Consultation

Is my business idea a good one?

There are endless details involved in the start up or expansion of a small business. Consultation can help you wade through all the considerations to determine if your idea is viable, chart a course for the near future, and create a business plan to present to potential lenders.

Today's Abacus Business Solutions can help you work through the questions, concerns and ideas you have regarding your venture. From concept through implementation, we'll work with you to examine market, financial, labor force and logistics issues to ensure that you have the information you need to make sound decisions. When your business is up and running we can guide you through the early processes, help you analyze performance and keep you focused.

Feasibility Analysis

The major factors that combine to determine feasibility are economic, market, technical, financial and management. Before your idea is put into motion Today's Abacus Business Solutions can help you determine if these factors are favorable for success.

Business and Financial Plans

Often neglected, the business plan and financial plan are vital tools for any business, whether a start up or one that is expanding. The business plan brings into focus the vision, goals, capital needs and organization. By creating a business plan, the entrepreneur lays out a roadmap for success. The Financial Plan projects revenue and expenses laying the groundwork for operating profitably.

Start Up-Set Up

According to The Impact of Federal Regulations on Small Firms, an Advocacy funded study by W. Mark Crain,

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Financial Reporting

Where is my money going?

There are so many things that need to be done and only so much time in which to do them. We don't just prepare reports and statements for you, we help you understand them! Most business owners do not realize the importance of good record keeping and few entrepreneurs know how to organize and maintain records for maximum efficiency. Proper record keeping is far more than meeting tax filing requirements. In fact, when record keeping is done right, the resulting information can make the difference between success and failure.

Financial Statements and Analysis

Bookkeeping

It's more than counting beans folks. Proper bookkeeping creates timely, detailed and organized information that provides a solid basis for management decisions. As a bonus, bookkeeping done by Today's Abacus Business Solutions will save the small business owner tax preparation costs by providing input-ready information for the tax accountant.

Cost Accounting

Determines both the direct and indirect costs of doing business and associates those costs with the products and/or services you provide. Understanding what it costs to do business is crucial to finding ways to eliminate waste, save time and make adjustments as needed to ensure profitability.

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Cash Flow Management

Whom do I owe, who owes me?

You should always know who your business owes for goods and services received, how much you owe and when it is due. Likewise you should know who owes your business money, how much and when it is due to come in. Tracking this information is vital to managing your resources and avoiding cash flow problems.

Accounts Receivable

To help you keep tabs on the money your business is owed, Today's Abacus Business Solutions can invoice your customers, (or record the invoices you generate), record receipts, and generate reports that give you up to date information. We can also generate month-end customer statements, place collection calls and perform dispute resolution services.

Accounts Payable

To help you keep tabs on the money your business owes, Today's Abacus Business Solutions can process your bills in the accounting system and pay your bills using your bank's online bill payment system. If you process and pay your own bills we will load that information into the system as well and generate reports that give you up to date information.

Resource management

Managing the flow of cash is vital to the success of every business. We keep tabs on cash by combining your accounts receivable, accounts payable, and our reconciliation of your banking information to monitor where your money is, where it's coming from, where it's going and how much should be available now, and in the near future. Detailed reporting and analysis helps you plan for purchasing, seasonal spending, capital investment and short term borrowing.

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Payroll & Labor

What about employees?

Whether you are a new business that needs employees from the start, or a growing business that can no longer do it all yourself, hiring employees represents a major investment. It is important that you meet all the federal and state requirements for record keeping, tax filing and employment notices. Determining wage scales, benefits and tax liabilities can be confusing and take up valuable time needed for managing the business.

Human Resources Management

To find the right employees for your business you may need some help with ad writing, employment service listings and applications review. When you hire new employees there are many federal and state forms that must be filed, a handbook should be written and distributed and your business will need to apply for all the appropriate employer identification entities.

Payroll Processing

Today's Abacus Business Solutions is your go to source for payroll processing. We use online payroll services to provide efficient payroll processing and timely reporting. Whether we process from start to finish or you participate, paying your employees is a breeze. You don't have to worry about changes in deduction rules, rates or any of the ever-changing details – we keep tabs on it for you!

Payroll Tax Filing

The federal and state tax agencies all require electronic payment. With Today's Abacus Business Solutions handling your payroll you never have to worry about deadlines. We set everything up and take care of it for you. Where paper filings are required, we prepare the forms and forward them to you electronically. We'll even remind you to get them in when it's time!

Compliance

In addition to payroll, paying others for services means you need to be sure that you are following the rules. Here are some of the important things to consider.

• Non-employee compensation (1099's)
• Workplace notices
• Federal and state hiring forms
• Workers compensation and health insurance
• Wage reporting (W-2's)
• Payroll tax payment frequency
• Workers compensation audit reporting

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Wytheville, VA

R&R Enterprises, Inc

Comprised of several companies, R&R Enterprises is owned and operated by the Robinson family.

Founded in 1998 by the husband and wife team of Aaron and Rebekah Robinson, R&R Septic began with one truck, built by Aaron and his dad Bill on their carport. Starting out as a part time venture while working other jobs, in 2000 Aaron went full time and branched out from pumping residential septic systems to restaurant grease traps, septic line repairs, and full septic system installation. Rebekah left the public work sector to care for their growing family of three girls and help with the expanding business.

Sandy is part of our family and we love her! She is by far one of the best business women we have ever met. - Rebekah Robinson

That same year, Bill and Caroline Robinson bought seven portable toilets and with the purchase of Job-Site Johnny in Marion, VA, R&R Enterprises was born. After the first year, Caroline took over as office manager, overseeing all the administrative areas of the growing ventures. The acquisition allowed R&R to retain long-term employees Larry Hall & Bobby McIntyre and their 40 years of experience. The sister companies moved from a home based operation a year later into the current headquarters located on Peppers Ferry road and their crews continued to grow with the addition of Chris, Dennis, Ernie, Jason, John, Lori, Mark, and Tom.

The 2010 acquisition of Haynes Portable Toilets in Galax, VA broadened the company's service area and added James Phipps' 30 years of experience to the team as well as Amanda and Tim. Holding master plumbing, Class A contractor, and onsite sewer alternative system licences, today the combined operations offer porta-toilets, septic system installation, water & sewer line installation, drain cleaning, septic & grease trap pumping and disposal, jetting, grading, and even equipment rentals from Knoxville, TN across Southwest VA, to North Carolina and West Virginia.

Our wonderful Sandy and Today's Abacus Business Solutions came into play as we sought some sound business consultation for the growth and demands of our three businesses. One of her clients, Blue Ridge Surveying & Mapping, Inc. was doing a survey for us and was telling Aaron how highly he recommended Sandy and what her company had done for his business. The rest, as they say, is history. Sandy is part of our family and we love her! She is by far one of the best business women we have ever met. She is there, daily, to help us with anything that comes up. We have total confidence in her and her ability to help us manage our business. We really feel we are partners in business together.

Hillsville, VA

Hershberger's Country Market

Hershberger Country Market is located in a retail shop on the grounds of the Hillsville Farmers Market at I77 exit 14. Dwayne Hershberger owns and operates the store where an ever-changing variety of items makes it fun to shop (and save money). Buying in Pennslyvania, North Carolina and elsewhere, Dwayne carries some unusual brands and products not often found in the immediate area and sells everything at discounted prices.

Because the stock changes often, you never know what you may find each time you visit. The shelves are stocked with groceries, cleaning supplies, personal care products, sundries, candy and more! In addition to providing savings on every day needs to his customers, Dwayne serves his community as a volunteer firefighter.

Hillsville, VA

RoadRider Market

Owner/operator Jon Morrell purchased the TNT Grocery in August of 2012 and has been working at making it even better ever since. Since taking over the popular convenience store, Jon has introduced himself to the neighborhood by sprucing up the inside of the store with new displays, new products and holding a monthly gas giveaway contest.

The already existing deli has been expanded and improved with new menu items, fresh cooked daily specials and some great desserts. It's a favorite meeting spot for some of the local folks where fresh hot coffee is served all day long. In fact one long-time regular makes sure the pot is fresh and the supplies are restocked every time he's there.

Jon, with some help from Today's Abacus and his Dad Kyle is working on data analysis to better understand what his customers want and how to get it to them for the best price.

I was referred to Sandy through Aaron Marshall of Aaron's Auto Care. Aaron recommended Sandy after a discussion we had regarding a new business venture I was considering. I am grateful that I took his advice! I began working with Sandy after purchasing T&T Grocery. Her knowledge of business compliments ANY business type, whether it's cars or variety stores. Sandy is so knowledgeable about business, it allows the owner/operator to focus on THEIR business! I have yet to present a question to Sandy without her already knowing the answer, or being able and willing to brainstorm and come up with one! Sandy works with mainly young, smaller companies, and that shows in the sense that we all feel like family! I am very thankful for Sandy, and hopeful that she will remain in my "family" for the life of it! - Jon Morrell, Owner RoadRider Market

Galax, VA

Mark's Food Services

Owner/operator Mark Davis began smoking BBQ as part of the Nervous Wreck team competing in the Smoke on the Mountain festival held annually in Galax, VA. The Memphis Barbecue Network-sanctioned event draws thousands of enthusiasts and some of the country's top names in BBQ. In 2008 Mark's crew beat out nationally known teams to take home first place in the "anything butt" category with his melt-in-your-mouth brisket (my personal favorite)!

Mark's offerings (and his secret sauce) garnered such enthusiasm he decided to branch out into catering and later took over a cafe operation at the Crossroads Institute in Galax. Operating under the name of Squealers Authentic Barbecue, Mark offers his signature BBQ and smoked brisket along with an array of other breakfast, lunch and dinner choices to suit any catered event. Mark takes pride in his sides made from recipes handed down in his family for generations, homemade sauces, and fresh, homemade desserts. Mark's Food Services now serves folks in the Wytheville area as part of the Wytheville Community Colleges conference center and has been as well received there as in his native town.

I highly recommend Sandy West and Today's Abacus Business Solutions' services. Sandy has been with me from day one, helping me get my business off the ground. She has been there every step of the way, taking care of all my business needs. Even the many things I never knew were needed to keep a business going. She has a great knowledge of what it takes to help get your business started, and what it takes to keep it going. She truly cares about small business and the people that run them. She has aways gone out of her way to answer any question I have ever had or help with (and fix) any problems I have come up against. Her service has more than paid for itself. My business would not exist today without Sandy West and the staff of Today's Abacus Business Solutions.

Hillsville, VA

K Farmer Plumbing & Services, LLC

As owner and operator of K Farmer Plumbing & Service, Kevin brings years of experience and a quality minded approach to all his work. Holding a master plumbers license as well as a contractors license, Kevin handles everything from minor repairs and replacements to complete new home plumbing and installation. Kevin teams up with other quality craftsmen to create beautiful complete bathroom remodels bringing together ingenuity and skill to turn old, poorly designed spaces into rooms that will delight customers for years to come.

Fancy Gap, VA

Aaron's Auto Care

Founded in 2003 by the husband and wife team of Aaron and Shay Marshall, Aaron's Auto Care began as Aaron's Muffler & Auto, specializing in custom exhaust system work. As the business grew, Aaron realized that he wanted to offer his customers a broader range of services, so in 2005 he built and equipped his own location. While working on a plan in 2011 for an addition, Aaron was referred to Today's Abacus Business Solutions by a client, and by the business adviser he was working with so our work together began.

In 2012, the name of the business was changed to Aaron's Auto Care to better reflect the full range of automotive services available. Aaron and Shay both work full time in the business, Aaron's Dad, Zane oversees parts and towing and they employ four mechanics, including one specializing in farm equipment. Together with Aaron's uncle's body shop they can offer full service repairs and body work, making insurance claim work more convenient. They offer pick up and delivery services for a nominal charge, as well as Virginia state inspections, and can even provide auto cleaning and detailing for a one-stop shop.

As you can see from their picture, the business is not the only thing that has grown!

while discussing some marketing ideas via IM for an upcoming event: "I think if you told me to buy a golden elephant I would listen and do it... if I could just figure out where to find one... LOL" - Shay Marshall, Aaron's Auto Care, Inc.

relaying something another client told him while referring him to us: "If she tells you to go out in the driveway and do cartwheels, just do it." - Aaron Marshall, Aaron's Auto Care, Inc.

Fancy Gap, VA

Fancy Gap Mountain Realty

Founded in 2008 by the husband and wife team of Paul and Kaye Burnett, Fancy Gap Mountain Realty is dedicated to providing professional, knowledgeable, and courteous service in all they say and do. Paul and Kaye are both natives of Carroll County and enjoy sharing their knowledge of the Southwest VA section of the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains with others. Located within "shoutin" distance of the Blue Ridge Parkway, they work hard to ensure satisfaction for both buyers and sellers.

Kaye's Cell Phone: 276-233-2019

We started our own business in 2008 and with no hesitation we knew Sandy West was the lady that we needed to help us. The main reason we chose her was because we felt totally confident of her knowledge & skills, confidentially and work ethics.
As we have grown she continues to give us advice and the best part is being able to do our jobs, while leaving all the accounting to her.
We would highly recommend her to any small business.
What makes Sandy special and stands her out to us is that she knows the Lord.

Pulaski, VA

Planet Care, Inc

Planet Care's president, Jeff Hasson is proud to say that "Planet Care is an environmentally conscious and consumer driven company. We realize that the consumer does not want to spend a great deal of money for their sewage system and we will deliver this message of understanding to the consumer".

On January 15, 2010 Planet Care, Inc. acquired the assets of Eco-Pure, Inc., Fort Myers, Florida and relocated all Eco-Pure product manufacturing, including a 180 inch swing rotational molding machine to Pulaski, Virginia.

Planet Care's initial product offering consisted of the Eco-Pure Peat Moss Biofilter and Eco-Pure Polyethylene Septic and Pump Tanks.

The Eco-Pure Peat Moss Biofilter was developed by Edward Festa and Joan Brooks, PhD in 1998. The system design was based on the research conducted at the University of Maine during the 1980's and 1990's and especially the research conducted by Dr. Brooks. The Eco-Pure Peat Moss Biofilter is a "containerized" version Dr. Brook's research.

By request, the company introduced a concrete tank version in May 2010.

Hillsville, VA

Blue Ridge Surveying & Mapping, Inc.

Open Mon-Fri 7:30-5:00

Founded in 2006 by Brian and Tamara Sutphin, Blue Ridge Surveying & Mapping, Inc. is licensed in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. They offer a full range of surveying and mapping including Static or RTK GPS.

I have been working with Sandy for over seven years. I am a person who believes in the “if you want it done right, do it yourself” philosophy. That was before Sandy of Today’s Abacus Business Solutions came along. When I met Sandy, it was hard at first to just hand over the reins and follow her direction, but in a very short time, I saw her talent, passion and dedication to what she does and I gave in. All I can say is that it was a very smart move for me. This freed me up to concentrate on what was important, running my business! With Sandy’s help we started a very aggressive marketing campaign, launched a topnotch website, and doubled our number of employees in less than one year. Things went well for quite a while but in 2008 Today’s Abacus Business Solutions really had a chance to shine. At the peak of economic times, our business had 10 employees and a three month back log of work. Since the economy crashed we’ve downsized and Sandy was with us the whole way, guiding me through tough times and tough decisions. She managed cash flow and always alerted me to trouble on the horizon. Together we sought solutions to the current problem , moved on, and waited for the next one. During these tough times she has looked at my business from a whole different perspective than I have, and came up with creative ideas and solutions. Sandy’s diverse background in finance and business, along with her work ethic, make her company a “must have” for today’s small businesses. Sometimes I think she cares about my business more than I do. I can’t imagine trying to do this without her! - Brian Sutphin, Blue Ridge Surveying & Mapping, Inc.