Date: 2007-06-27
Centax, Inc. Named Jackson Hewitt Tax Service® "Franchise of the Year"
PARSIPPANY, N.J., June 27, 2007 – Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.®has awarded its annual “Franchise of the Year” honor to Texas-based Centax, Inc. Led by partners Kim Bledsoe and Mark Munson, Centax Inc. took home the top honor for the most successful franchise in recognition of its strong growth, community involvement and quality service. Mr. Bledsoe and Mr. Munson were presented with the award during the company’s annual Convention, held earlier this month in Nashville. Centax was chosen for Jackson Hewitt’s highest prize from nearly 800 franchisees, who along with company-owned locations, operated over 6,500 offices during the most recent tax year.
Each year, Jackson Hewitt recognizes one franchise with the “Franchise of the Year” award for exceptional performance and for exhibiting exemplary standards of quality and professionalism required by the company. Among the criteria each franchisee is judged on are: consistent growth in tax returns prepared, quality customer service, territory expansion, office development and customer retention.
“I was really surprised to find out we had won Franchise of the Year,” said Bledsoe. “I had always said that if we ever took home an award like this, it would be a true team award – period. You can’t be successful without having good people around you, and we have a very dedicated, talented group. We’re very honored.”
“With double-digit growth nearly every year, including five seasons of over 30% growth, Kim and Mark represent exactly the kind of entrepreneurial, determined spirit that is the essence of Jackson Hewitt’s success,” said Mike Lister, Chairman and CEO, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. “Today not only do their employees prepare over 20,000 returns in nearly three dozen locations, but Centax Inc. works hard to recognize employee initiative and dedication, fostering a culture built on mutual respect, loyalty and drive. The 'Franchise of the Year' award is a testament to the Centax team and the commitment that Kim and Mark show to their business, employees and customers.”
Kim Bledsoe and Mark Munson purchased their first Jackson Hewitt franchise ten years ago. Starting with just four locations in 1997, they have grown to 33 offices in seven territories throughout Central Texas, preparing over 20,000 returns. Their first territory now has a combination of eleven storefront and retail locations, with over 8,200 returns prepared and filed in that area alone.
In addition to winning the Franchise of the Year award, Centax Inc. has secured many other honors over the past few years for its retail and storefront locations, for growth in both early and late season.
Centax also maintains a strong connection with the local community, by building partnerships with a range of charitable organizations such as Camp Fire USA (Absolutely Incredible Kid celebration), Jerry Lewis’ Muscular Dystrophy Telethon and the St. Jude Telethon. They assist senior citizens in the area with free tax preparation, participate in area blood drives, sponsor youth athletic associations and are active members of the Chamber of Commerce.
“We’ve been able to build strong ties to our neighborhoods and feel it is very important to be a good community partner. Not only does this help us differentiate ourselves, but we also have the chance to give back,” notes Bledsoe.
About Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. (NYSE: JTX), with over 6,500 franchised and company-owned offices throughout the United States during the 2007 tax season, is an industry leader providing full service individual federal and state income tax preparation. Most offices are independently owned and operated. The Company is based in Parsippany, New Jersey. More information may be obtained at www.jacksonhewitt.com. To locate the Jackson Hewitt Tax Service office nearest to you, call 1-800-234-1040.
Contact:
Melissa Connerton
CooperKatz & Company
212-455-8001
Jorge Lavina
CooperKatz & Company