Yetter Consulting Services and Sales Tax Institute: A Best Workplace 30 Years in the Making
As Yetter Consulting Services, Inc. and the Sales Tax Institute celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, it feels less like a milestone on paper and more like a moment to pause and appreciate all the little moments that built this company into what it is today. What started in 1996 as a focused effort to make sales and use tax more understandable has grown into a company, and a community, that supports clients, students, and businesses by turning confusion into confidence.
This significant year also brings a special recognition: Yetter Consulting Services, Inc. and the Sales Tax Institute were recently named to Inc.’s 2026 Best Workplaces list, a national honor that highlights organizations where culture, trust, and employee growth are not just priorities, but practices embedded in daily work. The award reflects feedback from employees themselves and underscores the company’s long-standing commitment to respect, collaboration, and continuous learning.
To capture what thirty years of growth really looks like in practice, we look to someone who has bee with th company since 2008, John Londay, Experienced Staff Consultant. Through his perspective, we explore not only the evolution of the business, from early foundations to key milestones, but also the culture that has sustained it, the collaboration that defines how work gets done, and what this recognition means to the team behind it. His reflections also offer a look ahead, grounded in the same values that have shaped the company from day one.
Building a Career in Sales Tax from the Ground Up
What does it take to build a career in sales tax from the ground up? The reality is that many paths in this field are not linear but shaped by curiosity and a willingness to learn. Being open to try new things in this way shows how early experiences and evolving responsibilities can come together to form a meaningful career.
“I first joined the company in 2008 as an administrative assistant. I was looking for a new job, and the opportunity presented itself. I had no prior experience working with sales tax.
The position evolved over the years as new opportunities became available. I began taking on a more technical role, managing the Yetter and Sales Tax Institute websites and keeping them updated. I was also dipping my toe into the sales tax world by monitoring items like different types of sales tax legislation and state tax rate updates.
I then grew into a marketing role, which involved writing marketing copy and creating email campaigns. I was also starting to do research and advise people who reached out with more basic sales tax questions.
I later moved into content, course materials creation, and speech writing, which involved brainstorming and writing sales tax blog posts and newsletter articles on a monthly basis, researching and creating course materials for our live courses, monthly webinars, and Jumpstart course, writing whitepapers, and working alongside Diane on speeches for external organizations.
While I was doing all this, I was really starting to understand the many different aspects of the sales tax world and how to bring them into focus for sales tax professionals as well as non-sales tax specialists. I was also beginning to assist with sales tax projects for Yetter clients, with projects like tax research, return filing, and data preparation.
Finally, I moved into a full-time consulting role, which is what I currently do, assisting clients with their sales tax needs.
The evolution of my work here at Yetter and the Sales Tax Institute has always been focused on helping people, especially small business owners. That’s the bedrock of my work, whether it is through educating people about sales tax at the Sales Tax Institute or helping Yetter’s clients with their sales tax compliance functions. Any day that I get to help somebody and make their life easier is a good day.
Having the opportunity to join this company and learn an entirely new field of work from a leading sales tax expert was really impactful. Beyond that, being given the opportunity to take on every different kind of work within the field and learn with hands-on experience was very empowering.”
How Sales Tax Changes Fueled Evolution and Innovation
The connection between external disruption and internal growth, especially in a field that is constantly shifting, is evident in how Yetter and the Sales Tax Institute have thrived over the years. We asked John to think back on the big shifts in the industry, and how those moments have influenced the company’s direction while reinforcing its foundation.
“I’ve watched the company grow and adapt over the years as the sales tax landscape has changed. Looking back, it seems that there was less awareness of sales tax when I started. Due to significant legislative changes, business owners grew more cognizant of sales tax and its importance.
The South Dakota v. Wayfair court decision in 2018 was undoubtedly the biggest milestone during my time here. Prior to the Wayfair decision, Diane and I had been closely monitoring what I would call precursor nexus legislation among the states, which was click-through nexus, affiliate nexus, and reporting requirements legislation. You could tell something big was going to happen as the states were trying to figure out how to deal with remote sales. When the Wayfair decision came along, it took a little time for small business owners to fully realize the implications for their businesses. Once they did, the stage was set for our company to really grow.”
Finance Committee Hearings to examine providing small business relief from remote sales tax collection, in Washington, DC on September 25, 2024. (Official U.S. Senate photo by Rebecca Hammel)
The Power of Teamwork and Collaboration in a Technical Industry
What role do teamwork and collaboration play in navigating a complex, technical field like sales tax? This question reflects the idea that even the most technical work is strengthened by shared knowledge and support. It also highlights how relationships and collaboration shape both problem solving and professional growth over time.
“Over nearly 18 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a lot of different people. I think I’ve learned something from every single one, whether that is sales tax knowledge, technical expertise, or different ways to problem solve, among many other skills. I appreciate that I’ve been able to learn from so many people, especially Diane, who has been an incredible mentor.
Working in the world of sales tax can be confusing and difficult at times due to the many different state rules and requirements that you encounter. When things get tough, being able to reach out to my teammates for support has been tremendously helpful. I know they’ve got my back and that makes all the difference.”
What Makes A Workplace The Best
What truly makes a workplace feel like somewhere people want to stay and grow? While the trend of “job hopping” has slowly been replaced with the concept of “job hugging”, according to recent surveys, building both pride and a desire to have a legacy within a company is no easy task. John’s experience offers a firsthand perspective on how that kind of environment is built and sustained over time.
“It makes me proud that we have been recognized as a Best Workplace. Having worked here for such a long time, I feel like the work I’ve done is part of the foundation of the company. When new people join our company, I’m able to help acclimate them and lead by example. When I see such a healthy workplace, it makes me feel good to be a part of creating that and keeping it going.
A large part of it is getting to work with a bunch of very gifted and kind people. We really are a team that supports each other and brings out the best in each other so we can serve our clients and students most effectively.
That quality of teamwork, along with striving for excellence, is what I think sets our workplace culture apart. Additionally, Diane has always been steadfast about the company’s values and providing her employees with many opportunities to live those values. You can visit the Sales Tax Institute About Page and see exactly what our core values are. We’re very transparent about it, and all of us are committed to practicing those values and supporting each other in practicing them.”
What Comes Next for Yetter and the Sales Tax Institute
Looking ahead, growth is not just about change but about how a company responds to it. We asked John to reflect on what excites him most about the future and where he sees opportunities as the sales tax landscape continues to evolve. His perspective offers a forward looking view grounded in the same mindset that has guided the company over the years.
“I’m excited to see how the company will take advantage of new opportunities and tackle new challenges. As technology evolves and gets more sophisticated at a rapid pace and businesses continue to sell goods and services in new and exciting ways, there will be so many opportunities for growth.
Sales tax never stops evolving and changing. That’s why this field never becomes rote or boring. Yetter and the Sales Tax Institute will continue to stay on top of these changes and bring that awareness to our clients and students.”
For more exciting news about how Yetter Consulting Services, Inc. and the Sales Tax Institute are celebrating 30 years, follow Yetter and Sales Tax Institute on LinkedIn!