We were lucky to catch up with Rudy Wyatt-Coleman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rudy, thanks for joining us today. Talk to us about building your team? What was it like? What were some of the key challenges and what was your process like?

When I first started Prep Smart Tax Services, it was just me. I was wearing every hat — owner, tax preparer, marketer, administrator, customer service, everything. I was learning as I went, working late nights, double-checking returns, and building trust with clients one relationship at a time. It was exhausting, but it was also empowering because every win felt personal.

As the client base grew, I realized I couldn’t scale alone. Recruiting my first team members wasn’t polished or corporate — it was very grassroots and relationship-driven. I found my first preparers through word of mouth, social media, and people who already trusted my work. Some were friends, referrals, or people who saw how passionate and knowledgeable I was and wanted to learn from me.

The interview process was unconventional. I wasn’t just looking at résumés — I was looking at work ethic, integrity, willingness to learn, and attention to detail. Taxes require trust, so character mattered just as much as experience. Many of my early interviews were conversations, not formal sit-downs. I asked questions like: Are you coachable? Can you follow compliance rules? Are you willing to do the work even when it’s repetitive?

Training was also hands-on and very real-time. I trained my team while still actively running the business, which meant live examples, practice returns, screen shares, late-night Zooms, and constant feedback. It wasn’t a textbook setup — it was practical, compliance-focused, and rooted in real IRS standards. One unconventional thing I did was emphasize due diligence and ethics from day one, not just how to “do a return.” I wanted my team to understand why we do things the right way, not just how.

If I were starting today, I would still begin solo — but I would build systems sooner. I would document training earlier, set clearer expectations from the beginning, and slow down hiring just a bit to protect quality. I learned that growth without structure can create stress, so now I focus on intentional scaling.

Looking back, starting alone taught me resilience, leadership, and confidence. Building a team taught me patience, communication, and the importance of standards. Every phase shaped Prep Smart Tax Services into what it is today — a business built on knowledge, trust, and people.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Rodnesha (Rudy) Wyatt-Coleman, the Founder and CEO of Prep Smart Tax Services, a Houston-based tax preparation and advisory firm built on education, compliance, and real financial impact. I entered the tax industry out of a genuine desire to help people understand their money — not just file paperwork. Early on, I saw too many individuals and small-business owners confused, underinformed, or taken advantage of during tax season, and I knew there had to be a better, more transparent way to serve them.

Prep Smart Tax Services provides individual and small-business tax preparation, tax planning, and advisory services, with a strong focus on entrepreneurs, contractors, and self-employed individuals. We specialize in helping clients maximize legitimate deductions, stay compliant with IRS regulations, and make smarter financial decisions year-round — not just at tax time. Whether it’s W-2 employees, 1099 contractors, Schedule C businesses, or growing LLCs, we meet clients where they are and help them move forward with clarity and confidence.

What truly sets us apart is our education-first and compliance-driven approach. We don’t chase shortcuts or inflated numbers. Instead, we focus on due diligence, accuracy, and strategy. I’m deeply hands-on in training my team, ensuring every preparer understands not just how to complete a return, but why each step matters. This protects our clients, our business, and our reputation — and it builds long-term trust.

I’m most proud of building Prep Smart Tax Services from the ground up — starting solo and growing into a firm with a trained, compliant team and a loyal client base that continues to expand year after year. I’m also proud of the culture we’ve created: one that values integrity, growth, and community impact. Beyond tax preparation, I’m passionate about mentorship, entrepreneurship, and helping others create sustainable income through knowledge.

What I want potential clients and followers to know is simple: we don’t just file taxes — we empower people. Our goal is to make sure no money is left on the table and no unnecessary risks are taken. Prep Smart Tax Services is for clients who want accuracy, education, and a partner who genuinely cares about their financial future.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media for Prep Smart Tax Services didn’t happen overnight — it was intentional, consistent, and very real. In the beginning, I didn’t have a big following, polished videos, or a marketing team. What I did have was knowledge, authenticity, and a willingness to show up, even when it felt uncomfortable.

I started by simply educating. I shared tax tips, common mistakes I was seeing, reminders about deadlines, and explanations in plain language. I wasn’t trying to go viral — I was trying to be useful. Over time, people began to trust my voice because they could tell I knew what I was talking about and that I genuinely wanted to help.

Consistency played a huge role. Even when engagement was low, I kept posting. I talked directly to my ideal clients — everyday people, entrepreneurs, and small-business owners — not other tax professionals. I used real scenarios, real questions from clients, and real-life examples. I also wasn’t afraid to show the behind-the-scenes side of building a business: training my team, preparing for tax season, late nights, wins, and lessons learned. That transparency helped people connect with me beyond just taxes.

Another big factor was community engagement. I responded to comments, DMs, and questions. I reposted client wins, supported other small businesses, and showed appreciation to my team. Social media became less about broadcasting and more about building relationships.

For anyone just starting to build a social media presence, my advice is simple:

First, start before you feel ready. You don’t need perfect lighting, the right captions, or thousands of followers. You need clarity and consistency.

Second, educate and serve. If you solve a problem or answer a question, people will come back. Value builds trust, and trust builds an audience.

Third, be yourself. Your story, your tone, and your experiences are your advantage. People connect with authenticity more than perfection.

Lastly, don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. Growth takes time. Focus on showing up, learning your audience, and staying committed. If you do that, the audience will grow — and more importantly, it will be the right audience.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

For me, keeping in touch with clients and fostering brand loyalty at Prep Smart Tax Services is all about relationships, consistency, and trust — not just transactions.

First, we communicate year-round, not only during tax season. Clients hear from us through email, text reminders, and social media with important tax updates, deadlines, credits, and planning tips. That ongoing education helps clients feel supported and reminds them that we’re thinking about their finances even when it’s not time to file.

Second, we make the experience personal. We address clients by name, remember details about their businesses or families, and follow up when something changes — whether that’s a new job, a growing business, or a life event. Clients don’t feel like a number; they feel seen. That personal touch builds long-term trust.

Another key piece is education and transparency. We take time to explain returns, deductions, and next steps so clients understand what’s happening with their money. When clients feel informed and confident, they’re more likely to return and refer others.

We also stay visible and accessible. Between social media, community events, and direct communication, clients know how to reach us and know what we stand for. Highlighting team achievements, compliance milestones, and client wins reinforces credibility and strengthens the brand.

Lastly, we show appreciation. Referral incentives, thank-you messages, and public gratitude go a long way. People stay loyal to brands that value them, respect their time, and consistently deliver quality service.

At the end of the day, brand loyalty comes from doing what you say you’ll do, protecting your clients, and showing up with integrity — year after year.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Prepsmarttaxservices.com
• Instagram: Prep_smart_tax_services
• Facebook: Rudy Wyatt Coleman