Laura DeGroot

Owner, Perfect Balance Accounting Services LLC

How Long have you been with Perfect Balance Accounting?
I opened the business in July 2010

Business Ideology
We work with you on a personal level to determine the best solutions for your unique needs, then leverage our seasoned expertise to achieve the best possible results.

We are your trusted partner in success. Our firm is large enough to offer a full range of professional services at a fair price, but small enough to give you the individual attention that you deserve.

Rest assured that when a need arises, our firm is ready and capable to handle everything for you so you can focus on what matters most to you.


Do you have a specialty?

I am the Jill of all trades here. I need to know how the books work, how to fix transactions, how to help customers with their bookkeeping questions – then understand how that relates to taxes and tax law. How the tax software works, etc… And this is before my first cup of coffee. Then I can get out there shovel the snow, fix a monitor that did not work, then scrub a toilet.  Yup – this is what a private business owner does 🙂 

How many years of experience do you have in this field/position?
Over 10  years.

What other types of jobs have you had?
Sales, systems, marketing, manufacturing, accounting – was on the team that designed, developed, tested and implemented an accounting system for dealers while at Case. I spent over 30 years working in the private sector as a consultant with infinite companies, such as: Northwestern Mutual, MillerCoors, Johnson Diversey and Case New Holland America.

Education

  • Undergraduate Degree in Business from UW Parkside
  • Graduate Degree – MBA in Business from Keller Graduate School of Management.

Other Certifications, or Continued Learning?

  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
  • Master Bookkeeper certification
  • QuickBooks Pro Advisor

Business Affiliations

  • RAMAC
  • Racine Founders Rotary Club
  • BNI Strictly Business.

Family
I’ve been married for almost 38 yrs ( June 2018) to David DeGroot. We have a beautiful 3 year old solid white German Sheperd named Daisy, who is also our business mascot. If you ever stop into our office, you have a great chance of meeting her. 

What are some of your hobbies?
Travel – Class B motorhome camping style. Hiking, biking, ATV riding. Horses – I own one, see him 2 times a week for much needed horse therapy! Photography – would love to retire and take landscape images to sell.  

Residence
Live in Mount Pleasant for the past 20 yrs. Prior to that Village of Elmwood Park for 15 years, the balance of my life on this earth was spent in the City of Racine. So I have lived my entire life in Racine County.

Name something that people don’t know about you?
My grandfather was the author of the red book and blue book of coins. They called him Mr. Redbooks – pen name RS Yeoman. I have many of the books.

Do you volunteer or work with any particular charity or organization?
Namaste Equine Rescue – http://www.namasteequinerescue.org/  Books and Taxes and fundraising and of course working with the horses 🙂
Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin – Taxes

Do you have a long term goal?
To retire in Winter Park Colorado!!! Enjoy the beautiful out of doors as much as possible.

“God, let me accept the things I can’t change, courage to change things I can & the wisdom to know the difference.”

Meet the rest of our staff!

Diane Hessesnius, Senior Tax Preparer
Tammy Wishau, Lead Accountant
Nickolas Kaminski, Accountant
Julie Rodriguez, Bookkeeper
Lexi Buchberger, Administrative Assistant