"That's not my job" — five words you'll never hear Scott Keene say. As a serial solopreneur turned professional bookkeeper and payroll specialist, Scott has run everything from a family restaurant and lounge to a pandemic-crushed kayak tour company before finding his true niche: helping business owners who are great at their craft but drowning in their books. In this episode, Scott and Donna dig into the real cost of doing it all yourself — the delegation struggles, the blurred boundaries, the "I care too much" scope creep that comes with genuinely wanting your clients to win. Scott shares why he believes personal touch (not AI) is what solopreneurs actually need more of, how he found his niche after 20 years across restaurants, retail, and adventure tourism, and his hard-won advice on perseverance: fall off the horse, dust yourself off, get back on. He also opens up about his next chapter — helping solopreneurs plan for the retirement and protection their businesses often leave out. If you've ever taken on too much because delegating felt impossible, this conversation is for you. Bio BioFor two decades, I've had the privilege of either sitting across the table from entrepreneurs, or being one myself.Entrepreneurs are people who have poured everything into building something of their own. Helping them turn financial chaos into clarity is what I have committed my professional life to.I know and truly understand that behind every set of books is a real person with real stakes, and I treat every engagement with that in mind.Based in Hawaii and working with businesses across industries and around the world, I specialize in helping founders and growing companies do more than just balance the books. I help them understand their numbers, control their costs, and build the operational backbone they need to scale with confidence.What I bring to the table:Whether you're launching a new venture, in a financial mess, or simply outgrowing your current systems, I step in with a calm, methodical approach and hit the ground running. My background spans construction, equipment rental, adventure tourism, restaurants/bars, lodging, retail, and professional services — Industries where margins are tight, operations are complex, and there's no room for error. I don't just record transactions — I build systems. From starting up finance and HR departments from scratch to modernizing outdated workflows, giving business owners back their time and giving them back their peace of mind are some of my highest priorities.Certified. Credentialed. Accountable:My technical credentials reflect a genuine commitment to professional excellence:- Advanced certifications in QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, QuickBooks Payroll, Xero, FreshBooks, and NetSuite (just to name a few).- Payroll and tax compliance certifications through Intuit Academy, Gusto Academy, and ADP.- Registered PTIN Holder with the IRS — fiduciary responsibility is foundational.- Expertise in OSHA compliance, HR best practices, and employee training.A note on how I work:Attention to detail isn't just a professional value — it's a way of life. I hold a Federal Certificate in Professional Pilot & Aviation Administration and an FAA Helicopter Pilot License. Flying demands the same qualities I bring to every client engagement: precision, composure under pressure, and an unwavering respect for the consequences of getting things wrong. When you hire me, you're not just getting someone who can read a P&L — you're getting someone who genuinely cares about getting it right. Website www.bespokebookkeeping.com Social Media Links www.linkedin.com/in/a-scott-keene
