Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Wessinger.
Hi Erin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began my bookkeeping career in my 20s, working for a paint contracting company that initially generated under $500,000 in revenue. Over time, the company grew to over $2 million and shifted its focus to industrial and specialty painting. I owe much of my early knowledge of Quicken and basic accounting principles to his CPA, who guided me through the learning process. From there, I had the privilege of working for a woman who owned seven businesses across different locations. She taught me more about managing funds between companies and diving deeper into the intricacies of accounting and reconciliation. I admired her so much that I wanted to follow in her footsteps. With her encouragement, I pursued and earned my Paralegal Degree. While I loved the legal field, my passion leaned more toward accounting.
A few years later, I found myself in Murrells Inlet, SC, working for a temp agency as a highly skilled bookkeeper with extensive QuickBooks experience. Soon after, I was hired by an Association Management Company, where I managed several Associations utilizing QuickBooks, despite the software not being ideal for the industry. As I gained experience, I earned my Community Association Management Certification (CMCA) and transitioned into opening Inlet Management of SC, LLC. Over the six years I ran the company, I earned the Association Management Specialist (AMS) designation, and ultimately, the highest level of certification in my field—the Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM).
As life went on, I got married, had a beautiful daughter, and relocated to be closer to my mother and grandmother in Chapin. I also navigated a divorce, which ultimately led me to a happier and more fulfilled life. In 2019, I returned to my true passion—accounting. I set up my office in my mother’s kitchen, and the next morning, To the Moon and Back, LLC was born. I owe the name of my company to my mother, who always tells me, “I love you to the moon and back”—it was the first thing she said that morning, and it stuck. The name has a personal meaning and serves as a conversation starter, especially since it doesn’t immediately reveal what I do!
From my mother’s kitchen, To the Moon and Back, LLC began providing accounting services to a friend’s Homeowners Association Company, which had 10 associations. A referral soon led me to a Controller position with a design firm. When COVID hit in 2020, business slowed down, but I was able to keep going thanks to another referral from a high school friend of my mother’s. Her son needed bookkeeping and organization, so I started working with Robby Bettis. More referrals followed, and I joined my local Chamber of Commerce, which led to additional clients through their newsletter. Over time, Robby and I developed more than just a working relationship, though I always ensured his financials—bidding, receivables, and reconciliation—were up to date.
Today, my client base has grown, thanks entirely to word-of-mouth referrals, and I now have 18 clients. I also have an assistant and offer a wide range of services. In addition to running my business and performing as an On-Demand CFO, I proudly serve on the Town of Chapin Planning Commission and on the Board of Directors as Treasurer for Fidelis Family Retreat, a non-profit organization that supports veterans and their families, helping them reconnect and thrive.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In any business there are always struggles. My first one was to get out of my Mother’s house, I love the woman dearly, but I was in my 40’s with a pre-teen and business. I needed space. She helped me purchase a 3 bedroom house, so I would have an office. I dipped a little when COVID forced my employer to let me go because they didn’t have enough work for me. But I did not give up, I put myself out there and attended any networking events, online seminar, etc. and educated myself of how to find jobs/projects. I did this mostly for R Bettis Construction and put them on the map with state jobs because I didn’t stop going down rabbit holes which led me to gold mines or information and jobs to bid on. Once my firm started growing, I knew I had to hire an assistant to help me. I was lucky and found one through FaceBook, and now find the need to add to my Team. This is a struggle for me, because now I have even less time to find someone. However, I believe the Universe will bring me the right person at the right time!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
To the Moon and Back’s mission is to take your administrative and financial burdens off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on growing your business. “I do everything office” is what I told someone, it’s hard to narrow down exactly what I do, because I literally do it all. I can act as your secretary, office manager, controller, collector, and your CFO. Most of my clients will tell you that I am known as the “fixer”. I fix things in QuickBooks that other people don’t know how to do. Having been named a subject matter expert in many fields, I bring a unique blend of legal expertise, community management proficiency, and a genuine passion for fostering positive change to your business. I am a Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor with other 25 years of experience. A business couch asked me, “What sets you apart from others”, I had a simple answer, “they are not ME”. I am my power, and no one can be me! I will have to say, I am most proud of myself, and what I have become. Most of all I value my integrity, honesty (although some may not appreciate it), and loyalty.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
All of my favorite childhood memories are with my Mother and/or both sets of Grandparents. The best memories are always when I was in Chapin. Either at the lake house with my Mother or Grandma and Granddaddy. Or at my Papa and MaMa Wessinger’s house/farm cooking BBQ. These 4 elders taught me more about life and what kind of person to be than any school could. I honor them when I sign a new contract, or get told by one of my clients how much they appreciated my help, I learned it from them!
Pricing:
- 175
- 85
- 65
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tothemoonandback.live
Image Credits
Lux Verum Productions
