We recently connected with Kayla Shurson and have shared our conversation below.

Kayla, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about your team building process? How did you recruit and train your team and knowing what you know now would you have done anything differently?

Taking over an existing business meant inheriting a team of dedicated employees whom I had already worked alongside. In the first three years, we experienced steady growth. It’s possible to run a tight ship in a small business when everyone is hustling, and the challenges are more manageable. However, one significant bottleneck we encountered was our limited capacity to take on new work. While having more work than we could handle was a good problem, it was still a problem nonetheless.
In years four and five, I decided to make a bold move. I started hiring for additional positions with the vision that these new team members would eventually have full schedules filled with new clients and projects. There were moments when I found myself slipping into a scarcity mindset, wondering if these hires would ever be fully utilized. During those times, I had to remind myself to focus on the big picture and the ambitious goals we had set. By remaining consistent with our strategic plans, I was confident that the investment in new talent would ultimately pay off.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi there! I’m Kayla Shurson, the proud owner of the Shurson Group, based in Rochester, Minnesota. My journey into the world of tax and accounting began with my passion for helping people navigate the complexities of financial matters. I started working for a small, local tax firm, over ten years ago, learning the ins and outs of running a successful tax and accounting business. When the owner retired in 2020, I took over the business, eager to continue providing high-quality service to our clients.
At Shurson Group, we specialize in tax return preparation for individuals, LLCs, corporations, and trusts. We also offer a variety of accounting and payroll services tailored to meet the needs of small businesses and individuals with household employees. Our goal is to save our clients time and money through a proactive and communicative approach, ensuring they have peace of mind to focus on other aspects of their lives.
What sets us apart is our commitment to proactive communication and lifelong learning. We stay up-to-date with evolving tax laws and regulations, always striving to provide strategic solutions for our clients. Our friendly and approachable demeanor makes us easy to work with, and we pride ourselves on being transparent and responsive to our clients’ needs.
I’m most proud of the trust our clients place in us and the positive impact we have on their financial well-being. We’ve guided numerous clients through the complexities of tax and accounting, helping them achieve their financial goals and providing peace of mind.
For potential clients, I want you to know that we are here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re a small business owner, an individual with household employees, or someone looking for expert tax advice, we’re dedicated to providing personalized and effective solutions.

Let’s talk M&A – we’d love to hear your about your experience with buying businesses.

In January 2020, I took the plunge and bought my business. I had been working there for just over five years and, although I never saw myself as a business owner, an opportunity knocked, and I answered. After many discussions and considerations, I finally said yes.
Guided by the wisdom of my trusty professionals—lawyers, financial advisors, and bankers—I received invaluable feedback and ideas that helped shape the acquisition process. We successfully negotiated the terms and secured seller financing for the purchase. We strategically timed the sale just before our peak season, which meant I didn’t need a ton of working capital upfront since I knew an influx of revenue was on the horizon.
What truly made the decision easier was knowing I was buying the business from someone who genuinely cared about my success. I remember voicing my concerns, asking her, “What if it all fails? What if all the employees quit? What will I do?” She reassured me with the comforting promise that she would come back and help if needed. At the end of the day, that was the only encouragement I needed.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for us has undoubtedly been word-of-mouth referrals. Our clients’ trust and satisfaction with our services have led them to recommend us to their friends, family, and colleagues. Additionally, we receive referrals from our clients’ trusted financial advisors, bankers, and lawyers, which further expands our network. These referrals are a testament to the quality of our work and the strong relationships we build with our clients and their partners. We’re incredibly grateful for their support, and it drives us to continue providing top-notch service and value!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shursongroup.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shursongroup/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shursongroup/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shursongroup
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shursongroup655
• Yelp: https://www.facebook.com/shursongroup/

Image Credits

https://www.1210.photography/