Business benchmarks: Complete Business Services

25 years in business

By JENNIFER HUFFMAN
Register Business Writer

Come tax time, some guests at Mark Diekroetger’s business find it hard to leave the reception room of his business. It’s not because they’re afraid of their taxes. It’s the crackling fireplace, comfy chairs and friendly dogs Soda and Harris. 

Diekroetger obviously owes more to his success than just a welcoming office environment. His company, Complete Business Services, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The firm provides professional accounting and tax services to mostly small businesses.

Twenty-five years ago Diekroetger left the St. Louis area and headed to the west coast.  “I had a cousin in Fairfield and we were considering going into business together,” he said. After thinking about a printing franchise, Diekroetger realized he’d rather stay in accounting. Moving to Napa, he opened his business in 1983.

Buying a 1930s era home on Jefferson Street, Diekroetger established himself as an “outsourced” finance and accounting department for businesses that are too small for their own department but still need professional expertise. 

“Most people dream of opening a small business, not keeping books,” he said. They may not have the resources to do their own accounting or finance. That’s where Diekroetger (pronounced Dee-crater) comes in.

Reflecting back on the past 25 years, “We offer the same services, but the methods have totally changed,” he said. “Everything’s computerized now.” Back in 1983, not many people had their own computers, he remembered. “We did everything manually.”

Education is still required, though. “Customers think bookkeeping is someone who does just accounts payable and accounts receivable,” he said. Complete Business Services provides that but much more, including financial statements and tax planning.

“They don’t realize the services we can provide at a reasonable price,” he said. “In the long run, we pay for ourselves.”

Recently, Diekroetger met with a new client, a small trucking company.

“We talked and (the client) realized what I could do for him and that I can help his business.”

“I could tell we were a good fit.”  

It feels good to know he will help the client grow his business, he said.

Complete Business Services has five employees. “I have a good staff that are into their clients,” Diekroetger said.

Building lasting relationships comes naturally, he said. “I’m a people person. I like dealing with my clients.”

Being a smaller business has its advantages. Working a specific schedule, the staff has every other Friday off.

“We have a team here, and we put out a quality, timely product,” Diekroetger said.

“That’s what it’s all about.”

Complete Business Services

1135 Jefferson Street, Napa

255-8353

Napa Valley Register Copyright © 2009