In 2011, a San Diego couple built a bookkeeping business from their garage; after divorcing, they grew it to $1.4 million

Max and Elena Emma had already watched one business collapse before they started BooXkeeping. Their landscaping company once employed 96 people. The 2008 recession eventually forced them into business and personal bankruptcy.

They tried again in 2011. The couple launched a bookkeeping company from their San Diego garage while raising two young children. Three years later, their marriage ended. BooXkeeping survived, as per a report by Entrepreneur.

A Bookkeeping Business Built From a Garage

Max handled business development during the early days. Elena managed the financial records while caring for their baby.


Employees eventually worked from a room that had been the children’s nursery. The founders rented an office when they decided to divorce. They wanted employees away from the tension at home.

Elena told Entrepreneur that they avoided lawyers and filed the paperwork peacefully.

Arguments still happened. Elena rejected any suggestion that their working relationship was always calm. Her correction to Max was simple: “It’s yelling, Max.” The disagreement did not destroy their shared commitment.

Why BooXkeeping Survived the Divorce

Max and Elena viewed the company as another responsibility they had created together. Elena described BooXkeeping as their “third child.”

The same principle guided their approach to parenting. Their sons would not be asked to choose between them. Employees would not be pushed to take sides either.

Their marriage changed, but their business roles remained. Max continued as CEO. Elena stayed involved as chief people officer. Max remained in San Diego. Elena moved to Barcelona, where she also works as a professor and crisis coach.

BooXkeeping Grew to $1.4 Million

BooXkeeping now prepares financial statements for freelancers and growing businesses. The company also operates through a franchise model.

At the time of Entrepreneur’s May 2026 report, BooXkeeping had 16 franchisees across the United States. It was the preferred bookkeeping provider for more than 100 franchise brands.

Revenue reached $1.4 million in 2025. The founders said the business was on track to exceed $2 million by the end of 2026. BooXkeeping hoped to grow from 16 locations to 35 before the year ended.

Conflict Became Part of the Company Culture

Max and Elena never claimed to have a perfect post-divorce relationship. Their arguments can become loud. Both still return to the work.

The experience shaped how they select franchisees. Max asks whether he would spend time with a candidate outside the office. Money alone cannot secure a partnership.

BooXkeeping’s story is not about pretending divorce was easy. It is about separating a failed marriage from a functioning business.

FAQs

When was BooXkeeping founded?

Max and Elena Emma started the bookkeeping company in San Diego in 2011.

When did the founders divorce?

The couple divorced in 2014, three years after launching BooXkeeping.