Compro Tax offers more than tax services
Owner of the local Compro Tax branch Shaneka Shipman talks about the company and the importance of building a strong community during a soft opening on Saturday, Dec. 17.
Photo by Tevin Stinson
BY TEVIN STINSON
THE CHRONICLE
With the 2016 holiday season in our rear views, millions of Americans have already set their sights on an unofficial holiday that excites working people more than any gift they may have received last month, tax season. While most people elect to file their taxes through big name tax adjusters on the first official day of tax season, an alternative to the big names opened right here in Winston-Salem when a branch of Compro Tax Services opened in the western portion of the city.
At a place in time where “buying black” is growing like wildfire, Compo Tax, the nation’s largest and oldest black-owned tax preparation service, is looking to make a difference in the lives of consumers here in the Twin City. Unlike other tax agencies that only offer services three or four months out of the year, Compro Tax offers year-round services. Per founder and CEO Dr. Jackie Mayfield, Compro Tax offers insurance, book-keeping services, payroll services, business mentor-ing and small business consulting.
“My whole quest as an individual is to make a difference on this earth with our people,” said Mayfield.
“I’ve always loved my people and if we want to improve our financial situation, we have to get out of the I-ism and into we-ism so we can create something connectively for generations to come. We have to talk about building entrepreneurs and creating a culture of business because that’s what helps determine how well you do in business. You have to be committed to the culture.”
Since opening Compro Tax, Mayfield has person-ally helped 18 black entrepreneurs become millionaires including Joe Dudley Sr., the president and CEO of Dudley Products Inc., a manufacturer of skin and hair care products for African-Americans.
When asked about Dr. Mayfield and Compro Tax, Dudley spoke highly of the company. He said Compro Tax helped him save over $150,000 on two separate occasions.
“He knows his stuff,” said Dudley. “If it can be done, Dr. Mayfield and Compro Tax will do it.”
The newest Compro Tax branch is owned and operated by Shaneka Shipman and her husband.
During an open discussion last month, Shipman said what she loves most about the company is that they are interested in building businesses in the black community. She said after sitting down with Dr. Mayfield, she knew that Compro Tax is exactly what the city needed.
“What I like about Dr. Mayfield is that he’s not just about getting people to invest in his franchise. His main goal is to build people,” said Shipman. “There aren’t many companies where you can call the CEO and ask them questions, but that’s exactly what you get with Compro Tax. If there’s something I need, Dr. Mayfield is always just a call away.”
Shipman said to build real wealth in the black community here in Winston-Salem, we must leave something for our children to build on. She said her goal with the branch is to teach those in the community that they don’t have to rely on government assistance and other handouts to be successful.
“You can’t really put a price tag on stuff like that and that’s what I really like about the company,” Shipman said.
The newest branch of Compro Tax Services officially opened their doors for business on Monday, Jan. 2. The branch is located at 615 Saint George Square Court, Suite 300. near Hanes mall. For more information contact Shipman by phone at 336-837-9242 or by email at sshipman@comprotax.net.
