Who We Are

A man walking alone up a mountain path with his dog

Wes started out on his path to becoming a CPA over a decade ago...

not because he loved to crunch numbers, or prepare tax returns, or solve complex accounting puzzles. (Well, maybe that last one…a little bit) After completing his undergraduate work in business and entrepreneurship, he chose accounting with the specific purpose of pursuing a deep understanding of the thing that is most complex for business owners, so that he could use his skill to help his community thrive. He started off in accounting firms, but late one night when he found himself tiptoeing through piles of client files splayed on the office floor of a business-suit clad partner who maybe would sleep in his office that night, Wes knew that life would never be for him. He kept working at firms, dreaming about striking out on his own until opportunity came knocking: his friend and mentor told him she was looking for a buyer for her accounting business. And before he was really ready (if that’s a thing), Wes was a business owner himself.

‍

That was 8 Years ago...

and the road since has been full of the twists and turns that are familiar to all business owners, including the ever-present feeling that what he was doing everyday– tax work, mainly – though he was good at it, and enjoyed his clients, just wasn’t aligning with the “why” of what led Wes to accounting in the first place. Through the years, he researched advisory-based accounting practices, seeking mentorship and guidance from some of the pioneers of the industry. He learned a lot, and along the way tested elements of advisory work with his business clients.

His vision for Songbird was taking shape, but knowing that accountability would be the lynchpin to the success of his vision, Wes hired Annie, a career non-profit program manager. Together, they began in earnest putting into practice the Holistic Business Guidance process Wes had been studying and cultivating for years. And it worked.‍

Looking over the shoulder of a woman working on her computer outside with her feet up

2 people standing in front their business with a open sign hanging on the door.

Or rather, it's working everyday.

Songbird works because we’re working the process ourselves. We started by establishing our foundation – our values, vision, and why – and are using this foundation to set, measure, and evaluate actionable strategies. Every step we take in this business is rooted in this foundation, and is in service to creating the life we envision for ourselves.

We believe that the simplest solution is the best solution; that vulnerability and bravery lead to breakthroughs, and that business should be collaborative and joyful. We look forward to walking this path with you.