Entrepreneurs: Deanne Rieke Bacco and Lou Bacco
Company:  Auditing-Forensics Inc.
Address: 6500 Millbrook Drive
Shawnee, KS 66218
Phone: (913) 422-5041
E-mail:
Type of Business: Consultation and Auditing

Deanne Rieke Bacco and Lou Bacco started their business one year ago because they believed their type of consulting service is lacking in the business world, especially for the small to medium-sized businesses.

They provide assistance in business planning, risk management analysis, budgeting and forecasting, policies and procedures and due diligence work for acquisitions and selling.

“We excel in the prevention of workplace improprieties—abuse of assets, inventory shrinkages, sabotage—and situations that drain efficiencies and the effectiveness of a business,” said Lou. “We also specialize in protecting one from identity theft.”

Auditing-Forensics Inc. has been certified in identity theft advocacy, and has worked with the Secret Service, Treasury Department, the FBI and other agencies. The company helps business owners and their employees to identify, become aware of, and know how to protect themselves against one of the fastest growing crimes in America.

To prepare for the business, the Baccos attended FastTrac classes sponsored by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Deanne and Lou also credit their 25 plus years of hands-on experience for preparing them to do well in their current venture.

One of the biggest challenges they have faced as home-based business owners is getting and qualifying leads that allow the company to assist business owners in risk management, thereby enabling them to run a secure business.

“The other big challenge of working out of the home is to be self-disciplined with time and staying in focus as well as on schedule,” said Deanne.
The Baccos find networking opportunities at chamber of commerce events, working with business owners and bankers, and at the monthly General Services Administration breakfast on the first Tuesday of each month at the Best Western KC South.

“The best thing about working out of our home is being independent, adaptable and able to overcome insurmountable situations,” said Lou. “Many years in the Marine Corps taught me this philosophy.”

The Baccos balance personal and work life by setting aside a portion of the day to running the business and devoting quality time to the family.
The Baccos have had great mentors along the way.

“UMKC’s Missouri Small Business Development Center has been a gold mine of support and information,” said Lou.

He credits the support of Lisa Bell and Larry Lee, as well as Cheri Streeter at Johnson County Community College.

The Bacco’s advice to other aspiring home-based entrepreneurs is to thoroughly research the competition, and then market yourself accordingly.
Deanna and Lou are scheduled to teach a class at JCCC and at the Missouri Small Business Development Center this fall and in spring 2005 on “Risk Management for the Business Owner.”

Bill Williams is the managing editor of Kansas City Small Business Monthly.