Manuel Aragon’s career journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, learning through experience, and staying committed to a vision. Starting with a passion for helping those around him, he has built a thriving business in accounting and tax services, using his natural skills and a drive to educate and lead others. His story is one of resilience, growth, and a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
The Beginnings: A Self-Taught Journey
Manuel’s career began out of a desire to help friends and family with their financial needs. He took the initiative to learn about accounting and tax preparation on his own, building his knowledge without a traditional classroom education. In 2013, he filed his first tax return, and by 2014, he officially launched his own business, Aragon Tax Return Services. The following year, Manuel earned the title of Electronic Return Originator with the IRS, a key milestone in his journey.
While he was building his business, Manuel sought to continuously improve. By 2017, he expanded his reach beyond Colorado, preparing tax returns for clients from across the country. For Manuel, the journey of learning and evolving never stops—he is always working to refine his skills and better serve his clients.
Finding Purpose: A Passion for Numbers and Education
What drew Manuel to accounting and tax preparation wasn’t just the stability of the industry, but the deep sense of purpose he felt. “I wanted to do something that had longevity and was a necessity in life,” he shares. “Taxes were never going away. There would always be a need for them.” Math had always been his favorite subject, and his natural ability to analyze complex concepts made the work come easily to him.
But beyond the numbers, Manuel’s deeper mission is to educate others, especially the next generation. He believes that material possessions are not what define us as human beings, and that true value comes from learning, growth, and purpose. Through his work, Manuel aims to bridge a gap by providing financial education, inspiring others to take control of their financial futures, and instilling leadership qualities in the next generation.
Overcoming Challenges: The Power of Mindset
Like many entrepreneurs, Manuel’s journey hasn’t been without its struggles. Life can throw unexpected challenges and uncertainties, but for Manuel, it’s all about how you respond. Drawing inspiration from basketball legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, Manuel embraces adversity and strives to stay focused on his long-term goals.
“It’s like shooting practice in the gym,” he says. “The crowd isn’t around, just hard work and dedication.” For Manuel, the process is just as important as the end goal. He cites Michael Jordan’s words as a constant reminder to push past weaknesses and turn them into strengths: “If you push me towards something that you think is a weakness, then I will turn that perceived weakness into a strength.”
Embracing the unknown, Manuel explains, is essential for growth. “Instead of letting the unknown paralyze me, I remove the emotions and make logical decisions. It’s an opportunity to test myself in the chaos,” he says. His philosophy is to continue moving forward, not looking back but always aiming higher.
Embracing Leadership and Self-Development
Through his journey, Manuel has developed a unique philosophy about leadership. He firmly believes that achieving greatness is not a matter of fate but a choice—a decision to strive for excellence. He also emphasizes the importance of personal integrity and authenticity, quoting Kobe Bryant: “No matter what, people are going to like you or not like you. So be authentic, and let them like you or not for who you actually are.”
For Manuel, leadership isn’t just about being in charge; it’s about setting an example and inspiring others. “There are too many followers and not enough leaders,” he says. His goal is to instill this mindset in those he works with, showing them the value of pursuing their own personal and professional greatness.
He also stresses the importance of balancing work and personal life. “I aim to be better with balancing time, not only for work but also for relaxation and hobbies,” he says. He believes that taking time to recharge and invest in personal growth is just as crucial as the hard work it takes to achieve success.
The Bigger Picture: Impacting Lives
Manuel’s vision goes beyond simply running a successful business. He wants to leave a lasting impact on his community and the world. His desire to educate others and lead by example drives him to provide value not just through his services, but through his influence and guidance. In a world where material wealth often takes center stage, Manuel reminds us that true value lies in the knowledge we share, the people we help, and the leadership we offer to others.
Drawing inspiration from leaders like Malala Yousafzai, Manuel emphasizes the importance of overcoming adversity and making a difference. As Malala famously said, “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” For Manuel, every small action can have a ripple effect, and he is committed to making that change through his work, leadership, and educational efforts.
Conclusion: A Vision for the Future
Manuel Aragon’s career is far from over. He continues to evolve, learning and growing every day, both as a business owner and as a leader. His focus remains clear: to educate others, lead with integrity, and create a lasting legacy in both the accounting field and beyond. Through his work and his mindset, he shows us that greatness is a choice, and it is up to each of us to make it happen.
Stay connected with Manuel through his social media channels to follow his journey and gain insights into leadership, business, and personal development:
