Darnella Carter

H&R Block • Stony Island Plaza • Chicago, IL

H&R Block is known worldwide today, but like many businesses, it began small, with two brothers who saw a future in tax prep services. In July 1955, Kansas City natives Henry and Richard Bloch procured a $5,000 loan and launched a plan that would ultimately invent the tax prep category and disrupt an entire industry. Their Kansas City star ad offering $5 tax services delivered an office full of people who never stopped coming, and H&R Block (spelled intentionally with a “k” in Block) was born. The IRS had just stopped providing free tax services, so the timing couldn’t have been better. From day one, the brothers were determined to operate with integrity, efficiency and sincerity. That commitment has spanned the decades and continues today.

It’s a commitment that Darnella Carter takes to heart as a District General Manager for H&R Block. Her journey into tax services began in 1998, when she completed the Block tax course. “I was transformed,” says Darnella, “I became the beacon of light in the area of taxation to my entire family.” Since then, Darnella has provided insight to countless taxpayers, believing that education is the road to inspiring confidence in her community.

Darnella oversees operations at several H&R Block locations, including the office at NewMark Merrill’s Stony Island Plaza. She credits NewMark Merrill for their support of the business, allowing H&R Block to promote on their Facebook page and offering the center’s meeting room for company events. Getting the office started posed its challenges. H&R Block had to overcome negative impressions left by less savvy tax return companies in the area. With constant communication and unique services like free second looks at returns prepared elsewhere, they restored confidence and built a strong client base.

For Darnella, being a tax educator and volunteering in the community are the most rewarding aspects of her profession. She sees tax prep as an opportunity to inform and lift up those around her, and the employees in her Chicago offices are doing the same every day.