Jessica Warehime is the proud owner of JW Accounting, a new accounting firm that has recently opened up on South Main Street. Above, she works at her firm. Warehime is both a dedicated business owner, and a dedicated mother
JW Accounting is the new firm on the block, and owner Jessica Warehime is excited to add her services to the community.
Warehime, a registered tax preparer, assists taxpayers and small businesses with their taxes.
She is now serving the community via JW Accounting, her own accounting firm. Warehime’s journey toward this milestone is truly emblematic of a famous saying: a journey of 1,000 miles begins with the first step.
Her expedition began in the halls of Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota.
“I attended Saint Mary’s to get my master’s in accountancy,” Warehime shares. She worked hard to get her degree.
“I took night classes while staying at home with my kids during the day,” she explains. “If I could get through that, I can get through anything else in life!”
Warehime decided to continue her schooling after completing her initial undergraduate courses. She participated in online courses for another two years to earn her master’s degree.
Warehime entered the workforce shortly afterward.
“I was an account technician for Dodge County Public Health, and I worked part-time at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. I did pre-appointment insurance review,” says Warehime.
Warehime and her family felt an itch to move to a smaller community than Rochester however.
“We thought it would be nice to be in a small town,” Warehime shares. She and her husband particularly liked the idea of enrolling their children in a smaller school district.
Warehime and her family’s relocation to Blue Earth was instigated by an unexpected source: their tax accountant, Duane Williams, of Williams Accounting.
“Duane had been doing our taxes for 10 years,” says Warehime. “We wanted to slow down and move to a smaller town, and he offered me a position.”
So, in 2017, Warehime and her family packed their bags and moved to Blue Earth. Warehime worked alongside Williams in the community for several years.
Warehime says she appreciates the opportunity. She credits her time with Williams as critical to her current success as a business owner.
“It is helpful to work under someone who knows the business before transitioning into working on your own,” Warehime explains.
She adds she is grateful to have the support of a mentor even now.
“It is important to have a lifelong contact,” says Warehime; someone to consult and ask advice of.
Warehime also found her time at Williams Accounting to be a valuable starting point as she transitioned into business ownership.
“It is easier to gain experience when it is not 100 percent your own risk,” explains Warehime. Now that she has the experience, though, she is inviting in the accountability with open arms.
“I worked with Williams Accounting for three and a half years,” shares Warehime. “Now, I have moved to a new building, and I am transitioning into having my own firm. I am also taking over some of Duane’s clients.”
Warehime began this transition late last year. She bought the building that houses JW Accounting in November of 2020, and officially moved in to set up business last March.
Overall, Warehime has enjoyed the process.
“It is a little bit stressful,” she acknowledges, “but actually very rewarding.”
She particularly enjoys the freedom that accompanies business ownership.
“It is nice to have more flexibility,” Warehime explains. “This feels like an accomplishment after how hard I have worked. Now, I can see the full reward of my work instead of part of it.”
Warehime recommends a slow, careful transition to those who are interested in opening their own business; similar to the path she has followed herself.
“Dip your toes in first,” she suggests. “See what works in the business, and what can be done differently. Get the knowledge you need.”
So far, striking out on her own seems to have paid off for Warehime. She enjoys the privilege of owning her own time.
Warehime typically spends that extra time with her family, which includes her husband Jacob Warehime, her daughter Hayden, age seven, and her son Gannon, age five.
“I like to go on adventures with my kids,” Warehime shares.
Warehime says she and her family have been very happy in Blue Earth.
“We are glad to be in such an awesome community,” she says. “We want to branch out and meet everyone that we can.”
She sees their family staying for the forseeable future. The added bonus of business ownership only increases their desire to stay.
“We want to contribute,” Warehime explains. “We hope we can help out as young members of the community.”
One of Warehime’s favorite things about her job is assisting people with areas of finance they may not be familiar with.
“There’s joy in being able to help people,” she says. “Lots of people don’t have a good understanding of how to file their taxes, and I like to reassure clients.”
When asked what mistake she sees the most, Warehime references benefits people could be receiving, but are typically unaware of.
“Lots of people don’t know what things you can and cannot deduct,” she explains. “For example, if you have children in school, you can deduct school supplies. Or, if you are a homeowner you can qualify for a homestead credit.”
This is the kind of expertise Warehime hopes to bring to the community.
“It is helpful to know the extra perks not everyone would know,” she says.
In a field where rules and regulations change so rapidly, Warehime’s experience is sure to be an asset to Blue Earth.
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