Meet Lisa Cole
The person and values behind Back Porch Books.
Behind the Books.
Beside Your Business.
I help small business owners bring clarity to their finances, confidence to their decisions, and a little more peace of mind to their day.
When you work with Back Porch Books, you work directly with me—an experienced bookkeeping partner who genuinely cares about your business and the people behind it.
Authentic. Approachable. Professional
My Story
Built on Experience.
Rooted in Trust.
Back Porch Books began with a simple belief: small-business owners deserve reliable, personal bookkeeping support from someone who understands the day-to-day realities of running a business.
Before starting Back Porch Books, I spent decades working in accounting, payroll, and business administration across construction, service businesses, healthcare administration, and multi-state operations. I also owned a construction business for more than 30 years, giving me firsthand experience with the responsibilities, decisions, and constant moving parts involved in keeping a small business operating.
Over time, I saw that business owners need more than someone to complete bookkeeping tasks. They need a dependable partner who pays attention to the details, communicates clearly, and helps them understand where their business stands.
After years of helping build and support other companies—and with the unwavering encouragement of my husband, my rock through every stage of life and business—I decided it was time to build something of my own. I created Back Porch Books to combine professional experience with clear, caring, and personal support.
Why "Back Porch Books"?
To me, a back porch represents honesty, conversation, trust, and community—the kind of place where people can sit down, talk openly, and help one another. That is the same approach I want every client to experience with Back Porch Books.
01. Trust
Strong working relationships begin with honesty, consistency, and respect. I approach each client’s books with care and treat their business information with the seriousness it deserves.
02. Clarity
Bookkeeping should help business owners understand where they stand. I value organized records, straightforward communication, and explanations that make financial information easier to use.
03. Care
Every business has its own story, priorities, and challenges. I provide attentive, personal support, shaped around the individual business—not a one-size-fits-all process.
BUSINESS OWNERSHIP
A Business Owner’s Perspective.
Before founding Back Porch Books, I owned a construction business for more than 30 years. That experience gave me a firsthand understanding of the pressures, priorities, and constant decisions involved in running a small business.
That background shapes the way I approach bookkeeping today—with an emphasis on organization, clear communication, and information business owners can understand and use. I understand how much work sits behind every number in your books.
LONG-TERM EXPERIENCE
Accounting, Payroll & Administration
Decades of experience across accounting, payroll, and business administration have given me a practical understanding of what businesses need to stay organized.
INDUSTRY INSIGHT
Construction & Contractors
My background gives me firsthand familiarity with construction businesses and an appreciation for organized records, clear communication, and practical support.
Local Connection
Rooted in Spokane, Washington and Gilmer, Texas.
Back Porch Books supports small-business owners remotely in Washington, Texas, and beyond, with in-person service available in the Spokane and Gilmer areas.
Whether we meet across a desk or work together from a distance, my goal is to make your bookkeeping feel personal, straightforward, and dependable.
Spokane, Washington
Remote & in-person
Gilmer, Texas
Remote & in-person
Working Together
What You Can Expect
I believe a good working relationship starts with direct communication, clear information, and a way of working together that fits your business.
Work Directly With Me
You’ll communicate directly with me about your books, questions, and next steps.
Clear, Practical Communication
I explain information in straightforward language so you can understand what needs your attention.
Remote or In Person
We can work together remotely or meet in person in the Spokane and Gilmer areas.
Ready to Get Clarity in Your Business?
Let's discuss your business and create a bookkeeping solution that works for you so you can focus on what you do best.
Good books.
Good decisions.
Stronger businesses.