7 WEALTH-BUILDING EXPERTS
CREATING FINANCIAL SUCCESS STORIES
Eric & Dr. Ranelli Williams
A Power Team in Love, Business, and Money
It is no secret that many small businesses fail after three to five years of operating. The stories of disillusioned small business owners can deter aspiring entrepreneurs from pursuing their dreams. ERJ Services, owned by Eric and Dr. Ranelli Williams, is in business to rewrite that narrative and help 6 and 7-figure service-based entrepreneurs save thousands on taxes, increase profits, and feel in control of their finances. This power couple aims to create financial success stories because they know firsthand the immense stress that ensues when financial security is lacking for individuals and businesses.
VBD Magazine sat down with Eric and Dr. Ranelli to hear their stories of love, business, and financial empowerment.
ERJ SERVICES, LLC
ERJ Services was established because family and friends were asking Eric and Dr. Ranelli to prepare their tax returns. “They knew we were accountants,” says Dr. Ranelli. “We both were still working in Corporate America. The business started part-time by offering tax preparation services. We have since expanded to provide not just tax preparation services but tax planning as well, in addition to bookkeeping, financial analysis, and fractional CFO services.”
Eric brings a wealth of expertise to ERJ Services, with a diverse background spanning banking, corporate accounting, and taxation. His educational journey includes an Associates in Business Management, a Bachelors in Accounting, and a Masters in Taxation, all of which have equipped him with invaluable insights into financial management.
Complementing Eric’s skill set is Dr. Ranelli, whose impressive credentials include an Associate degree in Business Management, a Bachelors in Accounting, a Master’s in Business Administration, and a Doctorate in Business Administration. As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Profit First Professional, and Certified Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Dr. Ranelli brings a multifaceted approach to financial consulting, ensuring clients receive comprehensive guidance tailored to their specific needs and goals.
COUPLES IN BUSINESS
The dynamic duo shared their journey from a long-distance relationship to over two decades of marriage. Reflecting on their shared roots in Montserrat, in the Caribbean, Dr. Ranelli states, “Despite the miles between us, our connection remained strong. After 13 years of a long-distance relationship, Eric made the courageous decision to move to the United States in 2001, where we finally tied the knot in 2002.” Emphasizing the cornerstone of their relationship, Dr. Ranelli added, “We’ve now been married for over 21 years, and we attribute our longevity and commitment to our relationship with God, which shapes our relationship with each other.”
For any couple seeking to start a business together, Eric and Dr. Ranelli caution that spouses should never view each other as “the competition”. “Without God in the midst, I don’t believe Eric and I could have made it this far,” states Dr. Ranelli. “Business ownership is not an easy road and running a business with your spouse has its own unique challenges. What we have learned over the years is that we need to trust and respect each other.”
Here are their tips for running a business with your spouse and remaining happily married:
· Remember you are a team so always seek to compliment and not contradict each other.
· Allow each partner to operate in their unique expertise by having clear roles, responsibilities, and boundaries.
· Do not take each other for granted.
· Spend quality time with each other.
· Document policies and procedures before other team members are onboarded so that there is a clear structure to follow.
· The business can be all consuming so be intentional about prioritizing each other. Remember your priorities and make those priorities a priority.
· Set a clear vision and goals for the family that you use as the guidepost for each financial decision you make together.
BUILDING WEALTH
As Dr. Ranelli aptly puts it, “Building wealth is absolutely a gradual process. It takes developing wealthy habits that become your guidebook over time and consistently making financial decisions that are tied to your core values and vision for your life.”
Delving deeper into the passion behind empowering others to achieve financial security, Dr. Ranelli’s sentiment is deeply personal. “Because I know how miserable and stressful it can be when financial security is not in place, and I don’t wish that on anyone. Stable finances contribute to stability in other areas of our lives. When people manage money appropriately it allows them to fund their dreams and be able to give more generously.”
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