For Therese Joslin, Cohasset is an essential part of her story. She grew up spending summers at Black Rock Beach, and learning early what it means to be part of a close-knit community. That sense of belonging has carried through every chapter of her life, from an international career in business to building a company rooted right here at home.

“Growing up here shaped who I am,” Therese says. “I learned early what it means to be part of a community that looks out for each other. That’s something I’ve carried with me into every part of my life.”

Her path after Cohasset took her far afield. Armed with a degree in business marketing with a concentration in international business from Salem University, she embarked on a career in the electronics industry, traveling the world to drive strategic sales and international expansion. The pace was exhilarating. She often worked side by side with her husband, building a career that was both dynamic and demanding.

But when it came time to raise a family, her priorities shifted. “I wanted to be present, to have a flexible schedule, and still contribute in a meaningful way,” Therese reflects.

“Supporting Strategies allowed me to do that—and gave me the chance to build something right here at home.”

Thirteen years ago, alongside her friend Lori Coleman, Therese launched one of the very first Supporting Strategies franchises. What began as two friends with a vision has since grown into a thriving business with four territories—South Shore, Merrimack Valley, Route 128, and Providence, Rhode Island.

Supporting Strategies provides outsourced bookkeeping and controller services for small businesses. Their work runs the gamut: keeping books clean and up to date, managing cash flow, offering forecasting, assisting with payroll, and even providing Controller-level insights.

But Therese is quick to emphasize that the work is about more than financial records. “Most people start their businesses because they love what they do—not because they love financial reports,” she says. “Our goal is to bring clarity, confidence, and calm so owners can focus on their vision, not their books.”

Launching a remote-based service in 2011 wasn’t easy. “There was skepticism at first,” Therese recalls. “Not everyone trusted that bookkeeping and controller work could be handled securely and effectively in the cloud.”

Then, in 2020, everything changed. Remote work went from unconventional to essential almost overnight. For Supporting Strategies, the moment validated years of persistence. What was once a challenge became a competitive advantage—and many small businesses across the South Shore have benefited as a result.

One common experience is a client who comes to Therese overwhelmed and behind on the books. Payroll has become a constant stressor, and the owner feels they are spending more time worrying about cash flow than helping customers, losing sight of why they started their business. 

Supporting Strategies steps in to clean up the financials, implement better systems, and provide regular cash flow forecasts. Within months, an owner can gain peace of mind—and the freedom to return to the passion that inspired the business in the first place. 

These clients now "call us before making any big business move," Therese notes. “That level of trust—that’s the most rewarding part of what we do.”

Her personal ties to Cohasset make that impact feel especially meaningful. “When I see a local florist or restaurant succeed, I know it supports the whole fabric of our town,” she says.

Therese also gives back through direct volunteer work. She currently volunteers at Etrusco in Scituate, which loans medical equipment at no cost to residents of 11 South Shore towns. “It feels good to give back in a way that’s personal and lasting,” she says.

As she celebrates 13 years of Supporting Strategies, Therese is looking toward the future with optimism. She’s eager to expand partnerships with local advisors, continue making financial operations approachable for entrepreneurs who may feel intimidated by the numbers, and, above all, empower her clients to lead with confidence.

“When business owners have clarity in their finances, everything changes,” she says. “They can grow with confidence, focus on their passion, and sleep easier at night. That’s what we want for every client.”

At the end of the day, family is what inspired Therese to take this leap—and remains her greatest joy. Her son, Harrison, works in investment banking in Los Angeles, while her daughter, Olivia, is a designer and stylist in New York City. “They are my pride and joy,” Therese smiles.

Between family, business, and community, Therese has built a life and career that reflect her values: clarity, connection, and contribution. For the business owners of the South Shore, she’s more than a financial partner—she’s a trusted guide, a neighbor, and a champion for their success.