Carl Cyrius’ Next Mission: Helping Veterans and Clients Navigate Taxes

For many veterans, the mission doesn’t end when the uniform comes off; it simply changes. For Carl Cyrius, that next mission became helping people navigate one of life’s most confusing systems: taxes.

“From veteran to financial educator to community builder, I’ve done workshops like at FAU [Florida Atlantic University],” said Cyrius, CEO of The Oasis Firm. “As a veteran, we know the power of building a community, and I still plan on educating and building a community.”

Carl Cyrius, founder of The Oasis Firm, brings passion for service into the world of tax strategy. He's empowering clients and veterans with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to navigate their financial future. (Pictures taken by @ShotByLeather)

For many people, dealing with taxes can feel overwhelming. The stack of forms, the unfamiliar language of deductions and credits, and the fear of making a costly mistake can turn a simple filing into a stressful ordeal. Sitting at the kitchen table late at night, surrounded by crumpled receipts, glowing laptop screens, and half-finished cups of coffee, many taxpayers find themselves staring at numbers they don’t fully understand. They’re wondering if a single incorrect entry could trigger an audit or an unexpected bill.

That sense of confusion and anxiety is something Carl Cyrius knows well. It’s exactly the kind of experience he set out to change.

Cyrius, founder of The Oasis Firm, understands discipline, pressure, and service firsthand. After moving to the United States from Haiti at the age of 14 and growing up in Broward County, he eventually enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving overseas and deploying to Afghanistan. It was during his time in the military that he experienced a challenge many service members face: trying to make sense of taxes and financial planning without much guidance.

That frustration would later become the spark for his entrepreneurial journey.

After returning home, Cyrius took a part-time job at a tax firm during the 2012–2013 tax season while supporting his growing family. What started as a temporary role quickly turned into something more meaningful. Sitting across from clients who felt overwhelmed by paperwork and IRS rules reminded him of the confusion he once experienced himself.

Carl Cyrius fuels his mission at First Watch, where fresh breakfast favorites and a community-focused atmosphere mirror his own approach to building connections and starting each day with purpose. (Pictures taken by @ShotByLeather)

“I always wanted to help people,” said Cyrius. “But I remember sitting on the couch in 2017, I had an idea to start the company. I quit my job, and exited out the nine-to-five, and started out of my garage.”

Determined to create a better experience, Carl Cyrius, EA (Enrolled Agent), launched The Oasis Firm in 2017, starting humbly from his garage. Over time, the business grew into a full-service tax and financial strategy firm focused on what he calls the “Holy Tax Trifecta”: tax preparation, strategic planning, and IRS representation.

More than just a list of services, the Holy Tax Trifecta is Cyrius’ signature framework and philosophy. This is a comprehensive, one-stop approach designed to support clients at every stage of their financial journey. It begins with accurate and compliant tax preparation, ensuring filings are done correctly and efficiently.

Carl Cyrius at his desk, focused and driven, turning complex tax challenges into clear strategies as he continues his mission of service through financial empowerment. (Pictures taken by @ShotByLeather)

“Everybody sort of wants a one-stop shop,” said Cyrius. “Typically, in the tax industries you see around here, they are tax preparation, and once I got into the business, I saw different aspects and that we can serve the person deeper and help them with planning and more.”

 It expands into proactive tax strategy and planning, helping individuals and business owners legally minimize liabilities and build smarter financial futures. It extends to IRS representation, where, as an Enrolled Agent federally authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS, Cyrius advocates for clients during audits, disputes, or complex tax situations. Together, the three pillars create a seamless system that moves beyond reactive filing into long-term financial clarity and protection.

Today, The Oasis Firm helps individuals, families, and business owners gain clarity and confidence with their finances. But Cyrius’ vision goes beyond tax season.

As a veteran himself, he plans to build deeper connections between The Oasis Firm and the military community. Through outreach, mentorship, and future initiatives, Cyrius hopes to support veterans transitioning into civilian life while helping them better understand financial planning and tax strategy.

Carl Cyrius, founder of The Oasis Firm, embodies discipline, leadership, and purpose. (Pictures taken by @ShotByLeather)

For Cyrius, the same values that shaped him in the Marines: discipline, service, and commitment, now guide his work as an entrepreneur. The mission may look different today, but the goal remains the same: helping others move forward with confidence.

But his vision extends beyond helping clients file taxes. As a Marine Corps veteran, Cyrius is deeply committed to supporting fellow service members transitioning into civilian life. Through The Oasis Firm SkillBridge Program, active-duty personnel in their final 180 days of service can gain real-world experience in tax and financial services while continuing to receive military pay and benefits. The program pairs veterans with mentors, gives them hands-on client experience, and equips them with the skills and confidence to launch meaningful civilian careers.

“We’re making it more well-rounded,” said Cyrius. “Making it overall The Oasis Firm Academy, and I did Career Day at Flanigan High School, which is the first high school I went to when I came to the United States. But getting to do this type of work, whether with high school students, service members, or anyone, to see them and help them make a better life for themselves is why I’m here.”

Carl Cyrius in Sistrunk, Fort Lauderdale, standing in the heart of a historic neighborhood that reflects community, resilience, and growth. The same values that mirror his mission of service, education, and financial empowerment. (Pictures taken by @ShotByLeather)

Participants learn everything from client onboarding to tax preparation and financial consulting, with the opportunity to work toward industry credentials such as becoming an Enrolled Agent. The program is structured, supportive, and designed to translate the discipline, leadership, and problem-solving skills developed in the military into tangible success in the civilian workforce. By the time veterans complete the SkillBridge internship, they don’t just have training. They have a clear path forward, a professional network, and confidence to take the next step in their careers.

Carl Cyrius also believes education should be accessible and engaging, which is why he often turns to video as a teaching tool. Through short educational videos and digital content, he breaks down complex tax concepts into practical lessons that aspiring tax professionals and entrepreneurs can understand. These videos serve as an extension of the mentorship offered through The Oasis Firm’s SkillBridge program, giving transitioning service members another way to learn the industry, sharpen their skills, and build confidence before stepping fully into civilian careers.

Carl Cyrius closes out the frame with purpose being grounded in service, driven by education, and committed to building stronger financial futures for his community, one conversation and one client at a time. (Pictures taken by @ShotByLeather)

“I’m coaching, teaching, and running ideas for new opportunities,” said Cyrius. “But it’s never too much to help people.”

For Cyrius, helping veterans navigate this transition is just as important as helping clients navigate their taxes. The same values that guided him in the Marines — discipline, service, and leadership — now shape his work as an entrepreneur. The mission may look different today, but the goal remains the same: helping others build stability, opportunity, and a future beyond the uniform.