Hey there, Carlsbad community and beyond! Are you ready to dive into the stories of local leaders and game-changers? This is your host, Bret Schanzenbach, and you're tuning into episode 111 of "Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact." Today, we're unpacking the journey of a true entrepreneurial force, Ken Aurigemma, founder and owner of Strategic Business Alliance.Ever wonder what fuels the fire of a successful entrepreneur? Or how someone transitions from serving as a Coast Guard aviation navigator to becoming the CFO of a skyrocketing company like No Fear? Well, buckle up because Ken is here to share his incredible voyage from the East Coast to the heart of Carlsbad, where his passion for helping small businesses shines bright.We're talking big leaps, the power of family legacy, and the seismic shifts in the world of accounting where AI and advisory roles are changing the game. Plus, Ken will spill the beans on how he helped a solar company soar from $1.6 million to a jaw-dropping $188 million in sales! If you're curious about the future of small businesses, the impact of technology on traditional roles, or just love a good success story, this episode is for you. Don't forget, you can reach out to Ken for a strategic alliance that could revolutionize your business. Just visit strategic-ba.com or dial 760-573-1038 to start your journey.So, are you ready to be inspired and informed? Tune in now to "Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact" where local stories meet global insights. Ken's Bio:Ken Aurigemma is the founder and owner of Strategic Business Alliance, LLC, which serves small business owners in Southern California and across the U.S. Services include outsourced/interim controller/CFO services, Accounting services, (including bookkeeping and payroll), and consulting services for QuickBooks® and Xero.Ken understands the many demands that business owners face each and every day. He leverages his years of knowledge and CFO-level experience to provide these business owners with the necessary tools for managing and growing their companies, while also working closely with them to find solutions that save time and money on their accounting and operational needs.As a Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor and Xero Certified Advisor, Ken provides setup, training, troubleshooting, and support services for QuickBooks and Xero. He has technical expertise and experience in the entire line of Intuit products including QuickBooks® Online, QuickBooks® Enterprise Solutions, QuickBooks® Point of Sale, Merchant Services, Payroll, and many more.Ken offers accounting solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. He listens carefully to his client’s needs and designs customized solutions while guiding his clients through the financial systems and management processes with patience and encouragement.Ken has over 35 years of professional accounting, auditing, and management experience. He graduated from Pennsylvania State University with his B.S. in Accounting after spending 4 years with the Coast Guard. Following graduation, Ken was employed by the military retailer Navy Exchange Service Command, where he held several positions: Internal Auditor from 1987 to 1990; Senior Accountant from 1990 to 1993; and Accounting Manager from 1993 to 2000. He later became a Controller for LEGO Brand Retail, Inc., the retail division of the LEGO Group, from 2000 to 2004. From 2004 to 2012, Ken served as Chief Financial Officer of No Fear, Inc. and its subsidiaries FMF, No Fear Retail and No Fear Racing. After leaving No Fear, Ken became the Director of Finance at Novasyte, LLC before he decided to part ways and create Strategic Business Alliance in 2014.When Ken is not working, he enjoys cycling, working out at the gym, walking on the beach, reading, travelling and supporting his wife, Christy, when she competes in Ironman triathlon events. He also enjoys sampling the local craft beers and travelling to Napa Valley and Paso Robles for wine tastings. He values his family time and looks forward to spending time with Christy and their dog, Holly, as well as their two older daughters, Nicole and Kirsten. Ken is an avid sports fan, favoring the Padres baseball team as well as the Penn State Nittany Lions football team. Each year, Ken returns to his alma mater to attend the Penn State Dance Marathon (THON), massive student-run philanthropy that raises funds and awareness for pediatric cancer, in support of his sister and her family.All the links you need:Ken's website: Strategic Business Alliance LLCFacebookLinkedIn Did this episode have a special impact on you? Share how it impacted youCarlsbad Podcast Social Links:LinkedInInstagramFacebookXYouTubeSponsor: This show is sponsored and produced by DifMix Productions. To learn more about starting your own podcast, visit www.DifMix.com/podcasting