Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Calderon.
Hi Denise , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I learned accounting when I was 18, at my dad’s dairy farm in Davie, FL. He needed bills paid and showed me the process, but I did mess that up. However, I continued to learn to the point I was doing bank reconciliations and other accounting functions. I knew then I wanted to continue in that field. Of course, at a young age most people did not want to hire someone without more experience or a degree. I had to work my way up the corporate ladder always determined to get to the top. I was happy to be a corporate accountant until a college told me her husband regrated not getting his CPA license and I did not want any regrets, so I started that process and obtained my CPA license in 2007. That is when I started learning more about taxes. I worked with my accountant as an independent contractor until 2009 when I went to work for a local synagogue as their Director of Finance. I did have prior non-profit experience, but this Temple was much larger, but it gave me more knowledge, and I always like to learn, because knowledge is power 🙂 I was there until 2015 at that time and the best way for me to explain it was God shock my little world and planted me here in Minneola. I was not sure what I was going to do at that time. I had applied for other positions, and nothing was working out. I was told to go into business for myself, but I knew it would take everything I had to do, but finally in February of 2016, I decided I was going to take that leap of faith and go into business for myself again, but scary because I did not know anyone except my brother and my sister in law. Placed an ad in the local newspaper and eventually joined the local Chamber of Commerce and networked like crazy to build relationships. I did struggle for a good year or too until my phone started ringing and never stopped. I went for my little home office to eventually hiring someone to help answer the phone, an intern to help with the accounting, to opening my first office in December of 2020, t0 now having a staff of 7. During that time the opportunity to get my master’s degree presented itself and I obtain my Master of Taxation in August of 2021. I have been blessed to have the knowledge to help people in an area that many is frightened of and blessed to have all the people in my life that helped me get here. In addition, I have become, something I have never considered, more involved in local politics. So much so, that I am currently running for Mayor of Minneola for the 2026 election.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Never a smooth road to get what you want. Many struggles and I think my story mentions all of it. Struggling to get to the top, I was a single mom, I went to school at nights to continue my education. I knew going into business myself would be a big one and it truly was. I did not know where I was going to get the money to pay the bills. I even did Uber and Lyft on the weekends to help bring cash in but never gave up. God brought me to my knees and strengthen me to continue through those challenging years, but I am doing what I know I should be. Helping others and I love it!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Denise Calderon CPA?
My passion is helping people and businesses make sense of complex tax and accounting matters. We work with individuals, families, and businesses on their accounting and taxes needs, including bookkeeping, payroll services and sales tax filings, as well as IRS issues. My goal is always to take something that feels overwhelming and break it down into clear, practical steps.
What makes my practice different is the personalized attention I give to each client, I want people to know that when they work with me, they are not just hiring a CPA—they are gaining a trusted advisor and advocate who is invested in their success. I customize, and I make sure every client feels supported.
Since 2017, I have been honored to be recognized as the Best Accountant/CPA of South Lake. Most recently, my firm was voted the Clermont Sun Readers’ Choice Winner for Best Accounting Firm and Best Income Tax Service Provider in 2024 and 2025. These awards mean so much because they come directly from the community I serve.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The quality that has been most important to my success is genuine care for my clients. I love working with them and helping them navigate the complexity of the numbers. Numbers matter, but what really makes the difference is listening, understanding, and treating each client’s situation as if it were my own. I try to make taxes fun, and I make it look easy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://denisecalderon.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/denisecalderoncpa/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/Denise-Calderon-994756467240439/
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/denise-calderon-05549584
