When Krystal Russell sets a goal, she achieves it. In May 2009, she opened her own accounting firm – Spectrum Accounting – but she didn’t stop there. In December 2012, Russell and a business partner opened a Payroll Vault franchise.
“My business partner and I are the youngest Payroll Vault franchise owners,” she says, “And we are still recognized among many other more established business owners.”
In 2013, Russell earned Payroll Vault’s Leap of Faith award and its Entrepreneur of the Year award for her efforts.
“It was my goal to start a successful payroll business for the Springfield community,” she says. “My goal was not only accomplished, but acknowledged by an award.
“My career is based upon the success of my clients. When they win, my business wins.”
Russell considers training through leadership the most satisfying element of her career. “Payroll Vault Springfield is influencing other franchises by sharing sales methods, marketing strategy and operations procedures,” she says. “Entrepreneurship is in my nature. I am proud that my natural talents were recognized on a national level.”
Russell’s training through leadership extends to her civic goals as well. When elected treasurer of the Junior League of Springfield, Russell led the group through a tough spot.
“There were many financial changes, and I was able to effectively lead the organization by educating the board about Form 990s and the budgeting process,” she says. “I stepped up as a leader to train my community.”
Russell also leads training sessions for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, Drury Center for Entrepreneurism, Commerce Bank and other group meetings.
Russell says her most passionate role so far has been serving on the Special Olympics board of directors for six years, where she assisted in management, strategic planning, fundraising and execution of more than 300 events per year.
“Special Olympics Missouri promotes the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities through year-round sports,” Russell says. “My administrative duties and my hands-on contributions to the organization absolutely made a difference in the lives of 17,600 athletes.”
Russell also is involved in Junior Achievement-Ozarks Region, Care To Learn, Southeast Rotary Club and the Scleroderma Foundation.
Most recently, Russell was involved in orchestrating the collaborative efforts of Junior League, Care To Learn and 12 other community organizations to bring Dr. Ruby Payne, a nationally known expert on poverty, to Springfield. The goal of the year-long project is education about the red-flag issue of poverty and creation of an action plan to cooperatively help end poverty in the southwest Missouri area.[[In-content Ad]]
