Meet Chester Crawford, owner of Chester Crawford Insurance and Tax Services. He’s been doing business for the past 40 years. Crawford attended college at Sam Houston State University, and he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1980. Soon after, he began working at Huntsville National Bank as a bank teller. “I was the first black male bank teller in Huntsville. I always thought I wanted to work in banking, but that never happened,” said Crawford. While working at the bank, a man started talking to him about working as an insurance agent. Soon after, he obtained his insurance license and opened his own business in December 1981. Since then, he has been providing insurance and tax services to the Huntsville community and surrounding area.  

Crawford “wears many hats” while serving the community in various capacities. He is an Independent Insurance Agent who works with various companies.  This allows Crawford to search for the best policies for his clients.  Through the years, he has been able to build trusted relationships with his clients and prospective clients through networking, word of mouth, and referrals.  His agency offers life and auto insurance, homeowners, and renters insurance. 

Additionally, Crawford is an enrolled IRS agent and prepares tax returns for individuals, small businesses, S Corporations and partnerships. S Corps are sometimes formed when small businesses start growing. They are business entities that offer tax advantages while maintaining the flexibility of ownership.  Crawford also stated he advises clients regarding IRAs, 401k rollovers, and much more.

According to Crawford, being an enrolled IRS agent means he can represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. Being awarded the status of an enrolled agent is the highest credential presented by the IRS. This elite status comes with a great deal of responsibility to adhere to ethical standards. Enrolled agents are also required to complete 72 hours of continuing education courses every three years. Crawford is a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents and the National Society of Tax Professionals. Both of these organizations provide year-round tax continuing education. 

As if those things weren’t enough to keep him busy, Crawford is a TitleMax Automobile Appraiser. Utilizing the TitleMax App, he uploads photos of vehicles and other pertinent information from the borrower to submit to TitleMax the value of the vehicle. Finally, Crawford also serves as a Texas Notary Public for anyone needing certification of legal documents, etc.

Crawford is a Life Member of the SHSU Alumni Association. He has been a member of the first Greek fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, for 43 years. Crawford said he enjoys being a part of this fraternity because it promotes brotherhood, develops leaders, and believes in providing service to communities. It teaches men how to become better men, and it has also been a great way to make connections outside of the local community.  

Crawford and his wife Pam live in Conroe. She is also an SHSU alum. She worked in oil and gas for 36 years and recently retired. When he’s not at work, Crawford enjoys spending time with his wife and going to church. They attend IMPACT Church of The Woodlands, the same church he and his wife have been going to since they were married 25 years ago. He is also a part of the music and worship ministry at his church. He enjoys traveling, and they have been fortunate to have visited various countries. “Two of my most favorite places have been the Vatican, because it’s breathtaking, and Pearl Harbor…it moves me, every time I go.” He also enjoys exercising and runs two miles every day. 

On a final note, Crawford reminds everyone that tax season is here, and he is available to help you prepare and file your tax returns. 

100 Highway 190 E
Huntsville, TX 77340
(936) 291-1887