Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Marshall, MBA.
Hi Crystal, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was an HR Manager and would review hundreds of resumes a day. I saw some of the worst resumes and decided I wanted to utilize my education and experience to help others land their dream job. I started C. Marshall Solutions in 2015 as a part-time business to do resume preparation. In 2020 when Covid-19 hit, I was let go from a Fortune 500 company and made the decision I would never, God-willing, go back into an office for someone else. I had a vision of a family-run business so my Mom and Sister would also work side by side. I started SMP Solutions and added tax preparation services, bookkeeping, and life and health insurance. The following year, I made my company an LLC and changed it to SMP Solutions 3 with my Mom working with me part-time. I have a not so silent partner, my 8-year-old daughter, Madison, who gets to watch me first-hand, conduct business, and provide for our family.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It most definitely has NOT been the smoothest road. I have had to adjust the way I work. I do not have a guaranteed paycheck, even if I come to work and do the minimum work. I will not earn money if I have not completed a project or task for an individual or business. So, the adjustment of not always not having steady work has taken a toll on me at times, causing me to go into depression. But, I have been able to overcome those struggles with supportive family and friends, especially my Mom and daughter Madison.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about SMP Solutions 3?
SMP Solutions 3 offers tax preparation for individuals and small businesses. We are licensed by the State of Texas, Florida, and Michigan to provide life and health insurance to individuals and small business owners. Seniors are also a large group we work with to assist them with Medicaid applications, transitional care and Medicare. We provide small business consultations and provide payroll and bookkeeping services. Job seekers looking to transition to a new field, or update their current resume, are also our biggest clients. We also offer notary and fingerprinting services. What sets us apart is I am willing to educate my community on the importance of life insurance and how it can help build generational wealth. Oftentimes, many feel they can not afford it or do not need it. I am able to use my sense of humor and straightforwardness to educate my peers. I have a background in human resources and payroll, so I am accustomed to problem-solving and working with confidentiality. Brand-wise, I am proud of being able to branch another company off from this one, SMP Unlimited, SMP Unlimited sounds just like the name. No limit to what we provide our clients. Our first lines of service with SMP Unlimited are wholesale real estate and auto dealerships.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Being a small business owner, you have to be able to take risks. There is little support and funding for small business startups. I initially started my business 100% remote, working from home. No supplies or even space in my home to effectively work. I took the risk and leased a small office space, not far from my home. It was the size of a closet, with a sliding door, built-in desk and chair. It was small, but it was mine! I worked diligently to be able to maintain my personal and office expenses. It was hard, but I was able to get a new computer, printer, and the supplies I needed. 6 months later, I was able to afford to move into a bigger office. Another 6 months later, I moved into a two-office suite. I said all this to say, had I not taken the risk of leasing office space when I absolutely could not afford it, my business would not have grown. Small business owners have to be able to take risks and bet on themselves so others will have no problem doing so.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.smpsolutions3.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/smp_solutions3
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/smpsolutions3
Image Credits
Sean K. Photography
