Forging Ahead: Amanda Fegan-Shanholtzer on Building the Right Environment for Business to Thrive

“Understand that growth and learning are uncomfortable, and one of the keys to learning something is to know that you don't have the knowledge. Don't let your ego or your fear of feeling 'less than' stop you.”

Amanda Fegan-Shanholtzer

At Foundry & Grit, we believe the best insights come from those in the thick of it—business owners who are shaping their industries one intentional decision at a time. We recently caught up with Amanda Fegan-Shanholtzer, Managing Partner at Analyze Accounting, LLC, to learn more about her entrepreneurial journey and the lessons she’s picked up along the way.

Analyze Accounting is a fully remote client advisory and full-service accounting firm supporting clients with accounting-related activities from bookkeeping to controllership. “We are essentially outsourced/in-house accountants and controllers,” Amanda explained. Since joining the company in 2023, she’s helped guide its growth with a deep sense of purpose—and plenty of perspective.

But like many entrepreneurs, Amanda didn’t arrive with all the answers. “A misconception is that we do taxes for small businesses, which we don’t do,” she shared. “I wish I’d known how hard it is to find leads who understand what they need versus what they think they need.” 

Thankfully, Amanda didn’t face those challenges alone. “I’m fortunate to have a great partner who believes in communication, which isn't always the case,” she said. “I struggle with balancing potential work with realistic expectations, and being a smaller firm, any client we take on eats into personal time. Sometimes you need to say no, and it’s so helpful to have a partner to talk things through with.”

If she could rewind and do one thing differently? “I would have come up with a more comprehensive partnership agreement out of the gate,” Amanda noted. “When I came on, there were two partners in place. One ended up leaving due to differing expectations and needs. It took up an immense amount of time and energy, and may have been headed off if we set expectations up front.”

When it comes to advice, Amanda leans into intentionality. One of the best pieces she’s received is this: create the work environment you would want to be in. “Prioritize your time and needs,” she said. “I don’t want to work with difficult people, so I don’t.”

For those just starting out, Amanda’s advice is refreshingly candid: “Be honest with yourself about what it takes—and be sure it’s something you really want.” Entrepreneurship isn’t always glamorous, but with clarity and community, it can be incredibly rewarding. “Also, be sure to seek professional advice about entity type, filing, and basic accounting. I have seen so many people make huge messes because they don't understand the ramifications of not doing something they need to do or if they are doing something incorrectly.”

And when asked for a favorite quote, she offers a gentle reminder we all need now and then: “Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.”

We couldn’t agree more.

Want to connect with Amanda? You can reach her at ashanholtzer@analyzeaccounting.com or find her at Analyze Accounting.