A Conversation with Robin Hall on Family, Tech Trends, and Personalized Accounting Services
Gary DeHart hosts the Accounting Insiders podcast and interviews Robin Hall, owner of VARC Solutions. Robin's journey began by assisting a friend in launching a business while on bed rest, leading to the establishment of VARC Solutions over 25 years. Initially providing bookkeeping services, Robin transitioned to training clients in QuickBooks and developing solutions like Quickbase integration. Her focus lies in understanding client requirements to deliver tailored solutions and running partner programs for accountants to resell software products.
Robin derives her company name, VARC Solutions, from her children’s names - Victoria, Alexandra, Robin (herself), and Craig - emphasizing her family-driven motivation for success. The conversation expands to discuss evolving technology threats such as smishing and quishing, internal training initiatives like product schools at VARC Solutions, and strategic event approaches like Partner Palooza for VIP partners with limited vendor invitations for focused attention. The migration trends from desktop to online accounting systems are fueled by Intuit's messaging about the future, particularly affecting smaller businesses more than enterprise-level clients.
Despite conversions prompted by fears of desktop versions' obsolescence, Robin notes that some clients choose to revert to desktop tools after encountering limitations with online platforms. She highlights the value she places on personalized service that caters to individual client needs, accommodating preferences for both desktop and online accounting systems. Overall, the discussion reveals Robin Hall's commitment to adapting to technological shifts while maintaining a personalized approach to meet her clients' distinct requirements effectively.