A Message From
Steve Rafsky, CEO

PADGETT BUSINESS SERVICES
Small Business Support
Big Business Sophistication

Known throughout the United States and Canada as the small business experts, Padgett Business Services has been helping its thousands of clients and 400 franchise owners succeed for over 40 years. We can attribute our longevity and success to a simple and time-tested principle – respect and support those in our system and they will succeed. We are committed to offering a successful formula for running one’s own business...one with less risk and the support system of a solid, experienced company.

 Steve Rafsky, CEO, explains that Padgett got its start by helping small business owners manage the financial aspects of their companies. And those business owners were grateful to have the ability to focus on the growth of their companies, rather than dealing with the sometimes overwhelming and complicated day-to-day financial duties.

 “We started by providing reports,” says Rafsky, “such as P & L and balance sheets. But with time, we found our role to be much more than that. We are now considered by our clients as their primary business advisor. We answer their questions and help them keep their businesses on track. In fact, we did an extensive survey of our clients and found that 92% of them say we are their first or only business advisor. Our evolution is that we changed from a paper business to a people business.”

 Keeping a database of general client information is how Padgett assesses how our clients are doing. “Because we have so many clients, we can see how clients are doing compared to others like them. Then we can find areas where they may need to improve. We have a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge available throughout our system. In fact, we are an important resource of information to the IRS and other government entities on small business,” says Rafsky. “They turn to us for input with regard to small business issues because we have such an extensive knowledge base and are known for our ethics and experience.”

 “As franchisors go, Padgett is not a flashy business model,” Rafsky says. Yet for the 20th consecutive year, we have been named as a top franchise in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500. We’re very proud of that recognition. Also, during the first two years of its “Franchise 50” award, Franchise Business Review named Padgett one of the top 50 franchised businesses based on franchise satisfaction.  We are proud to be on this prestigious list. Supporting our 400 franchise owners, particularly since some have been with the company since it began franchising, is a challenge and it is our primary focus. We’re happy that they say we are succeeding.”

 Not only are Padgett’s franchise owners giving us high marks; our clients are, as well. Twenty five thousand small business owners turn to Padgett for a variety of services such as accounting, financial reporting, government compliance, tax preparation, payroll and general business consulting. The need for Padgett’s services is enormous in this complex business climate that we find ourselves in; and our defined market – business owners with fewer than 20 employees – is a growing sector of the economy…more than 90% of all businesses in the U.S. and Canada employ fewer than 20 employees.

 “We are the first place small business owners turn to learn more about running their businesses,” says Rafsky. “We provide a whole array of financial services.  Yet, what we really do best for our clients is answering their questions and helping them keep focused on running their businesses.”

 Rafsky knows first hand how Padgett creates an environment of success; he started out as a Padgett franchise owner over 15 years ago. He explains that Padgett’s services are needed throughout North America and that the company is positioned for expansion. “In addition to providing a full array of services for our clients, we provide a comprehensive training and support program for the hundreds of professionals who join our strong network of offices,” says Rafsky. He points out that our franchise owners share some important attributes of successful people, including:

• The desire to own and run a growing business

• An entrepreneurial spirit

• The understanding that accounting is a back office process while marketing is a front office process

• Strong business experience and/or business aptitude

• Familiarity with financials

• The desire to build relationships, create, and sustain B2B relations

“Padgett works so well,” says Rafsky, “because the model is right. It’s a proven model developed over a 40-plus years. We have an organization that is committed to our franchise owners’ and our clients’ success. Our commitment is to make our relationships strong; our commitment is to helping people succeed.”

Rafsky started his Padgett career as a franchise owner; and this first-hand franchise experience has been extremely helpful in his role as CEO. “It’s helpful to have learned so much about the business from the franchise owner’s perspective,” says Rafsky. “But I’m not the only one in the corporate office with this experience - our president, Roger Harris, also started with Padgett as a franchise owner.”

“Our management team has a passion for this business due to our career paths,” explains Rafsky. “Our management learned this business at the ground level, then developed successful offices and later got into management. 

If you are an owner of a small business who could benefit from expert business and tax consultation, you can start by clicking here to locate an office near you!

If you are considering running your own business-to-business company, then it is time for you to branch out. You can start by clicking here.

Padgett Business Services would love to give you more information and assist you in your endeavor. “For the last 40 plus years, we have done a very good job helping people to start and manage their careers,” says Rafsky. “We’d love to help you, too.”