Meet Justin!

In this episode of Protea Conversations, Zane Stevens interviews Justin Stephens, the second-generation owner of Stephens Tax Services. Justin shares his journey from initially avoiding the family business to taking over after his father's passing. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of running a tax service, the importance of maintaining personal values, and his commitment to client-first service. The conversation also touches on Justin's personal health journey and the future of his business.

Takeaways

- Justin initially avoided the family business, pursuing a career in sales.

- His father's illness prompted Justin to take over the tax service.

- Justin emphasizes a client-first approach, valuing personal connections.

- He successfully expanded the business, doubling the client base.

- Justin's personal health journey involved losing 70 pounds.

- He stresses the importance of aligning business with personal values.

- Justin plans to continue growing the business while maintaining its core values.

- Technology plays a key role in adapting to client needs.

- Justin values making tax services accessible and affordable.

- He believes in the importance of hard work and perseverance.

Sound bites

"I'm giving you the football, you take it, you run with it."

"The life you want is on the other side of the work you're avoiding."

"I can't imagine doing anything else."

"It's about seeing that it's not shying away from it."

"It's the people first. Need to remember that."

"You can't take care of anybody else if you don't take care of yourself."

"There's no shortcuts. And when I stopped looking for shortcuts, my life gets better."

Connect with Justin:

Personal LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-stephens-5bb114b/