River City Six: Robert Mejias
Robert Mejias, in partnership with his family, owns and operates three local Liberty Tax Service (www.libertytax.com) at 2734 S. 123rd Ct., 644 N. Saddle Creek Rd., and 3302 Q Street, as well as M&M Insurance Associates (mminsassoc.com), an independent insurance brokerage located inside of the Liberty Tax Service office at 123rd Ct. and Q Street.
How did you get started in the business? – Our adventure started with a dream. In early 2010, I mentioned to other family members that I’d like to start a family business. By Oct 2010, the Mejias family signed the franchise agreement with Liberty Tax Service. By 2012 we began to expand our offices by acquiring the franchising rights to additional locations. In June 2013 we were recognized by corporate, earning a “Top Gun B” successful franchisee award.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Besides having to work long hours without sufficient time to rest in between, it’s having to constantly be patient with things that are out of my control. Being a public figure puts you in front of hundreds of different individuals and families, all with various needs. During certain times of the year, it becomes challenging servicing those needs, primarily when the payments from the IRS via refunds are delayed by the government.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Utilizing my Business Management Degree from UNO to service over 2,000 people in a given 4-month period. It’s nice being recognized by fellow peers for the accomplishments of assisting the communities that we serve.
Tell us a little about your family. – We are a dynamic family that never sits still. My immediate family consists of my lovely wife Leticia and my four children: Sebastian (15), Madison (10), Emiliano (8), and Katana (6). Extended family includes my parents, grandparent, and sibling. Too many to list, but all play intricate parts in my enjoyment of the community that we call home.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Catch up on my hobbies and personal joys.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – At times, I understand more Japanese than Spanish. I’ve also traveled to various parts of the world, learning and experiencing different cultures and facets of their lives.
What are you the most proud of? – To date, having accomplished most of my lifelong dreams of creating a family business and family legacy.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Better late than never, but better never late.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Visionary.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – For every tax return that our family organization completes, the Mejias family donates one meal to the Open Door Mission. We do so during the Veterans Day timeframe to honor those who have served.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – My palate can’t choose, other than any steakhouse in town. Steak is my favorite!
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – One of our founding fathers, particularly Thomas Jefferson.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Call (402) 884-6943 or email me at remejias@libertytax.com. You can also visit, www.libertytax.com or mminsassoc.com