Being Alice in Wonderland is not too far from the truth. We have just celebrated our 14th year in business and I am beyond grateful, surprised, excited and just plan flabbergasted.
If someone would have told me 14 years ago that we'd still be in business today, I would have said..... 'yep, I know it'.... Yikes! Does that sound arrogant?
It certainly wasn't meant to be anything except confident. You see I whole-hardheartedly believe that if you can envision something and if you work hard enough, and if you are true to your integrity, then all your dreams can come true.
Most of you know how it was that Executive Errands® came to be and if you haven't heard the story, you can read it here.
I was struck with a vision and as soon as I landed on the name "Executive Errands®" I instantly knew it would be successful. Immediately, visions of billboards (which we've done) and ads in the Airport baggage claim (we have not done -- yet!) floated through my brain.
In the beginning I thought we'd offer absentee home care and maybe some housekeeping or carpet cleaning. Despite my belief in visualizing success; I had no idea our clients would take us in so many varied and wonderful directions.
That is probably one of my greatest joys -- the ability to help people no matter what they need. It is very rare indeed that we have to say 'we can't because we operate from the 'how can we?' perspective.
And the longer we are in business, the more changes we make. Not only do we strive to satisfy nearly every request no matter how small, we are also in a constant state of continuous process improvement and that is clearly illustrated through new features in our proprietary Essential Elements™ data collection software, new and updated policies and procedures and added benefits for our employees.
The more we grow, the more we do -- both for our clients and the people who put such an amazing face on our company (employees and vendors alike -- thank you everyone!)
It hasn't always been a smooth road though -- this trek to 14 years. If you've ever been in business, you know staffing provides the biggest challenge and the biggest hurdle to growth.
It's easy to find people who want to work but finding ones who meet our rigorous standards -- not so much. You see we promise our clients high quality services, while putting people in their vacant homes and that is a huge responsibility.
We take this responsibility very seriously and I am proud to say we've made it this far with no issues whatsoever (hear me knocking on wood!).
I love Executive Errands®. I love all the amazing people we call clients. Our vendors are all like family to me. And most of all, I have to acknowledge the wonderful people who are part of the Executive Errands® team.
But you know what? What good is success without giving back?
So before closing on this birthday celebration, I want to let you in on a little secret.
Shhhh ... are you ready? In celebration of our upcoming 15th year in business during 2020, we are launching a charitable award called The Executive Errands® Helping Hand Award.
That means we will help YOU award someone a years' worth of concierge service -- a total of 100 hours for free. How do you do that? By nominating someone to receive this gift*
What types of services are covered? Here is a sample list:
- Run errands or make deliveries
- Provide companion visits
- Assist with shopping: Grocery, Farmers Market, Clothing, etc.
- Clean out their refrigerator and tidy around the house
- Prepare meals
- Change the litter box so they don't have to bend over
- Engage in conversation
- Play games or spend time doing personal hobbies
- Provide bill paying assistance
- Offer organizational tasks and paper management
- Bring them "special requests" like a "burger" or "chicken soup" or a doughnut from their favorite bakery
- Arrange for vehicle maintenance and repairs
- Plan for social functions
- Make travel arrangements
- Schedule appointments
- Help prepare for the holidays (decorating, wrapping, shopping, address cards, etc.)
Do you know someone incredibly worthy for whom this gift would make a big difference in their life? Perhaps someone who:
--Lives on a fixed income and can't afford help for shopping, laundry, walking the dog or other chores?
--Endures health challenges that limit their daily life?
--Is a single parent struggling to balance work and family?
--Really needs a hand with day-to-day living?
--Owns a business and could use a day or two off (we could fill in!)
--Is another charity that needs some help for their members?
Now is the time for us to make a difference for someone who truly needs it.
Please
download this form
,
fill it out and return to us before December 25, 2019. We'll announce the winner by December 31
st
and we'll launch their year of support starting January 2020.
We are so excited to be doing this! It will be wonderful, and we are hoping our Executive Errands® Helping Hand Award will become a yearly event!
Yep, it's a very merry un-birthday indeed!
