Crawford, Carter, and Durbin LLC has been an asset to Mineral Wells for over fifty years. This business deserves much more recognition than most citizens realize. Crawford, Carter, & Durbin assist in all accounting needs such as taxes, IRS auditing, bookkeeping, personal finance, and financial business planning.
The business began in 1963 by a man named Tom Myers. Myers established the company as a Certified Public Accountant. Then in 1936, CPA Myers linked with another CPA, Don Crawford, in 1973. But the adding of partnerships was not over. Charles Carter, another CPA, also had a firm in Mineral Mells, merged with them to create a larger firm.
The firm was doing well until the winter of 1983. In the middle of the night, the original building burned down during an ice storm. However, they rebuilt the structure in the same location, 100 East Hubbard St. Mineral Wells, TX. They were also able to salvage some of the original pink marble tiles, which are now located in front of the building and the firm’s library conference area.
Currently, the firm is being run by manager Marty Durbin. Durbin has been a CPA Since 1983. Durbin began education for his career in Dallas, TX. He currently lives in Burleson, Tx. In 2014, Durbin became the managing partner of the firm. Now he oversees several other locations, including in Arlington and Grand Prairie.
Why do the names of Carter and Crawford stay? Durbin states, “Don and Charles, I see every week.” Durbin chose to keep Carter and Crawford’s original names because their names are still very relevant to the public. Durbin humbly notes, “I don’t need my name on the front. There is some good-will and marketing value in having the name. They are still active.”
This company has been so fruitful that at the firm, their clients are more than just numbers. “The most crucial part is just taking care of the client; meeting their needs. Making sure they meet deadlines for the IRS or whoever. We will go to bat for them cause they are not experts at accounting or taxes. That’s why they hire us.”
A CPA: certified public accountant is a demanding job. This job requires a degree with an extensive Exam. Then the individual must have two years of full-time accounting as well. They are experts in bookkeeping, taxes, IRS audits, and personal banking. There are currently five CPAs in the firm.
Crawford, Carter, and Durbin LLC is the clients’ part-time chief financial officers for anything financial to improve their business and prosperity. They answer questions of all kinds, “How do I get more profitable? How do I cut my expenses? Can you help me talk to my banker? Can you help me talk to my insurance guy? Can you help me negotiate this contract? What’s exciting and what’s rewarding is helping these people become successful.”
Technology is the main difference in how the business has changed. Client information is no longer kept in filing cabinets. Everything now is pretty much paperless, even tax returns. Printing is only done for convenience. The firm would like to have items placed on an encrypted portal to ensure clients’ privacy. But that doesn’t mean that the organization of the paperwork is easy. “One client brings his information in a Walmart bag, another may bring it in a beer box.”
Crawford, Carter, and Durbin hope that eventually, they can have clients scan their paperwork from home and place it into their portal. Even if their systems crashed, they have a separate I.T. company with a duplicate set of servers to back up any of their clients’ information. This provides an extra sense of security for their clients. It won’t be as it was in 83’ where the firm lost everything.
The city of Mineral Wells has been a great place to work, noted from Durbin. “There is a lot of comradery and spirit in the community.” Durbin went through a leadership class for the Chamber Of Commerce three years ago, which allowed him to learn the history and local business in the area. “The benefit of being in that class is learning more about the community.” Durbin also worked with the Chamber to create the Crazy sign, which has benefited the community. He cares for and services his clients within the firm, but he has compassion for Mineral Wells as a whole.
Here is a tax prep video with Durbin that the Mineral Wells Chamber of Commerce hosted:
Writer | I graduated from Weatherford College with an Associates in Art, focusing on history, creative writings, sociology, and humanities. Experience in child development, client care, and runs local Spoken Word Poetry group for young teens.
