Adam is the president and founder of Two Roads.
It's his vision that led to the founding of the company and what leads us in our daily operations. In his interview, Adam lets us in on some important business advice and insight on what keeps him going.
Why did you decide to create a bookkeeping company?
I loved supporting my families’ businesses through operational accounting. I loved my job, I loved seeing how it helped our businesses. It was a natural to take it to the marketplace.
Where did the name Two Roads come from?
It’s cheesy, but I read a Robert Frost poem called “The Road Not Taken” in college, and it always stuck with me. The poem begins “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood…”. It goes on to describe the narrator’s journey down the path that was “less trodden”. At the end, the narrator closes the poem by saying
“ Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
When we started brainstorming for a name, a group of people helped me realize it was a great fit! Business owners are often choosing a road less traveled when they are running their companies. Like I said, it’s cheesy, but I hope that choosing Two Roads makes “all the difference” for them.
What’s one thing you think everyone starting a business should know?
It’s harder than you think. Get key advisors in your corner quickly. You need people around you who will tell you when you might be off course. Two Roads has been built on the backs of amazing men and women that have guided me along the way.
What’s one thing you think everyone starting a business should do?
Can I give 2?
First, journal your experiences. I wished I had done a better job at this. The road you will be on will be a fun-anxious-crazy-wild-exciting road and you will want to relive it. Even if your first business doesn’t work, you will want to remember the mistakes you make so you can avoid them in round 2.
Second, build a road map as best you can of what you want to have happen, then manage your cash to make sure you have enough capital to get to the major turning points. Lack of capital kills businesses more often than not.
What’s an example of something that excites you about working at Two Roads?
There are too many to list!! We had a partner once tell us that because of Two Roads, they now understand how their business works for the first time. Or an employee who communicates that they feel like they are part of our family. Those things tell me we are doing things right for them, and that’s important to me.
What was the last book you read (or recommended?)
Small Giants. This is a great book if you struggle with the idea that your business will never be “huge”. Everyone’s business can serve a purpose. A word of warning though, the chapters can be long and cumbersome, but the message is awesome!
Who or what inspires you?
Jesus Christ. That may be a sunday school answer, but I hope I can live a life that glorifies His sacrifice for me on the cross. I hope I can love people the way He loves me.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I have an amazing wife and 4 wonderful kids. My world today outside of work is consumed with trying to keep up with them and care for them in the best way I can.
What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
I’m an introvert. I fake being an extrovert, but to me, a Friday night at home with my wife watching a movie is the perfect way to end a week.
What do you wish other people knew about Two Roads?
I wish they could meet our team. Because of the way we deliver our product, most partners or the public never meet them. They are an amazing bunch of people who will make you smile if you get to spend 10 minutes with them. I am glad we have the environment we do, where they can work from home, but I also wish they were all in the office everyday because I think it would be an amazing environment.
What's the best thing to happen since you started working with Two Roads?
I love it every time a new employee says “yes” to joining our team. It is a tremendous responsibility for me to care for them and provide a steady income for them, but I love the new enthusiasm that injects into our culture.
