Howard Shwiff is the co-founder of Shwiff Levy & Polo, a financial services firm based in San Francisco, California. Howard Shwiff co-founded this firm with his wife, Elizabeth Shwiff, in 1996. Thanks to their many years of experience before starting the firm, Shwiff Levy & Polo was an instant success from day one and continues to be one of the leading firms in various financial services ranging from tax planning to auditing. Howard Shwiff’s impressive track record has been instrumental to the firm’s growth. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Administration from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Howard Shwiff also holds a Master of Business Administration from Georgia State University, focusing on real estate and urban development. For over 20 years before they started Shwiff Levy & Polo, Howard Shwiff put his skills to work at different companies and gained the experience that came in handy in his firm’s management. Outside his successful career in finance, Howard Shwiff is into philanthropy. Among the philanthropic efforts he is most committed to, is the Jewish Federation & Endowment Fund. Howard Shwiff is also a Hebrew Free Loan Association member, which has helped many families grow their finances with interest-free loans.
Please tell us a bit about your business – what is your company about?
Shwiff, Levy, and Polo is a certified public accounting firm providing tax and financial services to businesses and individuals for several years. We are a full-service firm offering a wide range of services, including tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, and financial consulting. Our team of experienced CPAs and tax professionals is dedicated to providing our clients with the highest level of service and guidance. We work closely with each client to tailor our services to their needs.
How did your background set the stage for your expertise in accounting and entrepreneurship?
I have worked in the industry for over twenty years, and my experience taught me how to navigate the landscape successfully. In addition, my academic credentials gave me the knowledge and skills necessary to provide valuable insights into the world of accounting and entrepreneurship. My combination of experience and education has made me an expert in the field, and I am proud to be able to share my expertise with others.
Was it difficult to get started?
When my wife and I started our tax and financial services company, we knew it would be challenging. However, we both worked in the industry for years and felt confident we could overcome any obstacles. The biggest challenge was getting the word out about our company. We did a lot of marketing and networking to let people know we were open for business. We also had to be very organized and efficient to keep up with the demand. But overall, we found that it wasn’t difficult to get started. We just had to be prepared for the challenges and ensure we were always one step ahead.
What is your vision goal for your firm in 2022?
In 2022, we want to be the go-to provider of customer-centric tax and financial services. We will continue to focus on providing the highest level of customer satisfaction, which will help us attract new clients and grow our business. In addition, we will invest in the latest technology to improve our efficiency and accuracy. We believe that this combination of factors will help us achieve our goal of becoming the country’s premier tax and financial services company.
What inspired you to start your career as an accountant and entrepreneur?
I had always been good with numbers and enjoyed working with businesses to help them grow, but the challenge of starting and running my own business genuinely excited me. So, when the opportunity presented itself, I jumped at the chance to start my firm. It was the best decision I ever made. Not only do I get to work with businesses of all sizes, but I also get to help them navigate the often-complex world of taxes and finances. It’s a challenge I enjoy daily, and I’m grateful to have found my calling.
Were there any difficulties you had while setting up your tax and financial services company?
We didn’t really have any major difficulties. We both had a lot of experience in the industry, so we knew what we were doing. The biggest challenge was probably getting everything set up and organized. We had to get a business license, find an office space, and hire some staff. But once we got everything up and running, it was smooth sailing. The business has been doing well ever since, and I’m happy with how everything turned out.
How do you separate yourself from your competitors?
To separate ourselves from our competitors, we focus on providing quality services. We have been in business for over 20 years, making quality our top priority. We believe that we will stand out from the rest by providing superior services. This commitment to excellence has led us to develop strong relationships with our customers and a reputation for being the best in the business. In addition to our focus on quality, we also offer competitive pricing and a wide range of services. We believe that these factors, combined with our dedication to customer satisfaction, make us the ideal choice for all your needs.
As a tax and financial services company director, what is the important takeaway (your goal) for the firm that you want people to know about?
At our tax and financial services company, our goal is to provide our clients with the best possible service. We want to help them save money on their taxes and make sure that they are getting the most out of their financial investments. We also want to help them plan for the future so they can comfortably retire. To achieve these goals, we offer a wide range of services, including tax preparation, financial planning, and investment advice. We also have a team of knowledgeable and experienced professionals who are always available to answer any questions our clients may have. Our goal is to provide our clients with the tools and resources they need to make sound financial decisions, and we believe that by doing so, we can help them achieve their financial goals.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
We have always been dedicated to providing quality services. I firmly believe this is one of the most important things any business can offer. This commitment to quality has helped us build a strong reputation and a loyal client base.
What motivates you to keep going in all that you do?
It’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day grind and lose sight of your goals. But what motivates me to keep going is my passion for what I do. I love learning new things and discovering new ways to do things. And I believe that the more I know, the better I am at helping others. So, even when I’m feeling a bit discouraged, I remind myself of why I’m doing this and how much satisfaction it brings me. And that’s what keeps me going.
What business books have inspired you?
Many different business books can provide inspiration and guidance, but one of the most impactful for me has been Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. This book is based on the premise that if you want to be successful in business, you need to think like a successful person. Hill outlines thirteen principles that he believes are essential for success, such as having a positive mental attitude, setting clear goals, and taking consistent action. While some of the ideas may seem simplistic, they have helped me think more strategically about my business endeavors. In addition, the book is full of stories of successful people who have used these principles to achieve their goals. These stories provide motivation and proof that the principles outlined in the book do indeed work. Overall, Think and Grow Rich is a powerful book that inspired me to think differently about success.
Interviews and PR by Matt Peters.
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