Celebrating Community Leadership
An Interview with Laura DeGroot, Owner of Perfect Balance Accounting
Laura DeGroot is no stranger to community involvement. As the owner of Perfect Balance Accounting, she not only leads her business with precision but also dedicates her time to various community roles, from serving as President of Racine Rotary to running local youth initiatives. We sat down with Laura to learn more about her passion for making Racine a better place.
Rotary Leadership and Post-Prom Success
Laura’s role as President of the Racine Rotary Club from July 2022 to June 2023 gave her the opportunity to make a significant impact. When asked about the projects she’s most proud of, Laura immediately mentioned Racine’s post-prom:
“Post-prom is one of my favorites! It’s a wonderful event that went very well, and I had an incredible team of people helping to put it together. I’m proud of our Rotary Club for supporting such an important event for the youth in our community.”
Another accomplishment that stands out is the addition of a bench and garbage cans at Overlook Park, marking the end of her term. She also made a point to highlight the strong Racine Rotary Club’s history to its members and the community. Laura explains, “Every four weeks, we’d look at Rotary history and engage other members to develop a deeper appreciation for it. Laura Sumner Coon and Norris Richardson were instrumental in making sure we remembered the past while planning for the future.”
Post-Prom: A Rite of Passage
Laura dedicated three years to running Racine’s post-prom, an event she views as crucial for local youth.
“The whole senior class looks forward to it every year,” she explains. “It provides a finalization of their high school years and an introduction to adulthood. Racine does something special with that, and it’s a rite of passage for every student who graduates. The schools put standards on students to participate, which I think is a good way to encourage positive behavior.”
Her love for the youth and the community shines through as she reflects on the importance of this annual tradition.
Racine Rotary Foundation: Giving Back to the Community
Now serving as President of the Racine Rotary Foundation, Laura describes her experience as overseeing the philanthropic arm of the Rotary Club. “The funds we raise go back into the community, and that’s what makes it so rewarding. We’ve already reviewed some grant requests and continue to do so quarterly.”
Her dedication to strengthening local support systems shines through as she talks about this responsibility with pride.
Fostering Growth through RAMAC
Perfect Balance Accounting is also a proud member of the Racine Area Manufacturing and Commerce (RAMAC), a network that Laura sees as vital to fostering business growth in the area.
“RAMAC is a fabulous group of community businesspeople,” Laura says. “It’s one of the best places to network in Racine. There’s such a wonderful vibe at RAMAC events, and it’s empowering to see so many familiar faces. I can’t even imagine the number of business deals that have been made at RAMAC events.”
A Family Committed to Community
Laura and her husband, Village of Mount Pleasant President Dave DeGroot, are deeply connected to the local community, and it’s clear that giving back is a shared passion. When asked about what community leadership means to them, Laura says, “It’s just part of who we are and how we grew up. We want to see the best for our community and everyone in it.”
She reminisces about their high school days, “We were high school sweethearts at Park High in 1976. We even sat alphabetically—Dodd and DeGroot—in classes like horticulture and trigonometry. It’s a funny coincidence, but it’s part of our history!”
Finding Balance at Rosewood Equestrian Center
In addition to their community work, Laura co-runs Rosewood Equestrian Center, a place where she finds peace and balance.
“Horses have a way of sensing when you’re stressed. If a horse isn’t responding the way you want, it’s often a reflection of what’s going on inside you,” Laura shares. “Working with horses relaxes me so much. There’s nothing like training these huge animals and developing a bond with them.”
Laura recently hosted an open house at Rosewood, where they welcomed 60 visitors. “It was so much fun! Seeing little kids petting the horses and feeding them treats was so humbling and satisfying. It’s these moments that make it all worthwhile.”
From supporting local youth to leading business networks, Laura DeGroot’s contributions to Racine and Mount Pleasant are driven by her passion for the community. Whether through Rotary, RAMAC, or Rosewood Equestrian Center, Laura exemplifies what it means to give back while balancing it all with grace and joy.
