Meet Nicole Albrecht | Business Tax Guru

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

Hi Nicole, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Before 2012, I was a single mom living paycheck to paycheck, so I worked constantly, often juggling several jobs to provide for my child. It was essential for me, both economically and personally, to work as hard as I could.

In 2012, my father unexpectedly passed away due to complications from a dirt bike accident. After his passing, I went back and listened to all the voicemails he had left me, and in each one, he would ask to hang out and follow it up with, “Nic—you work too much.” That was a turning point for me. It made me realize that we’re only here for a short time and that family and rest are incredibly important.

Since then, I’ve set very strong boundaries. When I’m at work, I’m fully focused, but when I’m off, I disconnect completely—I don’t check emails, and clients don’t have my cell number. I’ve also taught my team the importance of maintaining these boundaries. Now, I even take Fridays off during the summer to surf at the beach and spend time scuba diving with my kids. Balance is crucial for maintaining both personal and professional well-being.

What should our readers know about your business?
At Elite Tax Partners, we’re all about grit, community, and integrity – and we don’t just say it; we live it. My journey to this point wasn’t easy. As a single mom, I juggled several jobs while living in low-income housing. It was tough, but it taught me the value of resilience. A pivotal moment came when Fred Karma took a chance on me, hiring me as his secretary and mentoring me in business taxes. That opportunity – and the grit it took to seize it – is at the core of what Elite Tax Partners stands for today.

Grit means we take on any challenge like it’s a dare, head-on and sleeves rolled up. Community? We’ve got your back, whether it’s crunching numbers or supporting local causes. Integrity? That’s our baseline – if we say it, we do it. No exceptions.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy – it’s been a journey filled with challenges, hard work, and some pivotal moments that shaped my path. In 2021, after my father’s unexpected passing, I had to reevaluate my priorities. His voicemails reminded me that I was working too much, and that was the wake-up call I needed to set boundaries and focus on what truly matters.

The real turning point in my career was when Fred Karma hired me and mentored me in business taxes. He saw potential in me when no one else did. It wasn’t an easy road – it required a lot of grit, long hours, and learning on the go – but it was worth it.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of resilience and having a mentor who believes in you. It’s also about setting strong boundaries to protect your well-being while giving your best when you’re on the clock. Now, I’m proud to lead Elite Tax Partners, where we prioritize people over profits and strive to make a difference in our community.

We’re not just another tax service; we’re on a mission to put people before profits and relationships over revenue. We believe that when our clients and team thrive, everyone wins.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting for just one day, I’d pack in as much adventure and fun as possible. We’d start the morning with an exhilarating hike up Monserate, right by my home in beautiful wine country, to take in the stunning views and get our adrenaline pumping. After the hike, we’d head straight to Beacons in Encinitas for some surfing, enjoying the thrill of the waves and a picnic on the beach afterward to refuel. In the afternoon, we’d explore the charming town of Encinitas, visiting local shops and maybe stopping by the San Diego Botanic Garden for a peaceful stroll through the beautiful plant displays. As the day winds down, we’d return to Temecula for an incredible dinner at Bolero at Europa Village, savoring the delicious food and local wines. We’d end the day with a relaxing evening at the local Vine House Bed and Breakfast, unwinding and reflecting on our perfect day of adventure and relaxation in the heart of wine country.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a huge shoutout to Fred Karma. He gave me an opportunity when no one else would. At the time, I was a cage fighter and a single mom living in low-income apartments, desperately needing a more stable job and a career where I could grow and learn. Fred saw potential in me that others overlooked. Back in 2001, he took a chance and hired me as his secretary. He mentored me and taught me everything I know about business taxes. Under his guidance, I developed a passion for accounting and found joy in making a difference in our clients’ lives. Fred gave me a chance, and it’s because of him that I am where I am today. His belief in me changed the course of my life, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.

Website: https://elitetaxpartners.com/

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