Today we’d like to introduce you to MJ Jawad.
MJ, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in a family with really hard working and driven parents. My dad has always been my inspiration. Even though at times I did not fully comprehend it all, from a very young age my dad encouraged, imbued and instilled the merits of entrepreneurship. My mom was a pillar of strength and unequivocally supported my dad and ensured the family never felt his absence while away on business. Even my extended family comprise individuals who were driven and proponents of thinking outside the box and resolving problems. Looking back, these factors laid a solid foundation for me to be a hard worker, dream big and pursue those dreams – making me an entrepreneur at heart.
One of my first successful endeavor was building an excel based accounting workbook for small mom and pop businesses. The profits helped me to be independent and paid for my Masters degree. I am also an ardent believer in paying it forward instead of ‘making it in the world’ and waiting to give back. This passion motivated me to provide additional services, such as assisting others with their financial goals and to seeking out further investment opportunities, pro bono to my clientele. Soon I was assisting my clients to obtain financing and seed capital for expanding their business interests. With time, I was able to seamlessly transition to composing and managing business plans, bookkeeping and taxes for my clients. This invaluable exposure not only helped me to understand various business industries and financial models, but also to market my company through word of mouth. Albeit, back in 2006, I was the guy you’d see holding the “Get Your Taxes Done Here” sign and wearing the Uncle Sam outfit during tax season.
Fast forward, I graduated with my Masters in Accounting from SFA State University, obtained my CPA designation and gained extensive business consulting experience working for Big 4 accounting firm. I furthered my experience by taking on the role of an International Controller for a mid-sized oilfield services company and later on that of a regional controller for an offshore drilling company. My final stint was that of a director for one of the largest consulting firm, where I assisted Controllers and CFO of Fortune 500 and 1000 companies in advisory capacity with acquisitions, financial reporting and auditing. After gaining varied experiences assisting large corporation, private companies, investors and C-Suite executives, I decided to branch out and start an international business advisory firm. Now, I help local and international start-ups, small businesses and entrepreneurs to establish business in and around Houston, Texas and provide advisory support & services.
Great, 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?
I would like to start this section with one of my favorite quote ..
” I have not failed. I have just found 10,000 ways that won’t work ” – Thomas Edison
My entrepreneurial sojourn has not been all smooth sailing from the onset, albeit it has been an invigorating yet humbling journey. Some of the challenges I’ve had to overcome aren’t just unique to me, but rather most entrepreneurs and businesses face these hardships and financial strains of starting their companies. I am passionate about helping others and driven to overcome any challenge or roadblocks along the way. I strive to surround myself with like-minded people and have strong mentors who help, motivate and guide me further!
Please tell us about Matos & Jawad PLLC.
Matos & Jawad PLLC is an international business advisory firm, assisting local and foreign start-ups, small businesses and entrepreneurs to establish their companies and manage their finance and accounting requirements in Houston, Texas and surrounding cities. Our firm take on an advisory role in standing-up their company and become their back-office support. We specialize in providing gold standard bookkeeping, tax and advisory service, in digitizing our client’s financial hierarchy and in providing a financial insight to their operations. Most of our clients are brilliant salespeople and adroit in their field of expertise but at times lack the financial acumen of a seasoned CFO or Controller for guidance. As a company, we are proud of the relationships built and our network of serial entrepreneurs in our town!
In addition to our hands-on experience to build, sustain and thrive businesses, Matos & Jawad PLLC as a firm is passionate and strives to embolden entrepreneurial spirit, thus setting us apart from the crowd
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood is migrating to the US from Dubai in 1997 and the immigration officer asking me why I wanted to go to the US. I told him I just want to see Disney World!
My other favorite memory is the time capsule letter we wrote in middle school. We wrote what we were going to be doing ten years later and why! I refer to at many times.
Contact Info:
- Address: 250 Ed English Dr – #3C
Shenandoah, TX 77385 - Website: www.matosjawad.com
- Phone: (713) 370-5635
- Email: mj@matosjawad.com
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