When it comes to financial issues, it helps to have someone knowledgeable in your corner.
“My wife, Carol, was handling all our business bookkeeping on top of her full-time work, and that added stress to our relationship,” recalls Stu Lewis, owner of Sandler Training, a local franchise that offers professional sales training and works with small business owners and their salespeople.
“I met Mike Torres with Crippen, Trice, Ford, Torres at a Business Networking International meeting. He’s a QuickBooks specialist and has a very even-handed, very nurturing style with a tremendous amount of patience and excellent people skills,” says Lewis. “Bottom line, Mike made our lives easier and gave us back our weekends so we weren’t struggling with our books and finances. He also helped streamline things by handling our paychecks. He’s always available for questions, but more importantly, he’s proactive with his thinking. It helps to have someone on my team who’s looking out for my best interests. He’s always looking at how he can help us and this, in turn, helps our business.”
Lewis learned firsthand what many individuals and business owners have discovered: that in these tough economic times, it’s vital to have a team player backing you up. He found that partner in Crippen, Trice, Ford, Torres, LLP, a long-time CPA firm that provides a full array of financial, consulting, bookkeeping and tax services.
It’s tough enough to juggle everything required in business without worrying about the often-confusing financial aspects. Lewis is just one of many area business owners who rely on the experts at Crippen, Trice, Ford, Torres, LLP. Not only does the firm handle all aspects of tax preparation, but their bookkeeping department can put your mind at ease and free up your time by preparing your general ledger, payroll returns and financial statements.
“Our firm acts as a team player in your short-term and long-term planning process,” explains Joyce Arthur, firm administrator. “We think of ourselves as a ‘one-stop shop’ because we’ve got our clients covered top to bottom. We can make your life easier by handling all your accounting needs, including everything from writing checks and paying bills to reconciling your statements and making sure all bookkeeping is in order.”
“We can even train you in QuickBooks, and offer a course at the College of Central Florida, which is ideal for any small-business person,” Arthur adds. “Mike is the course administrator and also one of the instructors.”
L-R: Jeff Crippen, Mike Torres, Bill Trice and Brenda Ford
“The high quality and care we put into our work and provide for our clients are what set us apart,” notes Mike Torres, a lifelong Ocala resident who became a partner in the firm this month. “Our firm also believes in investing dollars and time in continuing education on a regular basis to ensure that we are absolutely up-to-date on the ever-changing tax laws.”
As a chamber ambassador for the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce, Torres is highly involved with area events. Also a member of Business Networking International (BNI), Torres is well-connected with area business leaders in many different fields. Married with a two-year-old daughter, Torres is a devoted family man, but also finds time to play flag football on a local league and has coached youth baseball.
In fact, this active community spirit is a driving force with every partner in the firm—Jeff Crippen, Bill Trice, Brenda Ford and Torres—involved in local charitable and fraternal organizations. Not only does this provide personal satisfaction, but it keeps them intimately aware of what area business owners are dealing with on a daily basis.
“The relationships we establish with our clients are what keep them coming back. We want to help you with your business needs and we’re happy to sit down with you in a free consultation,” says Torres. “We’re confident we can establish a working relationship that will make your life easier while saving you money and time. Call us today to set up an appointment.”
Crippen, Trice, Ford, Torres, LLP
1900 SE 18th Ave.
Ocala, FL 34471
Phone: (352) 732-4260 Fax: (352) 732-1180
Spruce Creek Professional Center
10935 SE 177th Place, Ste. 205
Summerfield, FL 34491
Phone: (352) 307-0167
