Notes from the President

05 October 2023 khilton Notes from the President

Ken Hilton - President Red Wing Software

When is it a good time to hire an outside professional? More often than you might think. You are probably really good at what you do in your career (or you should be doing something else). Even though you are an expert in your field, several things go on in any business outside your area of expertise.
Since you’re reading this newsletter from Red Wing Software, I think it’s safe to assume you have some role that includes dealing with financial information. You might enter checks, record deposits, calculate payroll, or take a big-picture view of the business using reports to analyze where the business should go. And, in some cases, you may be responsible for all these things.
Even if you have a firm grasp on all financial functions in your company, it always helps to get someone from outside the organization to review the information and give an opinion or even audit how things are being done. I’ve mentioned in several columns that if we think everything we do is done the right or only way, we probably won’t make needed changes and grow the business or our knowledge.
I’ll share an example of how Red Wing Software employs outside professionals. Although we have been producing accounting and other financial management software for over 44 years and have many people with vast knowledge of accounting processes, employ our own in-house accountant, and have Certified Public Accountants on staff, every year, we have an outside accounting firm perform an audit of our records and give their opinion, and have them prepare our corporate tax returns.
I heard a great saying on a recent webinar I attended, “You should do what you do best and hire others to do the rest.”

Employee Spotlight - Julie Strain

14 September 2023 julies Employee Spotlight
Hi, my name is Julie Strain. I started at Red Wing Software in 1995 when my youngest son was just two years old. That same son just had a baby girl, and I am now a grandparent for the first time. I have worn several hats during my time at Red Wing Software, but my current role is as an Implementation Consultant. A good portion of my job includes engaging with customers to help implement their accounting and payroll software. I also conduct training classes on our CenterPoint products. While we used to do training in many different locations, we now do all our training online. So, I miss getting out and meeting our customers in person. As part of my position at Red Wing Software, I am also involved with the Farm Financial Standards Council and the American Society of Agricultural Consultants. I have served on the leadership team for both organizations. Unlike many of our staff residing around Red Wing, MN, I am in Illinois. We split our time between our Illinois home and our home in Colorado. When I am not at work, you can find me hiking in the mountains, riding my bike, kayaking, and volunteering for several charitable and community organizations. Now, you can add babysitting to the list. My favorite pastime is spending time with my family. Last year, we took a phenomenal vacation to Croatia with our two sons, my two nieces, our nephew, and their significant others.