While working full time and going to school full time, Steve Bauers met Russ Cowan with Money Smarts, Inc. and was offered the chance to join the business. Though he was already very busy with his schooling, job and family, Steve knew he couldn’t pass up the opportunity and took on the extra work. This has led him to a full-time position with Money Smarts, a company that is focused on helping small businesses with affordable accounting services. Russ came up with the idea to charge a flat rate while working at other firms over the past two decades. He noticed that most business owners were forced to learn the hard realities of bookkeeping and tax compliance on their own because they couldn’t afford the hourly charges that most firms charged. Under the Money Smarts system, most small business owners can better understand their numbers, have their questions answered and make better business decision for the long-term success of their companies.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
When I first started working for Russ I was still working another full time job and going to school full time, it was very hard to balance everything and still spend time with my wife and kids.
Tell us a little about your family.
I have two daughters from a previous marriage, Katelynne, 16, and Morgan, 13. I remarried two years ago to my wonderful wife Virginia.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Six years ago I was passed over for a promotion at my previous employer. At that point I had to decide if I wanted to stay with the company or move on. I decided that I would go back to college, after 15 years, and get my accounting degree.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I love to hang out on the deck with my wife, have a beer and bar-b-que.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I make my own bar-b-que sauce and rubs.
What are you the most proud of?
My wife. I have the utmost respect for her for not only putting up with me, but for being a mom to my kids.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My boss always says, “To succeed in business you have to have passion for what you do.”
What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish?
To learn to play the guitar.
Which talent would you most like to have?
To be able to sing.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
Snowball
What is your favorite movie?
Super Troopers
What is your favorite TV show?
NCIS
What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant?
The Steakhouse
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Warren Buffett
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Email me at steve@moneysmartsinc.com. You can also visit www.moneysmartsinc.com.