Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Stevens.
Hi Brandon, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story is rooted in service, adaptability, and a desire to create opportunities for others.
As a military brat, I grew up moving from place to place and learning how to connect with people from all walks of life. Those experiences taught me resilience, flexibility, and the importance of building relationships. These skills that would later become invaluable in both my career and entrepreneurial journey.
I attended the University of Dubuque as a student-athlete, where I learned discipline, accountability, and how to perform under pressure. After graduation, I began building a career that combined customer service, operations, finance, and accounting. Along the way, I discovered that what I enjoyed most wasn’t just working with numbers—it was helping people solve problems and make informed financial decisions.
Over my career, I have worked in both the public and private sectors, for example the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). In these roles, I have gained experience in financial management, accounting, compliance, bookkeeping, payroll, and tax preparation. During COVID, is where I gained the passion and ambition to jump into entrepreneurship and built my own firm, B.E.S. Tax Services.
Starting a business taught me lessons that no textbook ever could. Like many entrepreneurs, I began with a vision, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to serving people well. What started as preparing tax returns evolved into helping individuals, families, nonprofits, and small business owners better understand their finances and make strategic decisions for growth. I quickly realized that many business owners are experts in their craft but need a trusted financial partner to help them navigate bookkeeping, taxes, cash flow, and long-term planning. Being able to fill that role has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
I am a certified QuickBooks bookkeeping. I’m also currently completing the Enrolled Agent certification. This will allow me to represent taxpayers before the IRS, continuing to expand my knowledge of accounting, financial management and taxes. I believe that continuous learning is essential—not only for personal growth, but for providing the highest level of service to clients and business partners.
Beyond my professional work, I am passionate about giving back to the community. As a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity Inc., I have used these skills to uplift the community through financial literacy education, volunteer work, mentoring youth, and supporting local organizations. I believe success is most meaningful when it creates opportunities for others.
Looking back, at every stage of my journey from being a military kid, to a student-athlete, to a federal financial professional, and now a business owner has reinforced the same lesson: relationships matter. My goal has always been to help people build stronger financial futures while creating partnerships that generate lasting value. I am excited to continue growing, serving my community, and collaborating with individuals and organizations that share a commitment to excellence, integrity, and impact.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but I believe the challenges have been some of my greatest teachers.
Like many entrepreneurs, I started my business while balancing a full-time career, family responsibilities, graduate studies, and community commitments. Building something of your own requires a different level of discipline and sacrifice. There were many late nights spent studying tax law, learning new accounting systems, meeting client deadlines, and figuring out how to grow a business while maintaining a high standard of service.
One of the biggest challenges was overcoming the fear and uncertainty that comes with entrepreneurship. When you work for yourself, you’re responsible for everything—business development, client relationships, operations, marketing, compliance, and service delivery. There isn’t always a roadmap, and sometimes you must make important decisions with limited information resources. Learning to trust myself, remain adaptable, and stay focused on long-term goals was a critical part of the journey.
Another challenge was building credibility in a highly competitive industry. While I had years of experience in finance, accounting, and customer service, earning the trust of clients and establishing a reputation takes time. I learned that consistency, integrity, and genuinely caring about people’s success are what ultimately create lasting relationships and referrals.
There have also been challenges that many small business owners face—managing growth, balancing priorities, navigating economic uncertainty, and learning when to invest in the business versus when to be patient. Each obstacle forced me to become a better leader, communicator, and problem solver.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change those experiences. The struggles taught me resilience, strengthened my confidence, and reinforced the importance of continuous learning. They also gave me a deeper appreciation for the challenges my clients face as business owners. Today, that perspective allows me to connect with clients on a different level because I understand that behind every tax return, financial statement, or business decision is a person working hard to achieve their goals.
The journey is still evolving, but every challenge has helped shape the professional and entrepreneur I am today.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
B.E.S. Tax Services was founded with a simple mission: to help individuals, families, nonprofits, and small business owners gain clarity, confidence, and control over their finances. While many people think of us as a tax preparation firm, our work goes far beyond filing tax returns. We strive to be a trusted financial partner who helps clients make informed decisions throughout the year, not just during tax season.
We provide a range of services, including tax preparation, tax planning, tax resolution, bookkeeping, payroll support, and business consulting. We work with individuals looking to maximize their tax savings, entrepreneurs launching new ventures, established small businesses seeking better financial systems, and nonprofit organizations that need assistance with compliance and reporting requirements.
What sets us apart is our commitment to education and relationships. We believe our clients deserve more than a transaction; they deserve an advisor who takes the time to explain the “why” behind financial decisions and tax strategies. Many people leave meetings feeling overwhelmed by financial terminology or uncertain about their next steps. Our goal is to simplify complex financial matters and empower clients with knowledge that helps them make confident decisions for themselves, their families, and their businesses.
My background in federal financial management, accounting, customer service, and tax preparation gives me a unique perspective when working with clients. I understand the importance of accuracy, compliance, and accountability, but I also understand that every financial situation is personal. We combine technical expertise with a people-first approach to creating solutions that are practical, effective, and tailored to each client’s goals.
One thing I am especially proud of is the way we have built the company. We have moved with authenticity and have valued doing the work the right way! I’m not completely in this to make money. Chasing money in this industry can lead business owners and taxpayers to take risky positions. Sometimes they will do and say anything to get the biggest refund or to save the most money. BES Tax Services works to give the best possible outcomes while keeping ethics and compliance. Through proper strategist planning, taxpayers and business owners can optimize their situation without the worry of getting a letter or audit from the government. We are doing more than preparing returns, we are building lasting relationships. Whether someone is filing their first tax return, starting a business, managing a growing company, or leading a nonprofit organization, we want them to know they have a partner they can call on for guidance.
As our firm continues to grow, our vision remains the same: to provide exceptional service, promote financial literacy, and help clients build stronger financial futures. We measure success not only by the work we complete, but by the impact we make on the people and organizations we serve.
For readers, I want them to know that B.E.S. Tax Services is built on integrity, education, professionalism, and service. We are passionate about helping people succeed, and we welcome opportunities to collaborate with individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations that share a commitment to growth and excellence.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Yes. I make a point of continuously learning and improving both professionally and personally through a combination of books, podcasts, and online resources.
For professional development, I regularly use resources such as IRS publications, tax research platforms, accounting and bookkeeping webinars, and industry newsletters to stay current on tax law changes, payroll regulations, and accounting best practices. I also follow accounting and finance podcasts that discuss emerging trends, client service, and business operations.
For personal growth and productivity, I enjoy podcasts focused on leadership, time management, communication, and entrepreneurship. I really enjoy listening to John Hope Bryant. He has inspired me not just with entrepreneurship but with financial literacy.
I find that combining technical education with personal development helps me perform at a higher level, serve clients more effectively, and continue growing both professionally and personally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bestaxservices.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigboibsteve/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandon.stevens.108
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bstevens79/
