Time With The Boss - Melissa Hollander, Hollander & Associates

Melissa Hollander
HOLLANDER & ASSOCIATES
Website: hollander-associates.com/
Industry: daily money management and small business bookkeeping services

Education: 22 years of banking experience and 10 years on my own. Nationally Certified Dave Ramsey Counselor

Family: husband, Mark; daughter, Katie and son-in-law, Chris with grandson, Blake; daughter, Maggie and soon-to-be son-in-law, Danny

What is your mission?

We want to help relieve financial stress one client at a time. No matter whether it’s by just giving direction or by being a coach or completely handling the financial responsibilities for the family or business. It may sound cliché or impossible, but there are SO many people that are exhausted trying to keep all the balls in the air.

What was your first job?

I was a clerk at a small town drug store and pharmacy.

What was your worst job?

Hot summer days in the fields of Southeast Missouri as I “chopped” cotton.

What led you to your industry?

I spent 22 years in retail banking and watched my business clients who were excellent at their business but had very little experience or help with handling their bank accounts. This lack of financial help was hurting their business and I felt that I could offer some guidance and provide some much needed support.

Who is your industry role model?

Dave Ramsey

What’s the hardest part of your job?

Watching clients hurt themselves financially. We do a lot of coaching with our clients, but in some cases, they still struggle within themselves to make the best financial choices. From our vantage point, we can see that they’re putting themselves in trouble. And sometimes, even with all the support and red flags and caution signs we put in front of them, they still make bad choices. It’s hard to watch. We truly care for our clients and want to help them remove the financial stresses that weigh them down. But, it’s a collaborated effort and sometimes, they just can’t see the forest for the trees.

What’s the best part?

Playing a part in helping our clients obtain financial stability. That may not mean they are debt free or that they are putting a lot in savings, but it’s laying the foundation. When they begin to really “get it”, then the rest will happen. It’s awesome to see!

What best advice would you share with new entrepreneurs?

Two things: (1) Have a plan. Know what you want and how to get there. Many small business owners have a dream and then they start their business. They don’t think it through, plan the steps and then follow it. It’s not to say that you can’t tweak it along the way. But if you don’t have a plan, you may end up somewhere you don’t want to be. (2) Know your numbers. A business owner should always know where they stand financially. What your profit margins are, what is making you money, where you’re losing money. You have to stay on top of this in order to make adjustments to keep you on the right track.

What’s your favorite place in St. Louis?

As corny as it might sound, my favorite place to be is my own living room for a long lazy weekend with my husband and dogs.

What has made you successful in your industry and in St. Louis?  

Our personal financial counseling is what makes us different and has built our business. And, St. Louis is a town of relationships. We work very hard to keep in touch with our partners and to maintain our excellent reputation.