Padstone Bookkeeping

10/11/2026

I was the lucky winner of Claudia Rickard's complementary workshop following her presentation at the Holly Springs Small Business Network (HSSBN) a couple of months ago. I want to thank Claudia for the workshop and the follow-on Bunny Talk presentation last week. There is so much more going on besides hypnotism; plenty of emotional coping strategies were showcased. Thank you, Claudia, for bringing your specialties to the triangle community.

Call now to connect with business.

10/11/2026

I gave a bookkeeping presentation to the Cary Leads networking group last week and threw the entire kitchen sink into it. I just had so much to say. :) Jesse Malone, thank you for staying to support me even though you were wet the whole time (yes, there is a story there). Terrence Boykin, thank you for the constructive feedback afterward. There is always a take-away and a chance to learn and grow after every presentation.
Have a great week!

09/27/2026

09/27/2026

Happy Sunday,
I had another wonderful and productive week of networking.
At the HSSBN on Wednesday, Heather Oakley, Edward Jones, provided an impassioned presentation to help participants uncover what their priorities are in life.
In the evening on Wednesday, I attended the first Entrepreneurs Meet-Up in Southern Pines with multiple hosts to include Chris Heivly of MapQuest fame. It will be held once a month at The Corner Collective. The next one will be on 10/15/26.
At the Cary Leads Networking group, we were able to round table feedback for Jumba Treska, Onyx Budding Solutions, as her and her husband start up their new business.
I was invited back to BNI RD34 Pay It Forward on Friday, held at The Balkan Table in Cary, to participate in a non-visitor's day. Thank you to all for welcoming me to your meeting.
Along the way, I enjoyed 10 one-on-ones throughout the week and came away with a deeper connection with each person.
Of note, Ken Wilson, Web Design By Eagle, was able to assist me over the last hump I had to get my website live. Thank you Ken. My website is:
www.padstonebookkeeping.com
I wish you all a fruitful and productive week!
Take care,
Shawn Phillips

09/20/2026

I had another fulfilling week networking. I started on Monday at the Sanford Harnett County Networking held at the Wisdom Well Coffee and More between 0900-1030 and hosted by Jenny Mallett. We enjoyed a round table discussion together and welcomed Nisla Love, a Tax Strategist and owner of Choose Love Solutions.

Raleigh Veteran Connect met on Tuesday evening. We had gracious hosts at Carimus and plenty of people to meet and get to know.

Wake-Up Wednesday was next with a farewell to Bruce and an introduction to the new owner of his cleaning business. Two gentlemen spoke about opportunities to support the Communities in Schools of Chatham County. I enjoyed meeting new people and sharing small talk with regulars that I have come to know and respect. I even crossed another Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) from the navy.

Suzanne Yeager and Brittany hosted Best Year Ever at Wingin' It Taphouse and Grille in Fuquay-Varina, which is held every 3rd Wednesday from 1130-1300. Trevon Patterson from Growth Systems Strategist was the guest speaker.

Brianna Postlethwait invited me to the BNI RD12 Go Givers and Jeff Philips invited me to the BNI RD34 Pay It Forward visitor's day events on Thursday and Friday respectively. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet and interact with your groups.

Finally, I enjoyed three 1-1 meetings. The first with Leslie Limerick Lockhart where we explored opportunities for me to advertise in the Positively Apex magazine. Jed Hysong and Jeanette Ragland met me to discuss a possible B2B opportunity. And, I humbly offered some mentoring to a young Finance and Accounting graduate.

All in all, it was a wonderful week. I look forward to next week.

Take care everyone and enjoy the remainder of your weekends.

09/20/2026

I had another fulfilling week networking. I started on Monday at the Sanford Harnett County Networking held at the Wisdom Well Coffee and More between 0900-1030 and hosted by Jenny Mallett. We enjoyed a round table discussion together and welcomed Nisla Love, a Tax Strategist and owner of Choose Love Solutions.

Raleigh Veteran Connect met on Tuesday evening. We had gracious hosts at Carimus and plenty of people to meet and get to know.

Wake-Up Wednesday was next with a farewell to Bruce and an introduction to the new owner of his cleaning business. Two gentlemen spoke about opportunities to support the Communities in Schools of Chatham County. I enjoyed meeting new people and sharing small talk with regulars that I have come to know and respect. I even crossed another Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) from the navy.

Suzanne Yeager and Brittany hosted Best Year Ever at Wingin' It Taphouse and Grille in Fuquay-Varina, which is held every 3rd Wednesday from 1130-1300. Trevon Patterson from Growth Systems Strategist was the guest speaker.

Brianna Postlethwait invited me to the BNI RD12 Go Givers and Jeff Philips invited me to the BNI RD34 Pay It Forward visitor's day events on Thursday and Friday respectively. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet and interact with your groups.

Finally, I enjoyed three 1-1 meetings. The first with Leslie Limerick Lockhart where we explored opportunities for me to advertise in the Positively Apex magazine. Jed Hysong and Jeanette Ragland met me to discuss a possible B2B opportunity. And, I humbly offered some mentoring to a young Finance and Accounting graduate.

All in all, it was a wonderful week. I look forward to next week.

Take care everyone and enjoy the remainder of your weekends.

09/13/2026

Greetings,
I enjoyed a busy couple of days networking last week.
- I started at the HSSBN meeting on Wednesday where Julie Freeman gave a presentation on Integrative Nutrition and Functional Medicine. It was nice to see so many familiar and friendly faces.
- That was followed by a 1-1 with Christine Walorz at Fera'wyn's Chocolate Cafe in Holly Springs. We enjoyed our first conversation over yummy drinks. My thoughts are with Ian in the Gulf.
- Later, I met with Tyler Dean with Edward Jones where he provided me with an informative overview of the process Edward Jones uses to support their clients. I am continually impressed with Edward Jones and all of their financial advisors. This was my second 1-1 with Tyler following my first visit to BNI Ch. RD12 Go Givers meeting held months ago. I am excited to join them again this week.
- On Thursday, I attended the Cary Leads Network Group, which is always an informative session. Jesse Malone with Edward Jones was in the hot seat as a follow-up session from his briefing at the last meeting.
- Afterward, I attended my first Network In Action (NIA) meeting with Jessica Yee in Holly Springs. The Holly Springs NIA group is fairly new, so there is room for new members. I recommend attending a meeting and allow Jessica to show you her networking process. Bring your thinking cap because she will draw you in to participate whether you think you are ready or not. That is the whole point - to learn and to grow.
I was so deep into the interactions, engagements, and ideas that I forgot to take pictures of all the groups and locations. I have to remind myself to do better going forward.
Thank you to everyone I encountered last week!
Have a wonderful week!

09/08/2026

Last week was a busy week filled by one-on-one meetings with some very interesting people to include: Debra Mathias (LinkedIn Trainer & Coach + Connect Local Raleigh Triangle), Heather Oakley (Edward Jones in Fuquay-Varina), Eric Schenck (Relevate Real Estate Inc.), and Katy Willett (Middle Creek Insurance). I want to thank you all for the stimulating conversations and being gracious with your time.

Have a wonderful week!

Photos:
At Edward Jones in Fuquay-Varina, I met Heather's staff who were super friendly and informative.

Lucci Blue's Social Cafe in Fuquay-Varina is a wonderfully quaint establishment with food, drinks, w**e, inside and outside seating, and an activities room on the second floor that hosts such events as line dancing. Kim, the owner, was gracious with her time and came to our table to chat for a bit. FYI, I recommend the affogato.

The Perch in Holly Springs is a relatively new coffee and desserts establishment with a gaming twist. They host gaming (non-computer - although if you bring your laptop, you can play remotely) in the back room in the afternoon and evenings. I met a couple of the owners who were open to sharing their vision and why.