Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Hyles.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I can remember the first time I received my first $100 bill. It was a random day in the middle of summer and I was probably around the age of 13. It literally blew my mind how much money I had in my hand at the time. It had seemed like such an impossible feat to acquire so much money at such a young age but there I was with this crisp $100 dollar bill. This was the moment that changed the direction my life would go in…
My father was the one that gave me that $100 bill after picking me up from school and I knew at that moment that I wanted to follow in his footsteps and be an entrepreneur just like him. He founded Oak Tree Services in 1994 and I spent a lot of my time with him in his office. From a very young age, I was enamored with the allure of being your own boss, making your own hours, setting your own prices, and knowing that I was ultimately helping people by following my passion. As time went on, I was able to see the ins and outs of entrepreneurship. I went to college with my mindset on one day taking over Oak Tree Services. I attended Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY and I attained my bachelor in science degree in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting. I then went on to the University of La Verne to attain my Master’s Degree in Business Administration. After the passing of our father in 2017, my brothers and I have kept my fathers legacy alive by taking Oak Tree to the next level. Our mission is to reach as many small business owners and help guide them through the process of properly structuring their business, claiming all available tax deductions, and teach them the true importance of ownership. We do this by providing individual and business tax preparation, small business consulting, Notary and much more.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In the world of entrepreneurship, there are no smooth roads. The most difficult time was right when my father passed. I had to balance a busy tax season while grieving while trying to figure out how to transfer ownership of the business and make sure that it continued to thrive. It wasn’t until recently that I decided it was time to have more of a social media presence and that in itself, it’s a daily challenge. Wearing multiple hats is the name of the game when you own your own business but as a minority and woman-owned small business owner, I know the importance of putting yourself out there because no one else will.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Oak Tree Financial and Tax Services?
With over 25 years in the industry, we provide our customers with the very best Tax Preparation and Financial Services experience. We are committed to treating our customers respectfully, honestly, fairly and like family. Melissa has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting. She attained an MBA from the University of La Verne. She is a Registered Tax Preparer with CTEC and she is also a Certified Business consultant. Alex Hyles recently graduated from Cal State San Bernardino with an Accounting degree. He is a Registered Tax Preparer with CTEC. Andrew Hyles is our IT Specialist that ensures all computer hardware, software, networks and servers are securely encrypted and work consistently and correctly.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I would like to think that in the next 5-10 years, tax preparers and accountants would be seen as financial therapists. A trusted individual that can help guide you through your entire financial success journey.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.oaktreeservicesllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oak_tree_services_llc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OakTreeServicesLlc
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/oak-tree-services-rancho-cucamonga-2
Image Credits
Koree Hines – All Day All Night Productions LLC
