Shelton Business Spotlight: Concierge Tax Services, LLC

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series we’ve kicked off at Patch — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: Concierge Tax Services, LLC

Owners: Robert Gambardella, CPA CTC

Website: www.ConciergeTax.com

Address: 2 Corporate Drive, Suite 948, Shelton CT 06484

How did you come up with the name?

Our goal as a trusted advisor is to have the answers to all of your questions, not just about taxes, at a moment’s notice. So picking the name “Concierge” was easy!

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?

As a Shelton resident, and with my wife being a Shelton school teacher, I wanted to be sure to serve the local community. The office space we picked is elegant and convenient, with a beautiful view. We couldn’t be happier with our location!

Briefly, what business are you in?

Tax Planning and CPA Firm

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

Fortunately, there hasn’t been much in the way of challenges for the business. I was firm in my vision from the beginning, knowing that business owners want a proactive tax advisor that is responsive and offers a convenient service. That’s been our offering since day one, and our growth has been tremendous.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?

All entrepreneurs start out as a jack of all trades, and wear many hats in their business. Running a business is never easy, but seeing the results of our work in the form of happy customers keeps me and the team going. No second guesses here at all!

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

Being named the nation’s top Tax Coach in 2012 was by far the springboard of this practice. That recognition has brought in clients and major projects from all over the country, and has given us access to an incredible network of tax planners and resources nationwide.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?

Technology allows us to be everywhere at a moment’s notice these days. We perform tax planning and tax return reviews in office, or over the phone with a screen-sharing tool, to make our meetings incredibly convenient for our clients, especially those busy business owners out there. Our most recent innovation is a recorded review or preview of a client’s meeting, which they can watch on-the-go, at their convenience by clicking on a secure link.

How do you deal with difficult customers?

Most people think we are in the “numbers” business. But everything we do is really about people. We know taxes and accounting can be a stressful topic, so we have focused on becoming skilled conversationalists and listeners. Many people have told me our meetings are therapeutic for them. I guess I have a calming effect on people, helping them put aside the stressful part of running a business, allowing us to focus on the things that really matter in life.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

We have a “Pay It Forward” program in our practice. Every time we reach a monthly sales target, we pick a volunteer event or a program to donate to. We recently donated materials to a classroom via a DonorsChoose.org project, and purchased clothing and supplies for a student in a Back To School backpack program. I also proudly support and serve as a member of the Valley United Way Annual Campaign committee.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@ patch.com.

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