-end review today and step into the new year with a clear financial path forward. Here’s to closing the year with gratitude, reflection, and renewed purpose. By Erin Shubel, EAA Chief of Staff In the heart of Montana, a quiet revolution has been brewing. Not with loud proclamations or Silicon Valley fanfare, but through the strategic brilliance of one woman who saw beyond spreadsheets to the dreams hiding between the numbers.
The Architect of Possibility Sarah Gould didn't just start an accounting firm. She reimagined what financial partnership could mean for entrepreneurs across the Northwest. With two decades of financial expertise etched into her professional DNA, Sarah understood something most accountants miss: numbers tell stories, and those stories can be rewritten. It was a typical morning in 2014 – coffee brewing, possibilities brewing even stronger. While other financial professionals were content with traditional number-crunching, Sarah was plotting a different course. Her lightbulb moment wasn't about creating another accounting firm. It was about empowering local entrepreneurs to chase dreams that seemed just beyond reach. Elevated Advisory & Accounting emerged not as a traditional service, but as a strategic partner. Each client became more than a set of financial statements – they became a potential success story waiting to be authored. The firm's evolution speaks volumes:
What separates Sarah's approach is her holistic vision. Financial management isn't about recording history – it's about creating future possibilities. Her team doesn't just balance books; they:
Sarah's vision extends far beyond profit margins. Each client engagement represents an opportunity to strengthen local economic ecosystems, support emerging entrepreneurs, and fuel community growth. As we stand at this remarkable milestone, our hearts are full of anticipation. The next ten years aren't just about financial strategies – they're about the stories we'll help write, the businesses we'll help transform, and the community we'll continue to elevate. We see a future where:
Our commitment runs deeper than services. It's about legacy. It's about watching a small business idea bloom into a community cornerstone. It's about being the quiet force behind extraordinary achievements. 10 YEARS. COUNTLESS DREAMS. INFINITE POTENTIAL. This isn't just an anniversary. It's a declaration. A promise that we'll continue to stand beside entrepreneurs, turning their boldest visions into reality. VISION Our vision at Elevated Advisory & Accounting is to redefine the standard of financial partnership by being the most trusted, people-centric firm that empowers clients. We envision a future where businesses thrive through personalized, high-quality strategies and exceptional service, elevating every client to unprecedented heights of success and fulfillment. MISSION We Empower Clients to Rise Higher. Join us in celebrating 10 transformative years. Here's to the next decade of possibilities. Here's to rising higher, together. By Erin Shubel, EAA Chief of Staff with insights & contributions from Nathan Graaff, CEO of Artisan Roofing
Nathan Graaff began having dreams and visions from a young age - not always crystal-clear, but images of three offices that would redefine roofing construction industry standards. He started assisting his dad with their family roofing business at 6 years old with jobsite clean up, and his dreams of leading a roofing empire began at the age of 12. By 2018, Artisan Roofing was born, but what unfolded next reads like a masterclass in divine timing and purposeful leadership.
At the heart of Artisan's success is a leadership trio that seems orchestrated by fate itself. Nathan, the founding visionary, sees beyond the horizon to possibilities others might miss. From Pennsylvania came Anthony, discovered through Indeed, who would become the company's anchor, grounding bold dreams in solid execution. And then there's Corey, whose journey began in Oklahoma, then Fresh Life Church intern, to becoming the Artisan's lifeblood is nothing short of remarkable. Through a connection at Fresh Life Church and a natural friendship that bloomed, Corey became the vital force that bridges vision and reality, completing a leadership triangle that embodies the perfect balance of dream, structure, and momentum. Their achievements speak volumes. In an industry where excellence is often claimed but rarely proven, Artisan stands apart. They're apart of an elite group of contractors holding both Owens Corning Platinum Preferred status (achieved by less than 1% of contractors that can provide a 25 year workmanship warranty) and the prestigious Carlisle Commercial Roofing Certification - isn't just a guarantee; it's a statement of confidence. "You don't rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems," is a quote from the book "Atomic Habits" that resonates through every aspect of their operation. As true market disruptors, they're revolutionizing commercial roofing practices, particularly in crucial areas like vapor barrier installation where many competitors fall short. Their process involves a dedicated team of Carlisle engineers who build custom assembly lists, and each completed Carlisle warrantied project is inspected by a Carlisle Inspector to ensure every project meets their exacting standards. What makes this particularly exciting is how their success opens doors for our entire community. Artisan's systematic approach to excellence, guided by clear KPIs and high visibility for their roof advisors, has them firmly on track to become a $20 million company within the next three years. Their hopeful expansion into Bozeman and Coeur d'Alene isn't just growth - it will be the fulfillment of that original vision, proof that dreams backed by excellence become reality. Their tagline, "Excellence is a Choice," carries a profound truth: "When you live a life of excellence, He gives you a life of peace". As Nathan quotes from the Psalms, "His word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." This faith forward philosophy is transforming them from a local roofing company into a beacon of possibility for every entrepreneur in our network. "Working Genius" a book by Pat Lencioni has also been a huge incluence on how the Artisan Team culture is lead and understanding that "When a tide comes a harbor all ships rise" (JFK quote). With community growth, Artisan isn't just building a business - they're creating a legacy. Let's connect you with Nathan, Anthony, Corey, and other visionaries who are redefining what's possible when excellence truly is a choice. Their story isn't just an inspiration - it's a blueprint for what happens when vision meets determination, when the right team comes together, and when excellence becomes not just a goal, but a way of life. Connect Me With Artisan! |
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