Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle McDaniel.
Michelle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
A native Houstonian born into the community of South Park, Michelle McDaniel has held various positions in corporate America finance and accounting for 20 years. Her corporate experience included SOX Auditor, Staff Accountant and Certified Payroll Specialist. Michelle McDaniel has been a Registered Tax Preparer since 1995 and became an IRS Enrolled Agent in 2001.
In September of 2012, Michelle made the transition from corporate America and established Elite Image Tax and Notary Service, LLC, a comprehensive accounting firm with three core service areas; labor compliance and certified payroll, post disaster recovery and tax preparation and consulting. Elite Image is a certified Women Owned, Minority and Disadvantage Business Enterprise. Elite Image also holds local certifications with Port of Houston Authority, METRO and State of Texas HUB, as well as Federal SBA certified WOSB. As of 2024, Elite Image is certified to do business in Louisiana and Michigan. Michelle is an experienced speaker and subject matter expert.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In our 15 years of doing business, we have faced challenges and obstacles. When first established it was a “Team of Me” and we have grown to full staff and contracts in and out of state of Texas. We have mitigated risks by creating strategic plans for stainable growth. As business owners often do we have faced challenges with hiring and retaining skilled employees, effective marketing, competing with larger firms and inflation. These are the opportunities for us to pivot our services for clients and customer base.
As you know, we’re big fans of Elite Image Tax & Notary Service LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Elite Image was established solely by a single member owner, Michelle McDaniel. When Michelle quite corporate America, she started the business with $4,000 from a retirement account. This was used to purchase a computer, printer and tax software. In the first year of business , the total revenue was $97. Getting certified by the City of Houston in 2014 opened vast networks for local contracting opportunities to include Public Works, Waste Management, and Houston Police Department. Elite Image is small but our customer care and response has set us apart from competitors.
We are most proud of the service that we have provided to the City in Houston and Harris County during time of disasters, both weather and Pandemic. We were contracting for debris monitoring, data analyst, housing outreach and COVID response. Post disaster recovery and emergency response is a service that we have been offering since 2017.
In partnership with Houston MBDA and Houston Community College, we have created two post disaster guides: Business Financial Resiliency Guide and Business Pandemic Financial Recovery Guide.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.eliteimagetax.com
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/michelle-levi-mcdaniel-59164286
Image Credits
Sylvester Turner, Mayor
Nicholas Bennett, Project Manager Elite Image
Jasmine Smith, Eminent Connections, LLC
Dr Jacquie Hood Martin, J Hood & Associates
Betty Branch Driver, House of Couture Houston
Sonya Trouiller, Comprehensive Financial Design Group
