ABOUT US
EVEN AS WE GROW, WE STAY TRUE TO THE MISSION
Like our clients, we all have stories and struggles that define who we are and how we conduct business. The story of Vine Financial Partners — Nathan and Christel — begins with a shared bond over the hardships of life and the determination to create something better.
Through our respective careers, we both encountered an increasing number of people in need of answers. Not only were business owners no longer getting the guidance they needed from their bookkeepers or CPAs, but the strain of the industry was taking a toll on our health and families. We wanted to offer our clients more and we wanted the flexibility to do it our way. While our goals were similar we each brought different sets of expertise to the table. With experience ranging from real estate, construction, oil and gas, and everything from small business to conglomerate international organizations, we began to collectively offer our clients a far greater level of service than they thought possible.
Even as we grow, we stay true to the mission we set out to achieve — to provide the very best services, from incredibly-talented staff, at a reasonable price, in a stable, family-friendly environment.
“I AM THE VINE; YOU ARE THE BRANCHES. IF YOU REMAIN IN ME AND I IN YOU, YOU WILL BEAR MUCH FRUIT; APART FROM ME YOU CAN DO NOTHING.”
John 15:5
OUR TEAM
NATHAN OWEN,MANAGING PARTNER
After finishing his degree in accounting, Nathan started working for a small public accounting firm, working hand-in-hand with entrepreneurs on bookkeeping and tax planning. After starting a family, Nathan moved on to CFO roles for various companies. Before long, Nathan decided to combine the two, and offer CFO-level services and tax planning to the thriving entrepreneur community and to create a flexible work environment for other professionals, like himself. Nathan loves the relational aspects of being a hands-on adviser and enjoying life with family, friends, and clients alike. Beyond tax planning, Nathan has an extensive background in the construction industry, business development, and marketing.
CHRISTEL GUSTAFSON,MANAGING PARTNER
Working for some of the largest conglomerates in the world brought tremendous opportunities to Christel. However, these opportunities never afforded balance with her own family and personal health. Christel felt that she would be unable to utilize her expertise to the fullest, and decided to pursue other career options. After a decade in Stockholm, Christel decided to return home to Texas.
Nathan and Christel joined forces in July 2018, offering her incredible corporate skill set to the small business community, all while facilitating a balanced work environment. Within these discussions, the idea for Vine Financial Partners was planted. Christel brings a deep-rooted love of business psychology, process improvement, and real estate, as well as a passion for the holistic approach to life and business.
SARAH ROBERTS,BILLINGS MANAGER
Introducing Sarah Roberts, an experienced bookkeeper renowned for her focus on efficiency and process optimization.
With a career dedicated to refining financial operations, Sarah’s attention to detail and commitment to streamlining processes have consistently delivered tangible improvements in accuracy and productivity.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Sarah devotes her time to teaching and translating American Sign Language (ASL), contributing to greater accessibility and communication for the deaf and hard of hearing communities.
Combining her expertise in bookkeeping with her passion for fostering communication, Sarah brings a unique blend of analytical acumen and linguistic proficiency to her work, making her a valuable asset in both financial management and language accessibility efforts.
FRANCES LOPEZ,
SENIOR BOOKKEEPER
With a keen eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to accuracy, Frances has mastered the intricate dance of numbers, ensuring every ledger balances flawlessly and every transaction is accounted for with precision. Her ten years of experience serve as a testament to her expertise, honed through years of navigating the complexities of financial records with finesse and proficiency.
Beyond her professional prowess, Frances exudes a passion for excellence that is palpable in everything she does. Her commitment to continuous improvement drives her to stay abreast of the latest developments in her field, ensuring that her knowledge remains cutting-edge and her skills unparalleled.
ASHLEY BEST,CPA
Ashely is a seasoned accounting professional with over 20 years of comprehensive experience spanning various sectors within the industry.
Ashley’s career journey has been marked by a series of impactful roles, including positions as an auditor, consultant in public service, and accountant for property management and real estate companies. In each capacity, she has demonstrated a consistent ability to deliver precise and insightful financial management solutions.
Her extensive background has equipped her with a deep understanding of the complexities inherent in financial operations across diverse sectors. From meticulously conducting audits to providing strategic financial guidance to real estate ventures, Ashley has consistently proven her ability to navigate complex financial landscapes with proficiency and expertise.
Driven by a commitment to excellence, Ashley remains dedicated to staying abreast of industry regulations and best practices, ensuring that her clients receive the highest quality of service and expertise available.
