So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself—where you’re from originally and where you live now.

My name is Kendra Goodman, and I'm the founder of Goodman's Tax Consulting. As a military brat, I had the opportunity to experience different places growing up, but my roots are firmly planted in the South. Those experiences taught me adaptability, resilience, and the importance of connecting with people from all walks of life.

Today, I live in Irmo, South Carolina, a suburb of Columbia, where I have built both my business and my life. I'm passionate about helping individuals and small business owners navigate taxes with confidence while also creating opportunities through education, entrepreneurship, and innovative solutions for tax professionals. My journey has been shaped by a commitment to continuous growth, service, and empowering others to achieve their goals.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now?

One thing I love about living in Irmo is the sense of community. It's close enough to Columbia to enjoy the opportunities and resources of a larger city, but it still has the welcoming, small-town feel where people genuinely support one another. As a business owner, I've found that relationships matter here, and I've been fortunate to build connections with clients, fellow entrepreneurs, and community members who have contributed to both my personal and professional growth.

Tell us a little bit more about what your company does and how it started? How does it help your customers?

Goodman's Tax Consulting provides tax preparation, tax planning, and business support services for individuals and small businesses. My goal has always been to help clients understand their taxes, make informed financial decisions, and feel confident throughout the process rather than overwhelmed by it.

The company started from a desire to create a business that combined my passion for helping people with the opportunity to build something of my own. I began by serving clients one at a time, focusing on providing personalized service and building trust through education and transparency. Over time, that commitment led to referrals, long-term client relationships, and steady growth.

Today, we help clients navigate an increasingly complex tax environment by providing accurate tax preparation, guidance throughout the year, and support for business owners who want to stay compliant while growing their companies. At the heart of everything we do is a simple mission: helping people keep more of what they earn and make informed financial decisions for their future.

If someone wants to start a business, what advice will help them?

My biggest piece of advice is to start with a clear purpose and be prepared to stay committed long after the excitement of launching wears off. Building a business requires patience, consistency, and a willingness to learn from both successes and setbacks.

It's also important to understand your numbers from the beginning. Many entrepreneurs focus on generating revenue but overlook budgeting, recordkeeping, taxes, and cash flow. Having a solid financial foundation can make a significant difference in the long-term success of a business.

I would also encourage new business owners to seek guidance, build relationships, and never stop learning. You don't have to know everything when you start, but you do need to be willing to ask questions, adapt, and continue growing. The most successful entrepreneurs are often the ones who stay focused on serving others while remaining committed to their vision.

What was one feedback from a happy customer/client that you won't forget about?

One piece of feedback I'll never forget came from a new client who told me that, from the very first conversation, he felt like he was being treated like family rather than just another customer. That meant a great deal to me because it's exactly the type of experience I strive to create.

Taxes can be stressful and intimidating for many people, and I want clients to feel comfortable asking questions and confident that someone genuinely has their best interests in mind. Hearing that my approach made such a positive impact reminded me that people often remember how you made them feel just as much as the service you provided.

Over the years, I've also had clients tell me they appreciate the patience I take to explain things in a way they can understand, the responsiveness they receive throughout the process, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing they have a trusted professional in their corner. Those moments are especially rewarding because they reinforce the reason I started the business—to help people feel supported, informed, and valued.

Where do you see your company in the future?

I see Goodman's Tax Consulting continuing to grow beyond traditional tax preparation into a comprehensive resource for both taxpayers and tax professionals. While serving clients will always remain at the core of the business, I am focused on expanding the educational and technology side of the company as well.

In the future, I plan to develop more training programs, tools, and resources that help aspiring and experienced tax professionals strengthen their skills and grow their own businesses. I am also exploring innovative solutions that make tax information more accessible and easier to understand for both professionals and the communities they serve.

My long-term vision is to build a company that creates lasting impact—not only by helping clients achieve better financial outcomes, but also by equipping others with the knowledge, confidence, and resources they need to succeed. I want the business to be known for excellence, innovation, and a genuine commitment to helping people grow.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

One of the biggest misconceptions about the tax industry is that tax preparation is only important during tax season. In reality, effective tax planning happens year-round. The decisions individuals and business owners make throughout the year can have a significant impact on their tax situation long before a return is filed.

Another common misconception is that tax professionals simply enter numbers into software. While technology is an important tool, experienced tax professionals provide much more than data entry. We help clients understand tax laws, identify opportunities, avoid costly mistakes, stay compliant, and make informed financial decisions.

The tax industry is constantly evolving, and staying current requires ongoing education, attention to detail, and a commitment to understanding changes in laws and regulations. Behind every tax return is a professional who is analyzing information, applying tax rules, and helping clients navigate complex financial situations with confidence.

What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business and how did you deal with it?

One of the biggest challenges I faced while building my business was learning how to balance growth with the many responsibilities that come with being an entrepreneur. In the early years, I wore every hat—serving clients, handling administrative tasks, managing marketing, and making important business decisions. Like many small business owners, I quickly realized that building a successful company requires much more than being skilled in your profession.

I dealt with that challenge by focusing on continuous learning, improving my systems, and being willing to adapt as the business evolved. Rather than trying to do everything perfectly, I learned to prioritize, create processes, and invest in tools and resources that allowed me to work more efficiently.

That experience taught me the importance of resilience and patience. Every challenge became an opportunity to learn something new and strengthen the foundation of the business. Looking back, those difficult moments helped shape both my leadership skills and the long-term vision I have for the company today.

What was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

As an 80s baby and a 90s kid, I grew up during an incredible era for both music and sports. I've always enjoyed a wide variety of music, but some of my favorite artists were TLC, En Vogue, and Queen Latifah. They each brought something unique to the industry and represented confidence, authenticity, and empowerment. Their music and influence helped define a generation.

When it came to sports, my era was all about Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. I admired not only their talent but also their discipline, teamwork, and determination to succeed at the highest level. Looking back, many of the qualities that made them successful athletes—hard work, consistency, and perseverance—are the same qualities that have helped me build and grow my business

Any shoutouts you want to make?

I would like to give a special shoutout to the people who have supported, encouraged, and inspired me throughout my journey.

First, to my older sister, Kritina, whose example and support have meant more than she probably realizes. To my children, Jourdyn and Jayden, thank you for being one of my greatest motivations and reminders of why I continue to push forward every day.

I am also incredibly grateful to my former bosses, Chris and Sheila Haynes, who became much more than employers—they became family. Their encouragement and belief in me helped shape my professional journey in meaningful ways.

I'd like to recognize Patrice Valentine, a true leader and accomplished tax and credit professional. She played an important role in helping me recognize strengths and abilities within myself that I had not fully developed, and I am grateful for her influence and mentorship.

Another special thank you goes to Denise O'Neal, whose expertise, innovation, and leadership continue to inspire me. Her knowledge of both technology and the tax industry has been invaluable.

Most importantly, I am thankful for my relationship with Jesus Christ. Throughout every season of life and business, my faith has provided guidance, strength, wisdom, and perspective. There have been many challenges along the way, and I believe God's grace and direction have helped me navigate each one. My faith continues to be the foundation that keeps me grounded as I pursue both personal and professional growth.

No one achieves success alone, and I am grateful for every person who has contributed to my journey, whether through encouragement, mentorship, opportunity, or simply believing in me when I needed it most.

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

Readers can learn more about me and Goodman's Tax Consulting by visiting our website at Goodman's Tax Consulting, where they can find information about our services, resources, and ways to connect with our team.

We also share updates and engage with our community on Facebook through Goodman's Tax Facebook Page.

In addition, I'm currently expanding our presence on TikTok, where I plan to share educational tax content, business insights, and practical information designed to help individuals and entrepreneurs make more informed financial decisions.

I always enjoy connecting with people, whether they're looking for tax assistance, interested in entrepreneurship, or simply looking to learn more about financial literacy and business growth.