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Kathleen Fitzpatrick of Padgett Business Services of Princeton: An Entrepreneur Helps Her Community with Financial Planning Services for Local Small Businesses

“I wanted to have a more local impact on my community and believe that the small business community will only continue to thrive and grow.”

46The Story Exchange
By The Story Exchange

This story is part of our 1,000 stories campaign. What’s your story?

Name: Kathleen Fitzpatrick

Business: Padgett Business Services of Princeton , financial service for small businesses

Industry: Other — Financial Services, Coaching & Consulting 

Location: Princeton, New Jersey, U.S.

Reason for starting: I wanted to have a more local impact on my community and believe that the small business community will only continue to thrive and grow. I wanted to take all of the management techniques and consulting experience from my Fortune 500 roles in finance, accounting, project management and human resources and offer these services to small business at modest rates to increase their likelihood of business success.

Related: Read about another financial female entrepreneur here. 

How do you define success? Having a well balanced life that includes business success, volunteering in the community, spending time with family and friends. Being independent in choosing the type of work and who I work with!

Biggest Success: My biggest success was making the decision to start my own business in 2014. I was in the cocoon of corporate America for over 25 years but very dissatisfied with my career success. I decided to leave and invest in myself while making an impact in my local community. I started my business from the ground floor in early 2014.

Related: 5 Reasons Your Biz Needs to File for a Tax Extension 

What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it? The top challenge has been building local networks and growing my business through referrals. I know that it takes time to build a thriving business so my biggest challenge is managing my own expectations and having patience in building my business. I am also more mindful of where I put my resources (time and money) in marketing my business so that I can spend my resources where it will have the most impact.

Who is your most important role model? I have always been inspired by Oprah Winfrey going back to her early days on television. Here is a women who had nothing, created a whole brand, and was very gracious with giving to others.

[box_light]Website   www.AccountingPrinceton.com 
Twitter   @kfitzpa6
Facebook   www.facebook.com/padgettofprinceton[/box_light]

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Edited by The Story Exchange