Today we’d like to introduce you to James E Heyward.
James E, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have been working in accounting since I was young, probably 8 or 9, when my father would have me work with early general ledger software. Through High School, I thought I would go to work as an accountant someday, when I got accepted to Duke I realized they did not have an accounting program. I eventually ended up as a Sociology major.
During college, I worked at WXDU, the campus radio station, first as a jock, then eventually the head of the Hip-Hop department, where I was able to increase the amount of urban programming the station played. My position at the station led to me DJing parties on and off-campus as well -my first business!
After college, I started working in the music industry as one of the first street promoters in the Carolinas. That lead to my first official company, Take Two Entertainment. For years I covered North and South Carolina for various record labels, my goal was to start a record label at some point. My promotion work led me to open a vinyl records store for DJs named, Madd Waxx Records on Chapel Hill Street in the West End. I enjoyed Madd Waxx and the impact we had in both the local music community and the West End.
I got married in 2003 and with that came the purchase of a house. At this point, I realized I needed something a little more steady (digital music had just started to change the game). After a discussion with my father one day he told me to get a CPA license and that journey began.
In 2004, I started working for Thomas and Gibbs CPAs as I took classes at Durham Tech to qualify for taking the exam. After three years, I moved to a private company to get a taste of accounting within a company. I passed the CPA exam in October 2008, received my license and on 6/27/2010 I left my job.
On July 1, 2010 – Heyward CPA was founded – eleven years later we are still here.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course not! Small business is meant to be smooth. One of the main roadblocks I faced early was figuring out how a firm would make money beyond doing $100 tax returns – I’m still learning this, lol.
We have had all kinds of struggles – bad hires, cash flow issues, clients slow/no pay, losing clients, firing clients you name it and that’s just the first 11 years.
As you know, we’re big fans of Heyward CPA PLLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
YOu can check www.heywardcpa.com and www.heywardcpanyc.com for the details.
We are an accounting firm that uses technology to provide client accounting, tax and advisory services to small businesses, especially underserved firms that do not have as many outlets for service.
We are proud of the fact that our firm can serve as a translator of sorts to help businesses owners meet their objectives.
Check the website for our service offerings and I would encourage folks sign up for our e-news.
One of our distinct characteristics is our desire to provide information to clients to increase their understanding of tax, accounting, and business topics. In the coming months, we plan on sharing a lot of information with our clients and subscribers via the e-news and our bi-weekly live stream on Youtube and Facebook.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Caring about our clients. Perseverance
The constant search for knowledge.
Wanting to get better every day.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.heywardcpa.com
- Instagram: heywardcpapllc
- Facebook: facebook.com/heywardcpa
- Twitter: @heywardcpa
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyMh8EY8AZ2qvBUWV_B63zA
- Other: heywardcpa.com/blog
