“We the Prosperous” – Meet Leanne

Every Intuit customer has their own unique story. Along each of their journeys, they find passion, share advice, take risks, celebrate success, and form a community of their own.

From small business owners, to the self-employed and those simply seeking ways to be more financially savvy – we’re here to be a part of each story and champion our customers as they take steps forward on their path to prosperity. Hear how the power of many comes together to support the business of one with #WeTheProsperous.

Meet Leanne Chadwick, Executive Director of Therapeutic Riding, Incorporated (TRI). QuickBooks plays a big role in TRI’s ability to focus on their mission: providing children and adults with disabilities the experience of horseback riding. Find out more about Leanne’s day-to-day and how she ensures TRI continues powering prosperity in its community.

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Intuit: Leanne, what are some of your goals for TRI this year?

Leanne: Fundraising is a huge goal every year. The money we raise helps underwrite approximately 78% of our program costs, allowing us to provide our services in the safest, most fun environments for our participants.

Intuit: And fundraising is really a part of TRI’s overall financial planning. Know QuickBooks is an important resource for your team. What originally drew you to this product?

Leanne: Well, we had an office manager who served as our bookkeeper. When she left, I didn’t replace her, in order to save money and make hires for other types of positions. QuickBooks made it so we didn’t have to change any of our day-to-day operations because everything is in there for us to access.

I can pull reports out of QuickBooks on our different accounts. If I need to know where we are in our foundation receipts, I can go right into QuickBooks and pull that in a minute. The payroll services – that’s a lifesaver! We’re entering hours and information, but what’s really cool about the service is I can look at everything and get year-to-date info. I know taxes are being paid. I have historical information. With QuickBooks, it’s all about saving us time and providing information in a way we can understand it, and a way the board can understand it.

Intuit: It’s really like QuickBooks is just another member on your team! Glad it’s providing a lot of needed support for you. What advice do you have for others interested in pursuing a leadership role in a startup, for profit, or nonprofit organization?

Leanne: I would advise anyone not to take a step forward without having the right tools in your toolbox. When running any kind of business, it helps to have tools in place for accountability, especially when it comes to reporting to a board of directors, stakeholders, donors, customers, etc.

Intuit: Accountability is definitely a value of a strong business. What have been the most surprising and challenging aspects of your role?

Leanne: The best part of my role is the relationships I have within our TRI family. That includes staff, donors, families, participants, and volunteers. The challenging part of my role as Executive Director is being able to wear all of the many hats successfully in the organization that I need to wear.

Intuit: Juggling roles and priorities can be tough. Could you share some of your prosperity hacks?

Leanne: Time management, first and foremost. Using QuickBooks products allows me to free up my time so I can get to our community and develop relationships, instead of sitting behind a desk.

Intuit: Who do you lean on for support? Who do you go to for questions about your organization?

Leanne: I look to a variety of folks: mentors, my fellow staff, and my board members.

Intuit: What advice do you wish someone had told you before taking on this role?

Leanne: I wish someone had said that it’s okay to make mistakes; you’ll learn from them.

Intuit: Everyone makes mistakes – it’s really what you do with those lessons that makes the experience worthwhile. Lastly, who inspires you?

Leanne: My parents inspired me and instilled in me this sense of giving back to the community and supporting those who aren’t as fortunate as I am.

Intuit: Leanne, it sounds like you are doing an amazing job at living out that mission through TRI! Thanks for sharing all of these stories, hacks, and pieces of advice.

Hear from Leanne and the team at TRI on their definition of prosperity below.