IT ISSUES STOP TAX FRANCHISE EXPANSION
How Sentry transformed a tax franchise from stalled to expanding.
Technology Solutions Designed for Scale.
The Goal
Tax Care had paused opening new locations due to unresolved technology issues and stringent financial industry compliance requirements. Their existing infrastructure couldn't scale securely, leaving franchisees vulnerable to cyber threats and potential regulatory violations.
The Challenge
Create a "location in a box" standardized technology solution that addressed both operational efficiency, FTC Safeguard & GLBA (Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act) compliance.
The Results
Sentry Technology Solutions brought corporate location into structured compliance, created a "locaion in a box" technology deployment, brought all locations into 100% compliance, and powered Franchise Sales to resume.
A True Technology Partnership
The Challenge
Tax Care Inc., a growing tax preparation franchise with 12 locations, faced a critical expansion roadblock. Despite strong market demand, they had paused opening new locations due to unresolved technology issues and stringent financial industry compliance requirements. Their existing infrastructure couldn't scale securely, leaving franchisees vulnerable to cyber threats and potential regulatory violations. Without a standardized technology solution that addressed both operational efficiency, FTC Safeguard & GLBA (Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act) compliance, Tax Care's growth strategy remained at a standstill.
The Solution
Sentry implemented a comprehensive technology transformation in three strategic phases:
- Foundation: We first partnered with Tax Care's largest location, implementing robust managed IT services and establishing cybersecurity protocols tailored to financial service providers. Restructured their 365 tenant and standardized hardware and software.
- Standardization: Working with corporate leadership, we developed a complete IT Brand Standard—creating a scalable technology blueprint that addressed both operational needs, compliance and cyber security requirements.
- Deployment: We designed a turnkey "Location in a Box" technology package that included pre-configured hardware & software, compliance-ready security protocols, and standardized systems that could be rapidly deployed for new franchise locations.
The Results
With Sentry as their technology guide, Tax Care achieved transformative outcomes:
- Resumed Expansion: Tax Care confidently restarted their growth strategy, with technology no longer being a barrier to opening new locations.
- 100% Compliance: All 14 existing locations were successfully onboarded to the new IT Brand Standard, ensuring full adherence to FTC Safeguards including WISP, GLBA requirements and CIS cybersecurity standards.
- Risk Reduction: Standardized security measures across the franchise network significantly reduced vulnerability to data breaches and regulatory penalties protecting both franchisor and franchisees.
- Operational Confidence: Franchise owners gained peace of mind knowing their technology infrastructure protects sensitive customer financial information.
- Scalable Growth: The "Location in a Box" solution created a repeatable, efficient process for bringing new franchisees online quickly and securely. This also saved resources through strategic group purchasing.
Founded over twenty years ago by Daniel Alvarez, Sr., Tax Care began as a family-owned tax preparation business and has grown into a full-service accounting and business consulting firm serving over 300 Central Florida businesses. In 2012, Tax Care expanded into franchising, now operating more than fourteen locations across Florida with plans for nationwide growth. We maintain our original mission of providing high-quality tax, accounting, payroll, and consulting services at affordable prices with exceptional customer service.
Solutions we provide Tax Care
- Fully Managed IT
- Help Desk, RMM, etc.
- Physical Network Management
- Microsoft 365 Management
- "Location-in-a-box"
- New Location Technology setup
- Strategic Leadership/Direction
- Cyber Security
- PCI Compliance
- FTC Safeguards Compliance
- GLBA Compliance
- Device Purchasing & Management
- In Process: Franchise AI Deployment
You've just signed the lease for your next franchise location, and you're staring at an empty space that needs to transform into a fully operational,...
Here's the uncomfortable truth: About 72% of companies now use AI in some capacity, and Nearly 49% of technology leaders say AI is fully integrated...
Franchise operations face unique technological challenges that single-location businesses simply don't encounter. As a franchisor or franchisee,...
In the world of franchising, brand consistency is paramount. When customers walk into any location of your franchise—whether in Seattle, Miami, or...
Franchise organizations face a cybersecurity landscape fundamentally different from other businesses. Recent statistics show 46% of all cyber...
You already know this, technology investment is no longer optional—it's imperative. As franchises continue to increase their technology spending to...
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Frank Fiume at the 2025 IFA Annual Convention for the Emerging Franchise Brands Podcast, and one...
As Sentry Technology Solutions' Director of Sales and Marketing, my first International Franchise Association Convention was an eye-opening...
As a franchise leader, you know that consistency is key to success. But while most franchise groups focus heavily on visual brand standards, many...
Managing IT infrastructure across multiple locations is no small feat. Each site comes with its own set of challenges—varying network requirements,...