We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shrae Miller-Fortune. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shrae below.
Shrae, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the early days of establishing your own firm. What can you share?
My Journey to Starting My Own Firm
After spending nine years working with Jackson Hewitt, I realized that I could serve clients more effectively and personally by establishing my own practice. Many of the individuals I worked with expressed a desire for trustworthy, attentive service, and I strongly felt that creating my own business would allow me to meet those needs in a more meaningful way.
The Early Steps
The decision to take the leap into entrepreneurship was both exciting and daunting. The first steps involved:
• Committing fully to the vision of owning my own firm.
• Setting up the necessary programs and systems to ensure smooth operations.
• Securing a suitable location that would be accessible and welcoming to clients.
Challenges Along the Way
Like any new venture, the journey was not without obstacles. One of the greatest challenges was marketing in a crowded industry. With so many tax companies competing for attention—some of which unfortunately engage in unethical practices—it was essential to differentiate my firm by emphasizing integrity, transparency, and client trust. Building a reputation in such an environment required persistence & a clear commitment to ethical standards.
Reflections
Looking back, I wouldn’t change the decision to start my own firm. Every challenge provided valuable lessons in resilience as well as adaptability. If anything, I would have invested even earlier in building a strong marketing strategy to highlight the values that set my practice apart.
Advice for Young Professionals
For those considering starting their own firm, my advice is simple yet powerful:
• Never give up. The road may be difficult, but perseverance is key.
• Do something you love. Passion fuels commitment. When you genuinely care about your work, clients will notice.
• Lead with integrity. In industries where trust is paramount, honesty and ethical practices are your greatest assets.
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.
About Me & My Firm
My path into accounting and tax preparation has been anything but ordinary. I began my career while studying business in college, balancing a work-study job with the responsibility of being a foster parent to 11 children. That experience has taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of organizational skills that would later serve me well in the financial world.
My first exposure to accounting came while working as a secretary at a hardwood floor company. The company’s accountant took the time to teach me the fundamentals. I quickly discovered a passion for numbers and problem-solving. Before long, I was running the entire company operations. Later transitioned into nonprofit accounting. From there, I gained experience in several accounting roles before joining Jackson Hewitt, where I worked for seven years as a tax preparer. Eventually, I was promoted to Assistant District Manager in Las Vegas, overseeing 14 stores and training new preparers.
In 2022, after getting married, both my partner and many of my clients encouraged me to take the next step to start my own business. I began preparing in 2023 and officially launched my firm in 2024. What motivated me most was the trust my clients placed in me—many came to me after experiencing issues with previous preparers, or were referred because they knew I could help them not only fix their tax situation but also understand it.
What I Do
I am an **Accountant, Bookkeeper, and Tax Preparer** who provides:
– **Tax preparation and planning** For individuals and businesses
– **Bookkeeping and accounting services** To keep finances organized and compliant
– **Specialized expertise** In senior taxes, trucker taxes (inspired by my partner’s profession), and small business taxes
– **Education and guidance** Clients don’t just file their taxes—they understand them
What Sets Me Apart
– **Integrity and trust:** In an industry where many clients have been misled or underserved, I pride myself in honesty and transparency.
– **Education-first approach:** I don’t just prepare taxes—I explain them, empowering clients to make informed financial decisions.
– **Personal connection:** My journey has always been about helping people, whether as a foster parent, a manager, or now as a business owner. That commitment to service is at the heart of my brand.
– **Specialization:** By focusing on seniors, truckers, & small businesses, I provide tailored solutions that address unique challenges.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I am proud of the trust my clients have placed in me. The reputation I’ve built for solving complex tax issues with care and clarity. I am also proud of the leap I’ve taken to start my own firm. A decision that allows me to serve people in the way I believe they deserve.
What I Want Clients to Know
– I am here to **help, educate, & empower.**
– My firm is built on **trust, transparency, & dedication.**
– I believe that when clients understand their finances, they gain confidence along with peace of mind.
Any advice for managing a team?
Advice on Managing a Team and Maintaining High Morale
I believe that without your team, you have nothing. Success is never the result of one person—it’s built through collaboration, trust, and shared commitment. For me, the foundation of effective team management is humanity and honesty. Everyone makes mistakes, that’s not something to hide. What matters most is having the courage to own up to those mistakes or to admit when you don’t know something. Those qualities—accountability and humility—are what I value most in the people I work with.
I strive to create an environment where my team feels like family. We are all here to succeed together, that means supporting one another, celebrating wins, and learning from challenges. To keep morale high, I make it a priority to send my team daily inspiration and motivational quotes. It’s a small gesture, but it sets a positive tone for the day and reminds everyone that their work matters.
Positivity is the key. When people feel encouraged, respected, and part of something bigger than themselves, they bring their best energy to the table. My role as a leader is to nurture that environment, so my team not only performs well but also grows personally and professionally.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Most Effective Strategy for Growing My Clientele
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been building trust as well as word of mouth. Many of my clients come to me because, I’ve been able to resolve issues that others could not—whether it’s correcting mistakes on prior tax returns, or helping them navigate IRS letters with clarity and confidence.
I focus on more than just preparing taxes; I assist clients in understanding their situation in gathering the information they need to stay compliant and organized. This educational approach not only solves immediate problems, it empowers clients to feel confident about their finances moving forward.
What truly sets me apart is my commitment to full transparency and humility. I believe in being honest, approachable, and clear in every interaction. Clients appreciate that I take the time to explain complex matters in a way they’re able to understand, and that I treat them with respect and patience.
Because of this, referrals have become my strongest growth driver. When people feel genuinely cared for and supported, they naturally share that experience with others—and that has been the foundation of my expanding practice.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ssfortunestaxservices-uqt.websitemanager.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s_sfortunestaxservices?igsh=bXlpcTFqM29tM21y
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/rayandtaysconsulting
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrae-miller-fortune-7a4371164
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/s-and-s-fortunes-tax-services-las-vegas?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
