Rafael Alvarez
Founder, President and CEO of ATAX Accounting and Financial Services
Move over Jackson Hewitt and H&R Block. The first Dominican-born entrepreneur in the United States to franchise tax preparation, Alvarez has evolved from a modest operation out of Audubon Avenue in New York City (Washington Heights) to creating ATAX, a thriving financial services business with over 40 franchisees in seven states. Built without a single injection of venture capital, ATAX is the fulfillment of a dream that began in the late 90s and materialized itself in 2007. In 2012, ATAX was listed as the 3rd Top 50 Minority Franchisor and his franchises currently prepare more than 11,000 personal and corporate tax returns. Only one of a handful of minority franchisors nationally, Alvarez is intent on projecting the growth of ATAX westward and in carefully selected states over the next five years. Just recently, the International Franchise Association recognized him this February with the Harrison Award. An unquestioned trailblazer, Alvarez certainly deserves the honor.
Image credit- Atax Tax Services