Meet Founder

Hortensia Lobe Epee, CPA

I have always loved finding different and fun ways to save money. Growing up, I vividly remember, already in my early teens waking up very early to cook my lunch meal so I could save the money my parents would give me daily for food. I was from a modest background but often the kids receiving several times my daily allowance would borrow from me. At the age of 20, I immigrated to the United States to seek a bright future in this wonderful country of opportunities. As the oldest of a family of 4, saving money then became more of a necessity than fun so I could help provide for my family.

My interest in taxes started from my first job in the US outside of graduate school. I had graduated with my MS in Accounting from the University of Virginia and started a position as an auditor at a big 4 accounting firm. When I received my first paycheck, which included bonus for passing the CPA exam, I was shocked by the large gap between what I expected and what I received in my bank account. The difference was due to… Yes you guessed it right. TAXES! I quickly realized some of the plans I made with that paycheck in mind were NOT going to happen!

This episode was the starting point that fueled my passion for tax research and learning how to personally strategize and leverage the tax code to save the most taxes legally and ethically. With knowledge gained over the years, family and friends would approach me for personal tax strategies or preparing their tax returns. I further collaborated with other CPAs to gain exposure and serve small business owners and investors.

After over 10 years in the financial industry, working for large accounting firms, Lobe CPA Solutions was born with the primary goal to help educate and equip our clients to maximize their tax savings. Our personal satisfaction comes from serving and seeing our clients use their savings to grow and build legacy. As a first generation entrepreneur, I seek to inspire and open doors for those coming behind me, those with a similar background and show what is possible when you believe!