Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Son.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My parents immigrated to Los Angeles when I was 13 years old from S. Korea. I was excited and looked forward to start a new chapter of my life where I’ve known the United States as the land of opportunity.
When I was growing up, my dad constantly tells me that “There’s no free rides and shortcuts to a success. You have to participate and earn it”.
Throughout my teenage years, I had to remind that to myself when things aren’t going my way. I studied hard, listened to my parents, and stay focused in school.
I had much more life experience than most people out of high school. By age 14, I was already working for the snack bar at the junior high school.
By age 16, I was working in my dad’s restaurant as a cashier and cook till college. At the end of each month, I saw my dad reconcile the bank account and gave that to his accountant. And later I helped him reconcile the bank account for him.
In college, I did not know what I wanted to do. I’ve always like math because it makes sense. It has set of rules and laws always follows. However, I knew I do not want to be a mathematician. I took few accounting classes and really enjoyed it. When I was 21, I represents my father’s restaurant on a sales tax audit and result an acceptance of a return without any changes. His accountant recommended that I go into the profession myself.
After I graduated from college, I started my career as an accountant in Aerospace company and naturally moved to the career in Public Accounting. I worked in various small and large accounting firms where I was exposed to many facets of the public accounting world. I got my extensive taxation experience in Technology, E-Commerce, Legal Services, Entertainment, Athlete, and Real Estate where my clients have ranged in size from private growth stage to listed Fortune 500 companies.
After working more than 13 years in Accounting Industry, I left the company and started my own tax practice Son & Associates, APC with a desire to serve individuals and business owners with meaningful, responsive accounting and tax services.
Has it been a smooth road?
Starting my own company was a big challenge. It was much different than working as a CPA in accounting firm. In the beginning stage of the company, every day was a new challenge. I had to wear multiple hats throughout the day. I had to be a receptionist, sales person, office manager, accountant and billing administrator. I also did not have enough clients to afford an office space. I asked for lots of referral and held a new client meeting in Starbucks. I had to get there at least 30 minutes prior to a meeting to ensure the table for the client meeting. Surprisingly, the most of new clients that I met during those times became our royal clients.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I specialize in providing tax and advisory services to individuals and closely held businesses. My experience in public and private accounting gives me a unique perspective into the financial, tax, and business where I can deliver strategic business and tax planning advice tailed to specific goals and needs.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Torrance is great place to run a tax and accounting practice. It offers a vibrant, educated workforce, mixed-race population, and business friendly environment. The company like Alcoa Fasteners, Exxon, Honda, and Robinson Helicopters are located in Torrance. Plus, the weather is pretty close to perfect all the time – can’t beat that!
Contact Info:
- Address: 2463 W 208th Street, Suite 205
Torrance, CA 90501 - Website: www.stevenyson.com
- Phone: 310-684-2956
- Email: [email protected]
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