This article appeared in the
Greensboro News & Record, March 2005

Lisa Shumake, CPA, helps small businesses, individuals


Some people may dream of living in the big city, but Lisa Shumake is happy having her business established in Madison, the small town where she grew up.

“Being able to work in my hometown and serve the people I’ve known my entire life is a thrill,” Shumake states. “It’s fun when I look up and maybe one of my former teachers is standing in my doorway, looking for tax advice.”
Shumake’s firm specializes in the fnancial and tax needs of small businesses and individuals.

“We do all aspects of bookkeeping, including payroll preparation and reporting, income tax reporting, tax planning for corporations, LLC’s, partnerships, sole proprietors, and more. I do tax returns in at least 30 states.”

While most clients hail from Rockingham and Guilford counties, Shumake also has clients in Europe and the Virgin Islands. But she’d rather talk about her local clientele.

“I’ve been told my strength is that I use plain talk and make a non-tax person understand tax codes and planning and everything else they need to know,” says Shumake. “Taxes can be very confusing and sometimes people come in with just an idea and they don’t really know what questions to ask. They need someone they’re comfortable with, who they trust, and who can explain tax codes so they understand them.”

She has also developed a network of professional contacts, particularly with attorneys and investment advisors. “I’ll only work with people I’d send my parents to,” she declares, smiling.

Shumake has been working in the ?eld since 1988 and been on her own since 2001. With of?ces originally located in the Madison Center, she moved to her new location on Murphy Street in downtown Madison on July 1st, 2004.

“It’s been great,” she says of the move. “More space, plenty of parking, and our elderly clients appreciate the fact there are no stairs to climb.”

A single mom, Shumake is also president of the Western Rockingham Chamber of Commerce.

“With all the economic hits our area has taken,” she explains, “I felt it important to be involved and part of the solution. The chamber helps and supports small businesses which I think will become the backbone of Rockingham’s economy.”

“A lot of people have been laid off and are seeking control over their destinies. My role is to help them get set up and keep the most money possible in their own pockets.”

Lisa M. Shumake, CPA, PC is located at 129 E. Murphy Street in Madison. Call (336) 427-5477 or e-mail at lisa@lisashumakecpa.com