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With Shoeboxed, there has never been one “best” way to use our service to stay organized. And after processing over a billion dollars of expense data since 2007, we say that from years of firsthand experience!
Shoeboxed takes enormous pride in serving clients from around the country and across the globe, all of whom use our service in a myriad of ways to fulfill a whole host of organizational needs in both their personal and professional lives.
Introducing: Forrest Wright
Profession: Creative Director, Page 90, Inc.
Location: San Diego, CA
Website: www.page-90.com
LinkedIn: Forrest Wright
“I was not very good at being my own bookkeeper. Right before Bench, I had hired a bookkeeper who would come in every quarter but now Shoeboxed and Bench keeps things up-to-date in near real-time. No more quarterly meetings.”
-Forrest Wright
Shoeboxed: Hi Forrest! Thanks so much for taking the time to sit down with us– we know how busy you are directing your next production!
Forrest Wright: Absolutely! Thanks for taking the time to interview me.
SBX: We’re glad to have you. To get started, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
FW: I started my career working in production and development for the film industry. When I got my MBA, I noticed an overlap between screenplay story structure and branding. That’s where I found my sweet spot – brand storytelling. With Page 90 I get to do something immensely rewarding: help individuals and brands simplify their story, and then share that story in a way that captures their audience’s attention.
SBX: Have you always wanted to run your own business? How did you get started?
FW: I haven’t always wanted to run my own business as much as I have always wanted to be part of a great team. When I’ve worked for large companies in the past, sometimes I found myself on a great team, sometimes not. Running my own business, I get to assemble a dream team for each project and this has given me access to amazing talent.
SBX: A great team is definitely a must! What is your favorite part of your job, and what is the most stressful?
Forrest on set for a shoot
FW: My favorite part is the discovery phase. A lot of clients hire us to help with idea generation and clarifying messages. When I facilitate a day or two of idea generation it’s not your traditional brainstorm. We essentially set up a creative play day. You’d be amazed at how much thoughtful, practical content emerges when you break the rules of business-as-usual and have fun with the marcomm/branding process.
The most stressful work: delivering pitches on behalf of clients. I’m a bit of a showboat so on one level I enjoy this, but I still get nervous before a big pitch. Your whole job is to influence the audience and you know right away whether you’ve succeeded.
SBX: I like the sound of a “creative play day!” Now, let’s jump in. How do you use Shoeboxed and Bench to manage your business? What is the best part of using them together?
FW: Shoeboxed and Bench are my solution for managing my business’ finances. I’m one of those people who found QuickBooks to be a cumbersome tool that took way too much time away from my actual work. Now I upload and itemize receipts from my phone at point of purchase, Shoeboxed stores and shares these with Bench, and Bench takes care of the rest. Then, once a year at tax time, I correspond with my guy at Bench (Luke is awesome) and we get it done. This saves me a lot of time and I’m no longer hoarding receipts.
SBX: How did you handle your bookkeeping before you started using Shoeboxed and Bench?
FW: See #4. I was not very good at being my own bookkeeper. Right before Bench, I had hired a bookkeeper who would come in every quarter but now Shoeboxed and Bench keeps things up-to-date in near real-time. No more quarterly meetings.
SBX: Can you tell us a little bit about the features of Shoeboxed you use (expense reports, storing receipts for tax purposes, etc.)? What’s your favorite one?
FW: My favorite feature is the mobile app, and being able to categorize my receipts. This insures that Bench has the information they need to do their job.
SBX: Would you say that we make it easier for you to stay organized and up-to-date with your accounting? How so?
FW: Absolutely. My company’s accounting process is now streamlined to capture > tag > send. Shoeboxed + Bench = automated accounting for my business.
SBX: Do you have any helpful tips for other small business owners that are trying to get organized?
FW: Use your time, energy and passion to do what you’re great at. Outsource the rest.
SBX: Well spoken, Forrest. We couldn’t agree more! Thanks again for sharing with us today!
FW: My pleasure!
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