Steele Martin Jones has grown dramatically since Michael Steele started the firm in a two-room office with his wife, Crystal, as his secretary. It was September 15, 1979, and Steele was 27 years old. With only one client when he opened his door, Steele borrowed $5,000 at a 21 percent interest rate to carry the practice over until tax season when he figured he would have income.

Today, the company is a multi-service accounting and business consulting firm and has almost 2,000 clients throughout the United States. It specializes in small- to medium-sized businesses and offers a comprehensive range of services, including tax preparation, business advising, accounting and payroll.

Partner Gary Martin joined the firm in 1982, and Partner Tom Carson Jones joined in 1994. Both Steele and Martin have retired, and, today, firm partners Jones, Kevin McKenzie and Brandon Clenney oversee a staff of professional accountants.

McKenzie, who still lives in Parsons where he was raised, was named a partner in 2013. Clenney, who was raised in Milan, became a partner in 2018.

The firm has been active in the Chamber and the Jackson community for many years. Steele, for example, helped the Chamber create its Business of the Year awards. Steele Martin Jones has won three of those awards: Small Business of the Year, Cornerstone Business of the Year and a Pinnacle Award.

Besides its accounting expertise, Steele Martin Jones considers itself unique when compared to other CPA firms, Jones said. “We’re the CPA firm that talks to our clients. We work with our clients all year long to help their business grow, make good financial choices and optimize their tax commitment.”