I started preparing income tax returns on a part-time basis in 1987 (preparing tax year 1986 returns) as a way to make a little extra money. I retained my full time day job – you know the drill - because of health insurance for the family, 401K plan, paid vacation, etc. As I gained more and more clients and was struggling to keep up, my lovely wife Blanche joined me in the tax preparation business in 1991, also part-time at first. Blanche quickly established herself as a first rate business woman and professional income tax preparer, and soon she was full time in the tax preparation business! I kept my name on the sign out front, because I started the business – but soon it was really me helping Blanche during the busy tax preparation season. We were very blessed and our client base continued to grow, consuming just about all of the hours we had available between us. We stopped advertising years ago because word-of-mouth referrals kept us busy.
Every year I would ponder the possibility of me going full time and dream of what it would be like. I truly love this business! I love meeting and working with my clients. I love coaching and educating clients on how to squeeze every legitimate dollar out of the IRS. I love the positive feedback our clients give us. “I’m glad we found you”, they’d say. “We used to go to one of the “big-box” chains, but no more! We feel that you’ve done a much more thorough job – we understand our taxes much better – and you charged us so much less! We’ll see you again next year!” And every year I would struggle again with the going full-time thoughts, but once again defer to the day job. I was just not brave enough to make the leap.
Well, you probably have guessed where this is heading. Due to the horrible economy we’re in my former employer decided to “eliminate my position due to an organizational restructuring”. Yep – after 23 1/2 years of service, I have been downsized. “Don’t take this personal”, they said. “This isn’t about you – it’s your position that’s being eliminated.” Yea, Right. Both my position and me are gone. My last day of employment was December 5, 2008.
After a few minutes – literally – of nursing my bruised ego, the excitement began to build. Actually, the timing couldn’t be better. We’ve not advertised in years, so I don’t have any up-to-date ads ready. We really need new business cards. I need to check with the local newspaper about advertising – and maybe the radio stations too. And my technology partner (who also happens to be my son) has been pestering me to establish a web site. These things will take time to get ready. How much time? Well, from December 5 until the middle of January should be just about right! So, look for my ads, fliers, etc. starting around the middle of January! And check back in on this web site to see how things are going. I’m full time now! I have plenty of available time to help new clients. Also, that very bright and personable son of mine (Stefan) just completed an income tax preparation class in anticipation of helping us out a bit this year anyway! So really, there are two more of us available to help new clients now than there was previously. Phenomenal timing. NO LIMITS! IT’S TIME TO GROW!