Darrick Bowens: Frederick’s Colbert/Ball Tax Services Franchisee Has The Answers

 

written by: Zanne Lamb-Hunt

Darrick Bowens is a true Fredericktonian, with about 95% of his family still residing here. He’s “a product of the Frederick County school system” where he played basketball “under the legendary Tom Dickman” and football “under the late great coach Ben Wright.”

He went on to play basketball for a few more years at Frederick Community College. Darrick used to coach basketball in his spare time but today his time is mostly “taken up by being in business — “learning things about marketing, advertising and preparing for the next tax season.”

He’s married and has a blended family — three older ones who are now in their twenties and “off doing their own thing” and his wife has two younger ones.

Darrick is the local Colbert/Ball Tax Services franchisee and shares the benefits of using his services.

What Colbert/Ball Tax Services Can Do For You

* Tax Preparation

Individuals and small businesses are welcomed by Colbert/Ball. They’re the 4th largest tax preparation company in America and their aim is to deliver the maximum tax refund that you’re entitled to by the IRS.

* Free Estimates

There’s no charge for obtaining an estimate of the amount of your tax refund — ever.

* FREE Electronic Filing

* Quality Refund Transfers With NO Upfront Fees

* Financial Understanding

Darrick has the knowledge you need to make sense of your finances.

“Understanding the ‘rules of the money game’ allows you to create your own economy. You create wealth and you can create a legacy for your family.”

* Take The Stress Out Of Tax Filing

It’s easy to get overwhelmed and confused because the tax codes can be very complicated. And, they’re always changing! Darrick stays current in his knowledge and puts it to work for you.

* Avoid Costly Mistakes — Leave It To A Pro

It can be very costly if your individual or small business tax filings are not completed accurately.

* Available To Answer Any Questions

If you have tax-related questions, go ahead and ask. Darrick is passionate when it comes to sharing his financial expertise!

The Journey To Becoming An Entrepreneur As A Colbert/Ball Franchisee

Darrick confides, “I’ve always wanted to be in business for myself, even going back to high school. I always had that vision.”

One year, around 1996, when Darrick was in the military, he expected to get about $800 back from filing his taxes. “A year later, I got a letter from the IRS saying ‘you owe us $800!”

He’s been doing his own taxes since that time! And, now he’s dedicated to helping others to avoid costly errors and penalties.

When the opportunity came along to become a Franchisee for Colbert/Ball Tax Services, Darrick was attracted to the fact that “you have that support from a larger corporation, even though you’re doing it on a smaller scale.”

The Biggest Challenge of Growing The Business?

“Brand recognition! Seeing the logo — recognizing the logo and the name that goes along with the logo.”

Darrick explains, “If it was Colder/Ball & Associates, people would think it’s a CPA firm. The company was formed in Houston, Texas some twenty-odd years ago but the name is not as prevalent on the East Coast.

If you go west of the Mississippi and you see Colbert/Ball Tax Services, it’s like running into an H & R Block or a State Farm — it’s on every other corner. Not so much on the East Coast.”

What Advice Would Darrick Give Himself If He Could Turn Back Time?

“Not to be naive enough to think that because people know you they’re going to support your business.”

When deciding where to open up his tax business, Darrick opted to do it in Frederick because it’s where people knew him. “That would transfer into a huge client base,” he thought.

“It didn’t happen that way. Just because people know you, they’re not going to support your business.”

Darrick’s Genuine Care For People Is Making a Difference

“Our first year in business, a young lady came in.” She had seen the commercial advertisement on Comcast TV. “She had a bracelet on her wrist. Obviously, she was going through some sort of medical condition.”

Through small talk, she divulged that she was having her taxes done so early in the tax season because she needed the money. “She needed the return to pay for some medical bills.”

In addition to that, she was about to get married. “She didn’t have the money to actually have a wedding because of the medical bills. They were doing a Court House wedding. They didn’t have money for a honeymoon.”

Darrick made a contribution to the special event. “I have these vacation vouchers that I give to select clients. The hotel is paid for…you just have to get yourself there. It’s two nights/three days. I gave her one of those vouchers so at least they could have a small honeymoon.”

They were able to use it to honeymoon in the Poconos. “She was in tears! I was in tears! It was a warm moment.”

What’s The One Resource That Darrick Can’t Do Without?

Darrick admits to being “kind of an old-school guy” with kids who keep telling him he has to “get with it.” He still uses an actual scheduling book to keep track of his appointments.

However, he does make good use of his iPhone. “I can check my email. All of my clients have my cell phone number so they either call me or text me. The office phone is forwarded to my cell phone. So, at any given time, I always have my iPhone.”

Darrick’s Favorite Book Reminds Him Of The Influence Of His Kind And Generous Grandmother

He recalls his grandmother’s giving nature that influenced him when he was growing up. “Everybody knew her name. When she baked rolls or biscuits on a Sunday, she didn’t just bake them for our family…she baked them for every family in John Hanson! Every family got a dozen!”

He’s currently re-reading Go Givers Sell More by Bob Burg and John David Mann. “We’re in a service-based industry providing a service but you still have to kind of sell yourself and your business to potential customers. The book talks about the Law of Influence and the Law of Compensation — the Law of Value, Law of Authenticity and things of that nature.”

Darrick shares the origin of the word ‘sellan’ — Old English — and it means ‘to give.’ He takes it to heart. “I give of myself to different non-profits and provide presentations on finances and taxes and things of that nature. I give back. That all stems from my grandmother thirty-five years ago.”

Give Darrick Bowens a call today to put his financial knowledge to work for you and he’ll give professional services in return.

“My business venture is all about providing a service to the community.”

Office: 301-378-9219 Cell: 240-329-7812

124 West Church Street

facebook.com/colbertballtaxfrederick

Website coming soon!
Content Provided by Frederick Advice Givers Podcast #051: Eric Verdi Interviews Darrick Bowens