More than Just Accounting
Dr. Shope first read veterinary accounting articles by Gary I. Glassman, CPA, partner at Burzenski & Company, PC, in the mid-1990s. Years later he would serve as her advisor on the purchase of the practice.
“Gary has extensive industry knowledge,” says Dr. Shope. “He has been a great sounding board when I need to make a decision that affects the practice and my employees. With the initial purchase, he helped me to evaluate the numbers of the practice to see what I could and should do. He has also guided me in terms of salary for both me and my employees.
“His experience of what practices and the industry are doing is priceless. He has benchmarks for other vet practices and he has been instrumental in helping me set prices and to know when to raise prices.
“Gary and his team, particularly Melody Mann Fox, Linda Altieri and Carlos Briceno have been remarkable. I feel like I have a whole team working for us. Burzenski & Company does not simply provide accounting services. For example, when Gary comes for his annual on-site visit he offers input on things such as signage, marketing, inventory management, and even our website. He gives me advice from a business perspective, not just an accounting one. The Burzenski team has also helped me figure out retirement strategies for me and my employees and helped set up a retirement plan.
Now that Dr. Shope is considering the purchase of a new building, Gary has been offering advice. She says, “He’s helping me understand what I can afford and putting me in touch with lenders who specialize in veterinary practices.”
According to Dr. Shope, working with Burzenski & Company remotely has never been an issue. Between email and phone calls as well as on–site visits communication has always been flawless between the two offices. The distance only shows on a map. In reality, it is irrelevant.