We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeffrey Thompson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeffrey, what’s the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
It’s really important to keep trying to improve yourself. Now, I’ve definitely been on the other side where I’m so concerned with improvement that I can never appreciate when I’ve done a good job, and that’s a whole ‘nother thing, but… I think it’s important to have little goals for yourself. For example, with taxes I judge myself by how quickly I can answer a client’s question without having to check any reference material. My goal for this year is to memorize all of the tax brackets. It’s something small, but I’ll be able to say that I am more knowledgeable than I was last year. Or with acting, I like to see how long it takes me from the first read of a script to find the character and create a performance that I’m satisfied with. For years, I’d leave the audition room and then go “Ah, I should have done this, this, and this” and then finally I wondered “How can I have that realization before the audition happens?” So I found something I wanted to improve upon and did it.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
When it comes to doing taxes, the thing that many of my clients appreciate about me is the fact that I take the time to explain how taxes work to them. Many (but not all) firms just take your documents, ask a few questions, and then have you sign some documents, which is quick and efficient, but makes it harder for individuals to plan for tax time. I really try to demystify the tax process because: (1) it’s something that we all need to do, so it’s something that we should all understand and (2) it helps people plan financially which promotes healthier financial behaviors. I want my clients to have the tools to be the best versions of themselves that they can be, and as a bonus, I’m a cool, friendly guy with an office filled with top-shelf whisky (to celebrate big returns and to mourn large tax debts).

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
I’m a huge fan of the Westside Comedy Theater and the Ruby LA. If I’m introducing my friends to comedy, I’d check out some of the shows there, especially because they’re in Santa Monica and Downtown LA, respectively so you’d be able to check out some cool parts of the city and then watch some stellar comedy. I live in the Valley, so I’d probably grab drinks at Tiki No or Idle Hour. The locals are always super fun and the drinks are delightful. But LA always has so many fun and interesting things to do, so it’s really going to depend on what’s available that weekend. Although, if you’re ever in Covina, there’s a Mongolian BBQ place on Azusa Ave off of the 210. It’s one of my favorite places in the world, and whenever I have friends in town for long enough, I will drive them to that beautiful, family-owned restaurant and we will eat like kings.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m so thankful for my production team, Great Hair Productions, with whom I’ve produced five short films with. The members of that group have all become some of my closest friends, and they all push me to be a better person. The only way to survive in this world is to find a core group of people who push you to be the best version of yourself. So thank you Jeanene, Tom, Brigid, Joe, Elaine, and Jason. And of course, thank you to our wonderful agent Sarah.

Website: www.jeffthat.com
Instagram: @oneblackjeff
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffwiththegoodhair/
Twitter: @oneblackjeff
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ComedysBlackFriend/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHDTbtn6gwgMXDjf7_1nz8A
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQGA49a93NIeWcDgZclnXnQ