Conversations with the Inspiring Katrina Martinez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katrina Martinez.

Katrina, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in the beautiful mountain town of Flagstaff, Arizona. I was fortunate enough to stay there and attend Northern Arizona University where I studied Accountancy at the College of Business. While at NAU, I interned with the National Park Service as part of their Administrative and Finance team.

When I graduated from NAU, I moved down to Phoenix to explore the many opportunities it offers. I started working for a small, local, bookkeeping firm in Downtown Phoenix where I gained knowledge among several different industries. I was also introduced to several small business owners who were dedicated to collaborating with other local entrepreneurs in order to help each other grow. I was so inspired by this community and developed a passion when using my skills in helping others succeed.

After stepping away from that firm and working for a larger organization for a few years, I realized I still had a desire to help small businesses. I decided to take the leap and start my own company. I had refined my skills and knowledge in accounting and bookkeeping and wanted to share that with as many small businesses as possible.
My main goal is to empower small business owners by providing them a deeper understanding of their financial position. I love educating my clients on how truly profitable their income streams are. This allows them to focus on the areas of their business they should grow, and it also frees up much of their time to spend within their business.

Has it been a smooth road?
I have been blessed with a wonderful support system of family, friends, and mentors throughout my life. I am very fortunate that when I have faced obstacles there has always been someone for me to lean on or get advice from. I am not saying that it has been easy. Trust me, there have been times where I have wanted to throw my hands up and walk away thinking the long hours and lack of sleep were never going to get me anywhere, but I know I can always call on someone in my circle to talk me through it. I have been able to meet amazing people who give me business advice when I need guidance. I also know I can always call on my parents whenever I need extra confidence to tackle a big task.

My advice to young women starting their journey would be to never stop learning. It is so important to be a life long student. I don’t mean you have to sit in a classroom all day, you should go out and meet people in your field or the field you wish to be in. Pick their brains! Ask them how they became successful in their industry, I’m sure they will love to share their story with you. Look at all the other business owners around you, read books about great business concepts and how people grew their companies. You can take all these little pieces and utilize them in yourself and your business to grow something that others will ask you about someday.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Catapult Bookkeeping, LLC story. Tell us more about the business.
I offer two things that really set me apart from other bookkeeping firms.

I offer completely cloud-based services, which means no more stacks of paper on my client’s desks! I will store all your files and receipts in a clean, organized, and secured online document management system as well as maintain your books in beautiful cloud-based accounting software that is easy to navigate and understand.

I also offer a very high level of customer service. I love talking to my clients, not only to know their business needs but also to get to know them on a personal level. I believe in a high level of communication because I deal with YOUR business and YOUR money, and you should have 100% visibility into that. I also make myself completely available to my clients to describe what their financial statements are telling them. It is important to me that I bring value in educating my clients in their finances and not just reconcile their bank accounts.

Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
The woman who has inspired me most in my life has been my mother. She is one of the most caring and compassionate people I know. She listens to people, feeling every emotion with you, and offers advice when needed. She knows when to be a counselor, offering a shoulder to cry on and when to be a cheerleader, providing that extra kick to the finish line.

My mother also knows how to take life lightly, making jokes and laughing around the clock. Even when I was taking care of my mother as she was going through Chemo and Radiation therapy in her fight with breast cancer, she found something to laugh at every day.

She has taught me to be a strong and thoughtful woman, that words and intentions matter, and not to be afraid to stand up for what I believe in.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://catapultbookkeeping.com/
• Phone: 9286990374
• Email: [email protected]

Image Credit:
Adrienne Triano

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