Jamie Burkart in Rick’s Room

In this episode of Rick’s Room, Rick Grant sits down with Jamie Burkart to explore her journey as the founder of Phoenix Tax and Business Services and to introduce her new mentoring initiative: the Business Co-Pilot Program.

Jamie explains that the program is designed to support business owners (and some senior leaders) who need help working on their businesses rather than being overwhelmed in them. The program starts with a discovery consultation and a groundwork session, which includes assessments to identify values, goals, and business direction. This is followed by two 90-minute sessions: one to review the assessments and one to build an actionable plan. From there, clients can choose 90-day, 6-month, or 1-year mentoring packages.

Jamie emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with a business’s “why,” especially when the day-to-day grind becomes draining. She also stresses that business owners don’t need to go it alone — they don’t need to be experts in tax, finance, or bookkeeping, but they do need a trustworthy advisor.

Jamie works primarily virtually, preferring the efficiency and flexibility it brings. Rick notes that her model is unique in that it builds mentorship from the financial core of the business — something most leadership or coaching programs don’t address.

The conversation wraps with a personal note about Jamie’s involvement in auto racing, which began in the 1990s with the Sports Car Club of America and continues today with her work at Road America.

Show Highlights

Rick:
Hi, and welcome back to Rick’s Room. This is the show where we pretend we’re at the end of a busy day and finally get to catch up with someone we’ve been meaning to talk to for a long time. Today, that someone is Jamie Burkart, founder of Phoenix Tax and Business Services. Jamie, thanks for being with me.

Jamie:
Thanks for having me, Rick. It’s great to talk with you.

Rick:
Now for our audience — I know Jamie through our Chamber Deep Dive work, and I’ve learned a little bit about her business, but I wanted to go deeper. So, Jamie, tell me what’s going on with you now.

Jamie:
I’ve just completed building out a business mentoring program called the Business Co-Pilot. It’s a structured approach where business owners start by completing a consultation form and discovery call. Then we dive into a groundwork session with a series of assessments that help both me and the client better understand their business goals, values, and direction.

After that, we meet for two 90-minute sessions. The first is to go through the assessments together, and the second is to create an action plan based on what we’ve uncovered. From there, clients can either take that plan and run with it or engage me for ongoing mentorship for 90 days, six months, or a year.

Rick:
And you’re based here in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, but you can work with people anywhere, right? Who is this really designed for?

Jamie:
It’s ideal for business owners and also some business leaders who are in decision-making roles. The idea is to help them focus on the business instead of getting overwhelmed in it. It’s about reducing chaos and staying focused on growth and purpose.

Rick:
When people think about tax prep or fractional CFO work, they usually don’t go all the way back to personal goals and values. Why do you?

Jamie:
Because the day-to-day grind of business can really suck. I tell clients — you have to remember your why. Most people start a business to do what they love, but there’s so much more involved — and most of it isn’t fun. Even as an accountant, I’ll say it: bookkeeping sucks. But when you’re clear on why you started, you can push through the hard parts.

Rick:
I remember early in my career reading that every business owner needs an attorney and an accountant. I thought, “Not me!” I was wrong. So, how do you like to work with clients?

Jamie:
I love working with people who are coachable and want to grow. I’m not trying to make them accountants — I just want to empower them to understand their books, financials, and tax returns at a high level so they can make smart day-to-day decisions.I work virtually — always have, even before the pandemic. It’s more efficient and convenient, and lets people work from their own environment where they have access to the info they need.

Rick:
That makes a lot of sense. Before we go, let’s share your contact info — but first, a fun question. I know when you’re not doing business stuff, you’re out at the racetrack. What’s that all about?

Jamie:
That’s my happy place! I got started with SCCA — Sports Car Club of America — in the 90s, doing timing and scoring. I took a break, then came back about seven years ago. Now I help at Road America with race day operations and driver committees. It’s a big part of my life outside of work.

Rick:
Last question: What would you say to a business owner who’s not working with any accountant or mentor, especially with all the change coming out of Washington?

Jamie:
You don’t have to do it all. There are so many myths about what business owners “should” know. You don’t need to know everything about taxes or bookkeeping. You just need a partner. That’s what I’m here for. The Business Co-Pilot program can even flow into business plans or fractional CFO services. The key is: you’re not alone anymore.

Rick:
Love that. Jamie Burkart, founder of Phoenix Tax and Business Services — thank you for being with me. We’ll do this again.

Jamie:
Thank you so much. I loved it.

Contact Jamie Burkart

Jamie L. Burkart, MBA
Founder | Accountant | Business CoPilot
Foenix Tax & Business Services LLC
Office (920) 400-7541 call/text
jamie@foenixtax.com
www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-l-burkart