Before The Nest - Krista McLellan, owner of E&M Bookkeeping, has been in business for 20 years and serves a diverse client base, including Dunkin’ Donuts franchises and international businesses. Despite her success, she never intended to be a bookkeeper—it all started accidentally, growing organically through referrals. With 78 clients and a team in place, Krista had reached financial stability but felt her business lacked the foundational structure needed for sustainable growth.

Although Krista was an expert bookkeeper, she struggled with running the business side of bookkeeping. She was constantly “winging it” with no Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). She was undercharging for her services and clients didn’t recognize the full value of her work. She was involved in everything but unable to fully delegate which made growth difficult. Krista knew she was leaving money on the table and needed a proven roadmap to optimize operations, increase revenue, and remove herself as the bottleneck in her business.

“I’m a kickass bookkeeper but when it comes to 5-star client service, setting boundaries, & structuring my business—Justine showed me what I was missing.”

How The Nest Changed Everything - Krista joined The Nest in September 2024 to gain the tools and strategies to run a business, not just do bookkeeping. Here’s what she implemented:

✅ Implement Boundaries & Better Client Communication – Stopped treating client emergencies as her own and created structured touch points for client interaction

✅ Systematize & Strengthen Her Team – Developed processes that allowed her team to take more responsibility instead of everything falling on her plate

✅ Shift from Technician to CEO – Moved beyond just "doing the bookkeeping" to actually running a business with strategy and intention

✅ Increase Efficiency & Profitability – Applied Justine’s pricing strategies and operational efficiencies, allowing her to take on more clients and increase revenue

✅ Develop a Long-Term Vision – Set clear financial and operational goals, including a plan to bring her daughter into the firm and work just three days a week

“I’m so glad I didn’t skip The Nest just because I had an established business. If I had jumped ahead, I would have missed crucial foundational pieces that have transformed my business.”

The Results: Doubling Revenue & Gaining Clarity on Profitability - Since joining The Nest, Krista has:

📈 Doubled revenue in just four months by optimizing pricing and freeing time for growth

💰 Set a $10K/month profit goal—and now has a roadmap to achieve it

🛠 Built a structured team environment, reducing her direct workload

📊 Improved client communication, leading to higher retention and perceived value

👩‍💻 Focused on working ON the business, not just IN it, with clear operational guidelines

🏡 Created work-life balance, proving that scaling a business doesn’t have to mean burnout

"Since being with Justine, I have doubled my revenue in four months by implementing her strategies. I’ve been able to raise prices, free up time, and actually focus on scaling instead of just keeping up. I now have a structured plan to reach $10K/month in profit, and I finally feel like I’m running a real business—not just keeping books." – Krista McLellan

Ready to Transform Your Bookkeeping Business? Take control of your business growth with step-by-step guidance, pricing strategies, and a proven roadmap inside The Nest by Justine Lackey.

Other Testimonial Quotes

On Confidence & Mindset Transformation:

• “Justine has helped me realize that their emergency is not my emergency. I don’t have to be available 24/7, and I can set boundaries while still providing great service.”
• “I used to be a wallflower in my clients’ businesses—they barely knew I existed. Now, my team is actively engaging with clients, sending reports, and showing the value we provide.”
• “I used to think I had to keep every client, even the difficult ones. Justine helped me realize that it’s okay to let clients go if they aren’t the right fit.”

On Revenue Growth & Pricing Strategy:

• “Since being with Justine, I have doubled my revenue in four months by implementing her strategies. I’ve been able to raise prices, free up time, and actually focus on scaling instead of just keeping up.”
• “Justine’s pricing strategy alone changed my business. I slightly increased my prices, and it completely shifted my revenue without scaring off clients.”
• “The Nest isn’t just about bookkeeping—it’s about running a profitable bookkeeping business. That’s a game-changer.”
• "I was underpricing and undervaluing myself. With Justine’s guidance, I made small adjustments, and my revenue skyrocketed." (Paraphrased for clarity)
• "I’ve doubled my revenue since joining The Nest. Justine’s strategies helped me scale without burning out." (Paraphrased for clarity)
• "Justine’s approach to pricing and value changed how I see my services. I no longer feel like I have to justify my prices to clients—I know what I’m worth." (Paraphrased for clarity)

On Systems & Business Structure:

• “I was flying by the seat of my pants with no SOPs and making it up as I went along. Now, I have systems and structure, and it’s completely transformed how I run my business.”
• “I am no longer the bottleneck in my business. The Nest helped me put systems in place so I can delegate and finally scale the way I want to.”
• “I have team meetings now! Before, I would just throw work at my team. Now, we actually strategize, solve problems, and work together.”
• “Justine’s onboarding training alone changed my entire business. That one module was worth the cost of the program.”

On Support & Accountability:

• “I’m a great bookkeeper, but I wasn’t a great service provider. Justine helped me improve client communication, set better boundaries, and deliver more value.”
• “I’m no longer dreading tax season because Justine’s year-end strategy helped me get everything ready early. I’m actually prepared this year!”
• "The Nest’s co-working sessions force me to step away from daily client work and actually focus on improving my business. That’s been a huge mindset shift." (Paraphrased for clarity)
• "The way Justine breaks things down makes everything feel doable. I’m no longer just figuring things out on my own—I have a clear plan." (Paraphrased for clarity)

On The Value of The Nest:

• “I’ve spent money on other programs before, and they were fine. But Justine’s training is next-level, and she’s there interacting with us directly.” (Paraphrased for clarity.)
• I now understand how to market myself intentionally and attract even better clients.”(Paraphrased for clarity.)
• “The bonus trainings inside The Nest are worth the price alone. The extra guest speakers and strategy sessions have given me so many ‘aha’ moments.”
• "The Nest gave me a structured plan to finally work on my business instead of just being stuck in it. I now focus on growth, profitability, and long-term success." (Paraphrased for clarity)
• "Before The Nest, I didn’t have clear deliverables for my clients. Now, I provide structured reports, monthly updates, and real engagement that has elevated my business." (Paraphrased for clarity)
• “I’m so glad I didn’t skip The Nest, even though I already had a team. I would have missed foundational pieces that made my business stronger.”
• “The Nest has helped me set boundaries, improve my pricing, and actually see myself as a business owner—not just a bookkeeper.”
• “I’ve learned that bookkeeping and running a bookkeeping business are two completely different skill sets. The Nest teaches you how to be a real business owner.”