Who we are
We believe that every entrepreneur deserves to understand their numbers. Our mission is to help you thrive without constantly feeling behind. We work with independent practices with 1-5M of revenue per year. We also love helping new practices launch.
Meet the Team
Kenneth Downing CPA, CIA, CRHCP:
Partner, Co-Founder
Guiding small business to thrive is what Kenneth lives for. Helping owners make proactive informed decisions makes his day. If you don’t have access to the information you need or are just starting out, we can help.
Amber Downing:
Co-Founder
Starting off in a Big Four Firm wasn’t the right fit. What she enjoys most is meeting small business owners where they are. Working with struggling businesses and developing processes to make things run smoothly is her highlight.
Nathan Banchor:
Tax Pro
Nathan loves finding ways for business owners to save money on taxes. Either evaluating business structure or planning for the next year. He loves coming in at tax season and doing his thing.
Our Approach
We believe financial guidance works best when it's personal.
Our role is to walk beside you, providing clear advice, proactive support, and honest answers when you need them. Your business has a purpose. Our mission is to help you thrive with honest, organized, and strategic financial care that leads with clarity and so you can grow with confidence.
Why "Leading Stone"?
The name Leading Stone was chosen since that is the beginning of compasses. Before modern navigation systems existed, sailors relied on naturally magnetic stones, known as leading stones, to help guide them in the right direction.
We chose Leading Stone because it reflects how we view our role. We want to guide you through difficult times and rejoice in your success. We're here to help you navigate uncertainty, make informed decisions, and move confidently toward your goals.
Our Story
At Leading Stone Financial, we believe every business owner deserves to understand their numbers and feel confident about their financial future.
Our story began at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where Kenny and Amber met while studying accounting. It turns out there's nothing quite like a shared appreciation for spreadsheets and T-accounts to bring two people together.
After college, Kenny spent years working in public accounting and healthcare consulting before moving into internal audit, where he gained valuable experience helping organizations improve operations and manage risk. Amber started her career with a Big Four accounting firm before transitioning into internal audit as well.
Amber followed a calling to healthcare, returning to school to earn a nursing degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She graduated in 2019 and began working as a nurse just as the challenges of 2020 unfolded. Today, she continues caring for patients while bringing a unique healthcare perspective to our firm.
Meanwhile, Kenny never lost his passion for working directly with business owners. Having grown up in rural Iowa and spent years consulting with healthcare organizations, he saw firsthand the challenges that entrepreneurs, clinics, and small practices face every day.