We were lucky to catch up with Kristie Harris recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kristie , appreciate you joining us today. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?

So, before I joined the Jumping Jack Tax Franchise, I had my own tax practice called Momentum Tax Pro’s. I remember working tirelessly to get my name out there. I did all the usual things that tax business owners do during tax season and that’s print flyers, put it on people cars, community boards and other places of businesses. Any place where I could put my cards, I was placing them.

Well while I was trying to find any and everywhere to place my cards, I stopped into Simply Scents located on Almeda in 3rdward. It’s one of my favorite places to shop for candles. I went in and I bought some sock it to me fragrance oil for my diffuser. Shan the Ceo, who is the owner of Simply Scents checked me out. I do not personally know her at all, but she is so warm and inviting like her candles when you walk into the shop. Well as she checked me out, I asked do you mind if I leave a few of my business cards on your counter for my tax business. I explained I’m just trying to get my name out there. She said no problem, what I will do is when people check out, I will drop a card in their bag. Then she stated, “I know how it is” This meant so much to me. A successful black woman looking out for another black woman trying to build her business. This was over 3 or 4 years ago, and I remember like it was yesterday. So today I make sure that I have that same type of energy toward others.

Kristie , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Well, my name is Kristie Harris, many who have known me for a long time call me January. I started doing taxes about 11 or 12 years ago because of a financial hardship that happened all of a sudden. I needed to make some money quick. It just happened to be around tax season.

At the time I was an assistant store director for HEB. During the tax season we would lease a space out to Colbert Ball Tax. That particular day I was showing the person from Colbert Ball where she would be setting up in the store. As we were walking, we started to chat about her business, and I asked her how she got started doing taxes. She told me she was a fulltime lawyer, and she operates the franchise during the tax season. I asked if you are a lawyer why are you doing taxes? She stated it was something very easy to do and the money is fast during the season. I casually stated I have been doing my own taxes since I was 18. She said if you are looking to make some money it’s easy to get into if you are able to read and interpret the tax information. She also told me what I needed to do to get started, by this time I’m taking notes. This lawyer lady who’s name I do not remember but wish I did gave me a small list to get a business started. She said get you a PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number) which was free at the time, and EFIN (Electronic Filing Identification Number) and some tax software.

I went home that day, and I took a chance because it was an extremely low investment $250 to be exact to buy software. I actually had to borrow it from my sister. I applied for the PTIN and the EFIN. I received the PTIN right away and the EFIN took some time, after talking with the lawyer lady who owns a Colbert Ball Franchise, I was in business 3 days later.

I remember my first client who was actually a coworker who gave me a shot at doing his taxes. Over 10 years later he and his entire family are my clients.

What I am most proud of is that I have grown from doing taxes to consulting and advising my clients on the best route go when it’s time to file their taxes. In the beginning to be honest it was just putting in the numbers and telling people what their refund will be. Today that is not the case at all. I study taxes all the time because it so much to learn and keep up with and if I don’t educate myself, I will be a total disservice to my clients.

I have grown so much over the last 10 years, I went from working independently, to having a partner to 2 partners back independent and last year I bought a Jumping Jack Tax Franchise. The experience has been awesome so far and it something I never expected.

Can you talk to us about your experience with buying businesses?

Years ago, I came across a guy on Instagram name Prince Donnell, he shared a picture of a huge group of tax business owners in front of the Ritz-Carlton. I started to follow his page he would post motivational things all the time and also about taxes. At the time he a program where you can be a tax partner. Basically, he would provide the software for you, and you would use your own tax business name. Prince Donnell’s Following was really huge. I love the content he was putting out and I said I wanted to be apart.

The following year I applied to the partnership program. The investment was 5k. I was super excited to have my business backed by the Jumping Jack Tax Brand. So, at the time I was Momentum Tax Pro’s powered by Jumping Jack Tax. With the name being associated with my practice my business picked up tremendously. I had a very successful year.

During the year Prince Donnell would host motivational calls at 5am, we would pray talk through our business and set goals for the day. One day on the call he let us know that there would be a big announcement to come. On our call that was scheduled one evening he let us know that he was ending the partnership program and he was now franchising the business. This was great news and scary at the same time. I have never owned a franchise; I didn’t know what it entailed but I had the opportunity to own one.

Today I am in my second year of business as a Jumping Jack Tax Franchisee. I decided to buy the franchise because of the support that came behind it. Prince Donnell is well known, his following is huge on social media, and he provide so much that I could not do on my own.

The process in purchasing the franchise was not difficult but it wasn’t easy. Going through contracts and franchise agreements can be intimidating if you don’t understand what you are reading. The Jumping Jack Team gave us plenty of time to review, ask questions, and consult before anything was signed, that made the experience pleasant.

After the franchise agreement was signed Prince Donnell hosted a franchise signing day in Philadelphia for each of the inaugural franchise owners. I was the 5th franchisee. the experience was awesome. He dedicated 2 full days to making the franchise signing day a big deal. In 2 days, I had a photoshoot, advertising online, I was able to shoot content to have ready for social media. We also spent one on one time talking over the business and my goals. The all-around experience was out of this world. I appreciate what he did for me because I didn’t just sign paperwork, he made sure I came out the door ready to take off.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Like many entrepreneurs I personally had to start funding my business through my full-time job until I was able to generate the income for it to sustain itself. I was able get my initial capital through my quarterly bonuses at work. I was fortunate enough to work for a company that had a great bonus program that paid out a significant amount of money every quarter and that’s how I got started.

I know I made the right decision because my investment in my business I have made that money over and over again.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jumpingjacktax.com/kristieharris
• Instagram: @kristiejumpingjacktax