Meet Toya Meadows

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Toya Meadows. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Toya, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
I developed my ability to take risks through a combination of personal determination, professional experience, and strategic planning. I possessed a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a clear vision for my business endeavors at an early stage in my life. This innate drive and ambition propelled me to take the risk of leaving a stable job to pursue my entrepreneurial aspirations. Prior to launching Simple Tax Solutions, I gained valuable industry experience during my nine years at T-Mobile. This experience provided me with insights into business operations, customer service, and the importance of strategic decision-making, all of which have been instrumental in preparing me for the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Before making the decision to leave my job, I engaged in thorough strategic planning and assessment of the potential risks and rewards associated with starting my own business. This involved evaluating market opportunities, conducting financial projections, and developing a solid business plan to mitigate risks. I’ve always been confident in my abilities and resilience because I knew eventually I would have to face the challenges and the risk of pursuing entrepreneurship. These qualities helped me navigate the uncertainties that came with starting a new business. I also built a strong support network which consisted of my husband, family, mentors, advisors, and peers who provided guidance, encouragement, and insights as I made the transition from a corporate job to entrepreneurship.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I found my love for tax preparation in high school while enrolled in a Birmingham City School while taking an elective- Home Economics. During that period of high school, our class was instructed to prepare our own simple tax return by hand. From there, I gained more experience and knowledge by contracting with a local tax office until 2017. Today, I’m a distinguished entrepreneur and a prominent figure in the tax industry. As the owner of Simple Tax Solutions and co-owner of Mind Your Assets Tax School in Pelham, Al, I’ve made significant contributions to the field of taxation and education. My commitment to providing job opportunities to students who successfully complete the IRS accredited online tax academy at Mind Your Assets Tax School has helped countless individuals embark on rewarding careers in the tax industry.
My dedication to education is further exemplified by offering an IRS accredited course as a CTEC to local high schools, demonstrating my commitment to empowering the next generation with essential tax knowledge and skills.

As a proud member of the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP), I’m known for my active engagement in the tax community. My notable achievements include a nomination for the Minority Business Award, a testament to my outstanding leadership and entrepreneurial excellence.

As a member of the Shelby County Chamber and with Simple Tax Solutions being BBB accredited, I’ve demonstrated a strong commitment to upholding the highest standards of business ethics and professionalism.

My contributions have been recognized on numerous occasions, including a congratulatory letter from Birmingham’s Mayor Randall Woodfin in 2019, acknowledging the positive impact of Simple Tax Solutions in the community.
As an avid advocate for staying updated with industry trends and regulations, I frequently attend IRS tax forums to ensure that my expertise remains at the forefront of the field.

Under my leadership, Simple Tax Solutions has garnered prestigious accolades, including the “Best of Birmingham – Corporate Office” award in 2022 and induction into the “Best of Birmingham Business Hall of Fame” in 2023. These accolades reflect the company’s commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I’m deeply involved in giving back to the community. I actively support various schools, drives, and community events, leveraging my knowledge and expertise to make a meaningful impact.

My remarkable achievements, dedication to education, and commitment to community empowerment have solidified my reputation as an influential leader in the tax industry and a respected figure in the Birmingham business community.

My resilience and dedication to my vision is evident when H&R Block expressed interest in acquiring Simple Tax Solutions. Despite the potential for personal gain, I remained steadfast in my commitment to my community and my employees, choosing to continue to provide education and employment opportunities rather than pursue a buyout. This decision reflects my strong values and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact through my business endeavors.

I’m focused on expanding my businesses, Simple Tax Solutions and Mind Your Assets Tax School, to new markets and broadening their impact. I aim to establish a presence in Los Angeles, recognizing it as a strategic location for growth and expansion. Simple Tax Solutions, Los Angeles doors will officially open January 8, 2024.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Strategic Vision and Planning: Think strategically and plan for the long term. Developing a clear vision for my business and creating a comprehensive strategic plan was crucial in guiding my decisions and actions.

Advice: Early stage entrepreneurs can best develop or improve on this quality by honing their strategic thinking skills. This may involve studying successful business models, seeking mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, and dedicating time to creating a well thought out business plan.

  1. Resilience and Adaptability: Building a business often requires resilience in the face of challenges and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. My journey required me to navigate obstacles, learn from setbacks, and pivot when necessary.

Advice: Early stage entrepreneurs can cultivate resilience and adaptability by embracing a growth mindset, seeking feedback from mentors and peers, and viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and growth.

  1. Industry Knowledge and Expertise: Me understanding the tax industry and my expertise in tax preparation and education was instrumental in the success of my businesses. Having in depth knowledge of my field allowed me to provide valuable services and develop innovative educational programs.

Advice: Early stage entrepreneurs can focus on developing expertise in their chosen industry by pursuing continuous learning, staying updated on industry trends, and seeking opportunities for professional development and networking within their field.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely! I’m interested in collaborating with individuals, organizations, and businesses that align with my vision and values, and who can contribute to each other’s growth and success. Here are the sorts of folks that I’m looking to collaborate with:

  1. Industry Professionals: I seek to collaborate with experienced tax professionals, educators, and industry experts where we can bring valuable insights, knowledge, and mentorship to our businesses. Collaborating with individuals who have a deep understanding of tax regulations, industry trends, and educational best practices could enhance the quality of services and programs offered.
  2. Educational Institutions: I’m interested in partnering with educational institutions, such as high schools and community colleges, to expand the reach of Mind Your Assets Tax School and provide students with valuable tax education and career opportunities.
  3. Community Leaders and Organizations: I seek collaborations with community leaders, non-profit organizations, and local initiatives that share my commitment to education, community empowerment, and giving back. Partnering with community-focused entities could make a positive impact and contribute to local initiatives.
  4. Technology and Marketing Professionals: I’m interested in collaborating with experts in technology and marketing to leverage innovative tools and strategies for expanding the reach of my businesses, enhancing educational platforms, and effectively promoting my services.
  5. Financial and Legal Advisors: Collaborating with financial and legal advisors could provide my businesses with essential guidance and support in navigating the complexities of business expansion, compliance, and financial management.

Overall, I’m seeking collaborations that can use the educational and service offerings of my businesses, expand their reach, and align with my mission of providing valuable education and employment opportunities while making a positive impact in the community. I can be reach by phone, email, or any of my social media accounts.

Phone: (800) 432- 1744
Email: customerservice@simpletaxsolutions.info

Contact Info:

Image Credits
JTM Productions

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