Coffee Break: Sandra L Ramos- Magnani, CEO of Ramos Insurance, Inc. & Ramos Tax of Services, Streamwood
Q: Describe your company.
A: Family owned and operated for over 20 years with three locations. We specialize in individual and business tax returns and other services such as small business accounting, ITINS, payroll, insurance, notary, translation and immigration services. Our goal is to provide unsurpassed customer service and to support our community with these services and more.
Q: Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
A: We are in the negotiation process of purchasing the shopping center where our headquarters is currently located. Our plans are to expand, redesign and renovate our office space to accommodate our 20-year growth and to provide a better environment for our clientele and our employees.
Q: What will your company's main challenges be in the next year?
A: Staffing and training as the unemployment rate is very low. We also see an increase oversight in identity theft and the retention of refunds until further verification takes place.
Q: What's the hottest trend in your industry?
A: The recent Federal tax law changes due to last year tax reform. Illinois Tax hikes which came into effect this July 1.
Q: If you had one tip to give to a rookie CEO, what would it be?
A: It won't be easy, but it will be worth it.
Q: Do you have a business mantra?
A: Put yourself in your client's shoes and do for them what you would like to have done for you.
Q: From a business outlook, who do you look up to?
A: So many! Steve Jobs, Walt Disney, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, etc.
Q: What is one interesting fact about you or your company that most people may not know?
A: On our first year in business, we provided free tax return service to all our family members. A client of Ramos Tax fell in love one of the founders of the company and they ended up getting married in 2001.
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: Spend time with the family, travel, read and meditate.
Q: What book is on your nightstand?
A: “Why Positive Thinkers Get Powerful Results” by Norman Vincent Peale
Q: What keeps you up at night?
A: A good movie or TV series
Q: If you were not doing this job, what do you think you would be doing?
A: I love my job. The only reason I would not be doing it is if I was very wealthy and didn't need to work. In that case, I would be traveling the world and learning new things.
Q: What was your first paying job?
A: Working at KFC as a cashier.
Q: If you could put your company name on a sports venue, which one would you choose?
A: Sears Center for the Windy City Bulls to support our local community.
Q: What is one funny thing that has happened to you in your career?
A: A client came to our office very scared because he received an IRS scam call threatening to have him arrested if he did not pay a certain amount of money.
We reassured him that it was not a real IRS phone call. He then laughed and let us know that the only reason he took it seriously is because he happened to see a police car in front of his home during his phone call. It was only a coincidence!
Q: Two people to follow on Twitter and why. (Besides your company).
A: 1. I would follow National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) because they provide learning opportunities and keep us informed of trends within our industry.
2. I also follow “The Economist” to stay current with the world of politics entertainment and technology.
Sandra L Ramos- Magnani
<b>Chief Executive Officer</b><b>Ramos Insurance, Inc. & Ramos Tax of Services, Inc.</b>140 N Barrington Road, Unit 8, Streamwood 60107
<b><a href="http://Ramostax.com">Ramostax.com</a></b>Industry: Accounting/Tax Preparation/Insurance
Annual sales: $2.9 million
Number of employees: 65
Age: 40
Family information: Married with 3 children
Residence: Inverness