Today we’d like to introduce you to Edwin Barahona.
Edwin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started my business out of my home in my dining room, and focused on customer service from day one. It has been very fun from day one as everyday is a new adventure.
It is a privilege to have all this trust from my clients. It was a little challenging in the beginning as some clients were skeptical about having their taxes prepared out of some stranger’s home. At that time, I had just started a family so it was very scary, no secure income in sight, and no clients. From there I was fortunate enough to meet about 50 new people and about 10% of those new clients gave me a local review. Year one as an independent income tax preparer was over with and I had made just enough money to think about a small office. I made it my goal to triple the size of my small practice every single year for the first 3 years and double every year after and it had to be slow, enjoyable, and profitable. I track every year very closely, compare data, and that is a key focus of mine. Right now, we are rapidly growing and our clients show how loyal they have become as it is for my clients that I exist.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been a roller coaster. In the beginning, there was no income and I have a family to support, a mortgage, 3 dogs, a gardener, and a goldfish (lol)…. So no income and many bills, it was very frustrating at times. I have worked 60-80 hours a week for years to make sure we are ready every year for the new season. (no more clocking out.) I was very fortunate to have lots of experience in being on a tight budget so it was manageable.
I grew up poor and have seen my dad grow his own business so I have seen it before but when I personally went through it now that is a whole different thing. It took years for me to get financially stable but I learned so much that without those tough years I would not be here today. I have learned to be patient as that is a key element of my lifestyle, and careful with all of my decision making as every decision can have a large impact in my livelihood.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Edwin Does Taxes – what should we know?
We are a tax preparation office but we offer bookkeeping, and payroll services. We specialize in tax preparation and planning and we are known for our way of operating which is a by appointment only type of service. We close our doors once our appointment shows up and we only focus on one client at a time so while the client is in the office all attention is in him/her.
What makes me proud is seeing my clients grow into financial monsters one by one they are becoming more stable and that excites me!!!! I love seeing people grow in that aspect. What sets my team apart from the rest is simple we are here to provide the best possible experience at a flat rate regardless of income or refund. Honesty is what we are known for.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have had a lot of help to make this business grow. My staff has been very good to me picking up slack when I’m tired or hungry. My friends have helped me develop the branding. Many new clients refer me to their co-workers or boss. My dad has always been a close adviser and I stay close to other business owners as I admire other entrepreneurs.
Pricing:
- short forms are $120 flat
- Long Forms are $160 flat and Small Business returns are $250
- Corporate Returns are $350 flat
Contact Info:
- Address: 10919 Lakewood Blvd., Suite 201
Downey, CA 90241 - Website: www.edwindoestaxes.com
- Phone: 5623345163
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edwindoestaxes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Edwindoestaxes/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/edwin-does-taxes-downey?osq=taxes
Image Credit:
Edwin Barahona
Robert Sanchez
Rudy Salas
Dulce Delgado
Jorge Sevilla
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