Mary Tesitor’s Journey: From Corporate to Consulting

written by Denise Leslie

Mary Tesitor, the founder of *Tesitor Consulting*, has built an inspiring career that spans both the arts and finance. A Boulder native, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music with an emphasis in Arts Management from the University of Colorado Boulder. In 1993, she relocated to Durango, where her career took a sharp turn. Initially rooted in the arts, Mary shifted gears and entered the oil and gas industry, starting as a Data Analyst. As she gained more experience, she specialized in financial analysis, budgeting, and reporting, ultimately becoming a Financial Analyst.

Throughout her career, Mary’s passion for growth led her to continuously seek new opportunities to learn. After years of professional success in the corporate world, she returned to Fort Lewis College to study accounting, further refining her expertise. Mary spent over thirty years in a high-pressure corporate environment, where she developed a strong foundation in finance, but in 2023, she decided it was time for a change. She retired from the corporate world and set her sights on entrepreneurship.

“I wanted to leverage my skills across various industries and make a more personal impact,” Mary explained. This drive led to the creation of *Tesitor Consulting*, a bookkeeping and accounting services firm she founded to provide businesses with financial clarity and the tools they need to make informed decisions. Mary’s services focus on financial analysis, custom dashboards, and budgeting—all designed to empower clients and help them manage their finances with confidence.

Despite her wealth of experience, starting her own business presented new challenges. One of the toughest hurdles, she said, was marketing her services. “The biggest hurdle is helping clients see beyond traditional bookkeeping,” Mary shared. “Many don’t realize the value of in-depth financial analysis and custom dashboards until they experience it.” She worked hard to convey the value of her services, demonstrating how they could drastically improve decision-making for businesses, big and small.

The Southwest Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) played a crucial role in helping Mary navigate these early challenges. With guidance from her mentor, Terryl Peterson, she gained invaluable insights into structuring her business and connecting with potential clients in Durango and beyond. This support helped her lay the groundwork for a successful venture, ensuring her business was positioned for growth.

Reflecting on her transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, Mary acknowledged its transformative impact on her life. “Taking the leap was scary, but it was the best decision for my mental health and personal fulfillment,” she said. “I’m proud to deliver services that genuinely add value to my clients’ businesses. The mutual appreciation I share with my clients is incredibly rewarding.”

Now approaching its second anniversary, *Tesitor Consulting* has grown steadily, with Mary continuing to empower businesses by providing them with the financial tools and insights they need to thrive. Her passion for helping others succeed remains at the heart of her work, and she’s excited for the future.

970-759-5032
linkedin.com/in/mary-tesitor-12879710

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