Meet Tory Blair Bauman of The Blair

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tory Blair Bauman.

Hi Tory Blair, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in the economic boom of the 90s, I was like many other kids. I had everything I needed, most everything I wanted, and it all seemed easy, quick, and endless – but my parents had a different perspective. My dad was a hard-working, high achieving immigrant and my mother was influenced by parents who had lived through the depression. They teetered on making sure we had more than enough but also instilled a strong respect for financial acumen. When I got a little carried away with those innocent childhood requests for more, my parents would say, “Alright, put on your shoes.” Eagerly, I got ready. They led me to the back yard which was large and wooded. I was bewildered. “Now, please show us which one of these trees is the money tree.” It was in that backyard where I received my first lessons on financial responsibility. As I grew up with those trees, I learned that money doesn’t grow there. I learned that a few smart strategies and habits can be nurtured and like those trees, give bounty year after year.

Those lessons drove a curiosity for numbers and I ultimately decided to pursue a career in accounting and finance. I started out at KPMG where I learned how to dissect a business from its financial records. After several years I was craving more hands-on experience. I joined a fast-paced telco where I moved from financial reporting to controllership to my final role as a finance director. The cumulation of that childhood curiosity and deep experience in accounting and finance leads to the birth of The Blair.

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?
I have always craved the structure of working at a corporation. There is typically a roadmap for success and a constant feedback loop by way of performance reviews and ratings. Going out on my own means leaving that behind. I must carve out time to set goals, reflect on what is working, set my own road map and put myself and my clients on a winning trajectory.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My business is a financial services company that specializes in helping small and medium-sized businesses achieve strong financial outcomes. Our services include bookkeeping, financial reporting & analysis, cash flow management, internal controls, executive-level presentation, and post-transaction integration of accounting systems and processes. The critical number crunching projects that usually fall to the bottom of list at most SMBs is our bread and butter.

Contact Info:

• Email: tory@theblair.money
• Website: theblair.money