Hotel Room vs. Vacation Rental, Oh and the US Open Coming to Chambers Bay

It started almost immediately after I opened Abigail's Concierge in Gig Harbor, WA. Like the distant buzzing of bees. Buzz...the US Open golf championship is coming. Buzz...the US Open is going to be huge. Buzz...you should really prepare and capitalize on the US Open.

Ok, ok, I got it. So since research is my forte I tracked down the advance man, Danny Sink, who's the Championship Director for the 2015 USGA US Open.  To be held at Chambers Bay golf course in the University Place district of Tacoma. He was gracious enough to spend time with me last February so that I could be educated on the event that everyone who golfs was buzzing about. Yes, I said last year, 2012 even though the event isn't till June of 2015. That alone made my ears perk up. 3 years to get ready for a golf event? And boy did I get my education. The US Open Golf Championship is a BIG deal. So big that this will be the first time that Washington State will be hosting it. The Superbowl of golf. That big.

So big that Danny's advance prep job is to work with Pierce County for the extensive logistics required to host 235,000 people who are coming to town for a week to watch the quietest sport in the world. Well except maybe chess. It takes 4,500 volunteers to handle that amount of people. And everyone who works for Pierce County will be on deck. It is literally the biggest event in Washington State sporting history! The course is tough and will provide a challenge. I've walked the trails at Chambers Bay where the wind blows all year long.

And then where to lay those 235,000 heads for the night? We're more than a year away but when you're talking about that many people you can't start planning to early. We now have our US Open lodging page up and are actively seeking homeowners who'd like to make some significant revenue for that week. We have a hard enough time in Gig Harbor with adequate amounts of lodging for the amount of tourists that come into town in the summer. One reason why we're always seeking quality homes that owners are interested in converting into vacation rentals. Some of our clients are young families that leave in the summer. One such family will be paying for a summer in Europe with their nightly revenue. That's how much in demand lodging is here.

I had the opportunity to stay at one of my clients vacation rental. Harbor Perch on Henderson Bay. It'd been awhile since I'd been on a weekend get away and this staycation seemed like a lovely break from evenings of cleaning and laundry. It also confirmed why I've always preferred the personality and uniqueness of a vacation rental home vs. a generic hotel room.

Everyone is different and always offers amenities that you don't get at a hotel. Sandra, my client and her very helpful brothers put a lot of elbow grease in making Harbor Perch a place you can luxuriate in and enjoy. It already had a fabulous view from floor to ceiling windows in the living and bedroom as well as a deck just made for summer lounging. But what made it even better was the deep sink in the kitchen, huge stainless steel refrigerator, tastefully appointed decor. My husband and I stayed there on Valentines day and liked it so much that we didn't even really feel like going out anywhere. We did though, to the new Hub, by the Tacoma Narrows airport. Delicious! But the highlight of the evening was grabbing movies, snacks and enjoying the serenity along with the view of the harbor. It seemed like a cozy home away from home.

The kind of experience we want to share with our US Open guests when they roll into town. I love vacation rentals, owning them, managing them, sharing them with visitors that come to Gig Harbor for a unique Maritime experience. Staying at a vacation rental like Harbor Perch feels like icing on the cake.

So if you or someone you know has a unique, charming home that would be perfect as a vacation rental give me a call. It's my passion and my calling and not too shabby of income for my homeowners as well. Our vacation rental management program is really the way to go.

Happy Birthday To Abigail's Concierge! One Year Milestone

Here we are in the middle of August and it just recently dawned on me that Abigail's Concierge Services LLC turned one years old August 1st. It's unbelievable that a year has flown by so quickly. Even more unbelievable that we've hit what I feel is a huge milestone as a fledgling business. Yes, we all know that it's the 5th year in business that you can somewhat breathe a sigh of relief that you're in the safe zone, statistically speaking.

As Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Marketing and PR Director, Facilities, Web Master and Administrative Assistant it's important to me, and to any business really, to take the time to feel the pulse of the business. A state of the union review, if you will. And because the success or failure of any small business hinges on customers it's important to understand if what you're currently doing is meeting the needs of your market, to explore new offerings or ways of doing business, and to let go of those past decisions or ideas that aren't serving your business or your customers anymore. Like a child a business is an organic, living entity. It needs constant care, feeding, discipline and the best guidance and education that as a parent/owner you can afford.

With that in mind I went online and to see how Abigail's, at the critical one year mark compares to small businesses across America. The goal to raise a business that thrives and grows is admirable but it takes awareness to avoid the pitfalls that bring good business ideas down. Knowledge is power as they say.

So this is what I uncovered.
85% of all new businesses fail in the first year.  If you make it to 5 years you can expect a 50% chance of survival. It's only in your 10th year that you're looking at a 65% success rate. That still seems scary.

So, what makes small businesses sink or swim? And why we have a vested interest in supporting small businesses so that they make it through those crucial first years.

Interestingly there are two main indicators for failure. And these two reasons factored into any number of other sited reasons for failure.

1. Lack of Experience
Lack of experience fed into other negative impacts such as choice of a poor location, inability win against the competition, poor inventory management, low sales.

2. Insufficient Capital
You walk a fine line when determining what you need to fund a new business. One miscalculation can mean the difference between surviving or closing your doors. Factors like poor credit arrangements, unexpected growth or over investment in business assets can drain your funds before your business can actually start bringing in a healthy revenue stream.

I pride myself on my skill as a sales person and marketer. I'm damn good and I'm not afraid to say so. I spent 9 years in outside sales. Business to business sales to boot. And from that experience I learned from the outside looking in what new small businesses failed to see. Everyone single entrepreneur that I worked with had amazing talents in one form or another. They were visionaries, dreamers and risk takers, all admirable qualities. But the ones that failed consistently felt that they had to be in control of every piece of their business, every time, all the time. Even when they were so obviously ill equipped or experienced in critical parts of the business. So even though I'm a sharp marketer I struggle with bookkeeping so I have someone who is my Quick Books pro and book keeper, I have a General Contractors license but I lean heavily on my subcontractors who have been in the industry for decades and know how to handle projects in the 10's of thousands, my partner has owned multiple businesses for three decades now and I don't make any important business decisions without consulting him. Point is, I seek the expertise of others to drive the business to excellence and keep it on track.

Before launching the business I read books and researched everything I could learn about my business of choice, spoke to as many business owners and experts as possible, I sought mentors and sounding boards and continually strove to stay open minded as I navigated my way through the first year.

I also had the invaluable assistance, guidance and limitless resources provided, free of charge, to any individual who's ever pondered opening a business, through my local SBA office. They offer mentoring, courses on how to write a business plan,  one on one counseling, help with loan applications. The resources are outstanding and did I say, free?

All of which leads me to the 2nd reason businesses fail, insufficient capital. And why these amazing SBA offices can make or break a new business. We've all heard the cliche, If You Fail To Plan, You Plan To Fail. So very true. These offices are funded by the government for the sole reason of making sure that every business that's willing will get the support needed to succeed. And creating a business plan is at the top of that list. Because those entrepreneurs who spent the time and energy creating a business plan were twice as likely to grow their business or secure capital. Either through investors or through a bank. 36% more likely as a matter of fact.

Yes, statistics are scary, frightening really. But once you know the facts you can plan for success.

And as civilians it's imperative for the good of your community, city and country to continue to patronize small businesses who employ 50% of all private sector employees, generate 64% of all new jobs in a 15 year period, pay 44% of all US private payroll, produce 30% of known export value, produce 13 times more patents per employee than large patent firms. And doesn't it just feel good to support small businesses who are after all your neighbors, friends?

So after blowing out the one candle on the cake, popping the champagne and doing a celebratory jig it is time to roll up my sleeves and get back to the job of growing the business.



Statistics courtesy of:
http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/2012/01/small-business-successfailure-rates/

Read more about Abigail's Concierge Services LLC at:
www.abigailsconcierge.com

A Shameless Plug For My Favorite Downtown Merchants

I love having an office in downtown Gig Harbor.  It may be a cliché but it’s often true that it’s hard to see the forest for the trees.  And from my interactions I know it’s sometimes difficult for residents in Gig Harbor and Fox Island to truly comprehend that we live amongst a jewel of a tourist destination. Its physical beauty is stunning and still takes my breath away as it does visitors to the area.

1.Having lunch yesterday at Anthony’s (amazingly yummy), it was like being in a picture perfect postcard looking out of the large windows onto the harbor. Bright blue sky dotted by fluffy white clouds. Mt. Rainier framed in all its glory by the snug protected harbor, boats gently rocking in the breeze, seals frolicking and birds coasting on the wind.Well, you get the picture. How can you beat it, right? Sure we could do with more shopping opportunities but let’s talk about what we do have and how important it is that we support these small local businesses and maintain the character that makes downtown Gig Harbor the vibrant heart of the community that it is.

View from Anthony's

 2. The Keeping Room: It has an amazing assortment of wines and surprisingly low prices. But I often pop in just to chat with Bruce and have a tasting of his current favorites. Bruce Gair, a downtown business owner and local resident for over 20 years has the most interesting tidbits of town lore. And yes some fascinating if slightly scandalous gossip. And if you want an education in wine Bruce is your man. He’s passionate about all things wine and he loves to share his knowledge. The Keeping Room located on Pioneer Way is typically open Wednesday through Sunday.

The Keeping Room

    3. Sassybones Antiques: Bernadette Wohl opened Sassybones about three years ago and, just recently moved to Neptunes Court, on Pioneer Way, with her new partner Peggy, in order to gain more space. I’m crazy for antiques, collectables and vintage finds and boy have I found some amazing things at Bernie’s store which used to be in the Pueblito complex. Like a tried and true collector I’m always on the lookout for the unusual and for the unusually great bargains. I get my fix of both requirements here. The store is chock full of fun, funky and fabulous finds. If you haven’t been in put it on your to do list. It’s definitely worth coming downtown for.  Oh, and call Abigail’s if you’re interested in booking an estate sale organized and run by Bernie.

My favorite antiques/junque

4.   4. No Dearth Of Books: Guy and Martha Johnson, owners of No Dearth are continuing the good work of Harry and Shirly Dearth who decided to retire a couple of years ago. They moved the bookstore to Neptune’s Court on Pioneer Way and have done an amazing job of creating a comfy and inviting environment with cozy sitting areas for reading.  And, for book lovers who like nothing better than to spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon browsing the shelves. All of which are filled with interesting collector, coffee table and rare early edition books. They have a special affinity for Northwest and nautical tomes.

5  5.Java and Clay and Stitch n’ Sew: I don’t have little ones at home anymore but I often have them come visit us for day at a time. During the winter it’s a challenge keeping them busy and I’m sure that’s the case for families in town that do have young children. That’s why I’m so grateful to Randy Blue and Donna Atwood who offers creative outlets for children. We’ve spent many a rainy day at Java and Clay having the kids paint away while the adults enjoy a latte or two. And if you’re not familiar with Donna’s Stitch and Sew studio then you’ll be pleasantly surprised that the art of sewing is alive and well and being taught to the youngest of our local generation. It’s a wonderful thing to see these young kids and the excitement that they get from using their creative minds for something other than video games.

Stitch A Roo

66. Sharon’s and A Gentleman’s and Lady’s Consignment: Like new designer duds at a fraction of the price. As well as accessories, shoes, boots and bags. These downtown consignment stores are a  longtime favorite for savvy shoppers. It’s always a thrill to find your favorite designer and a bargain price.

7. Stacia Whately-Hawkin’s Poe. Matt Thompson-Keller Williams:  Did you know there are 200+  real estate agents in what could be  considered a very small burg. But like in a lot of professions they run the gamut from extremely incompetent to amazingly stellar and everything in between. Matt and Stacia are personable, and really care about the person they’re working with and for. They also have amazing website chockfull of information.

Matt

Stacia

8. Laetitia Murray Photography: Bet you didn’t know that we have an amazing French photographer in town, did you? If you look closely you can see her logo on my profile pic. I consider Laetitia an artist rather than a photographer and her work with teeny, weeny newborns is equal to any of Anne Geddes work. She’s been called the Baby Whisperer and for good reason. There isn’t another photographer like her in a 30 mile radius.  An assertion I’m sure you’ll  agree with once you see her work.

I love to look at her work for fun. It's that amazing

One of my favorites

 

Probably the best picture I've ever had taken

Downtown Gig Harbor, unlike a lot of Main Street towns in America, is alive and vibrant. But it’s a struggle. Especially for our small, locally owned retail stores who have to compete with the big guys like Target, Kohl’s and Marshall’s. But it’s worth the time and the little bit of effort it takes to keep them going by patronizing them as a local consumer. These small establishments are run by your friends, neighbors and relatives and, they need you, us to stay afloat and alive during these difficult economic times. So, come on down, they miss you and want to see your smiling faces. 

Handyman, Landscaper, Pressure Washer …Oh My!

Whether you need a handyman, landscaper, plumber or even a house cleaner Abigail’s Concierge Services has a network of subcontractors that are reliable, reasonable, and local as well as licensed bonded and insured. Serving Gig Harbor and Fox Island. 

It’s hard to believe that it’s already March. But everywhere you look you’ll see crocuses, daffodils and other flowers starting to bloom. Today the suns out and it actually feels balmy. Maybe not totally warm but a feeling that spring is right around the corner.

Spring is on the horizon in Gig Harbor:

And of course with spring on the way thoughts turn to all the deferred house maintenance and sprucing up chores that come with the warmer weather. And let’s face it, as green and beautiful as our part of the country is we don’t like green on our roofs and driveways in the form of moss and mold. Of course rain also wreaks havoc on wood which we favor in construction in Washington so we often have to deal with wood rot and deterioration as well.  So out comes the pressure washer, paint, replacement wood and the dread all the work ahead of you.

And let’s not forget the gutters. I don’t know about you but we always have gutters that wind up filled with leaves, pine needles and miscellaneous debris. There’s no way around it, they have to be cleaned because clogged gutters and drain pipes mean a whole lot of other problems for your home.

The hazards of doing your own maintenance:

But as we get older we start to realize that these are jobs that come with some dangerous hazards. Wet steep roofs, ladders on uneven ground and slippery decks are real concerns. And let’s face it there are professionals who are here to take those kinds of hazardous jobs off your hands making home ownership what it should be.  A haven and refuge that is meant to be enjoyed with a glass of lemonade on your clean deck while you blissfully gaze upon your neat and tidy yard. And you can feel good about employing these professionals with the knowledge that you’re helping the local economy since these tradesmen are essentially your neighbors.

How Abigail’s Concierge works on your behalf:

Yet how do you choose a trustworthy sub contractor to work on what’s probably your most valuable asset? Your home. Especially in these economic times when construction is still at an all time low there are unscrupulous, under insured and unlicensed individuals that are flooding the home repair market. For this very reason Abigail’s Concierge Services goes the extra mile in ensuring that every vendor and sub contractor passes a rigorous screening process. Our sub contractors are licensed, bonded, insured. They warranty their work, they’re local, have been in business ten plus years and can provide glowing references. We do the footwork by screening them carefully so that when you call us you can feel secure in the knowledge that those professionals working on your home are just that. Professional, dedicated, trustworthy vendors who are the best in the business.

So, don’t risk that slick, steep roof, forget about the moss strangling your lawn and don’t worry about those clogged gutters. Call us and then go make yourself some lemonade. We’ll take care of the rest.

Abigail’s Concierge Services LLC is a licensed, insured and bonded general contractor and referral agency located in downtown Gig Harbor and serving the Gig Harbor and Fox Island communities.

www.abigailsconcierge.com, info@abigailsconcierge.com, 253.432.1888, 7805 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor

 Lic #ABIGAC883M6

When It Comes To Your Home Choose Type 'A'

It’s only January but already Abigail’s Concierge Services is gearing up for aspring demand of home repair, maintenance and even remodel requests from residents of Gig Harbor, Fox Island and the Key Peninsula. If you’re asking why as a Concierge service would we be anticipating such demand? Well, the definition of a Concierge according to the Oxford dictionary is:

Concierge

Definition of concierge

noun

·             1(especially in France) a resident caretaker of a block of flats or a small hotel.

·             2a hotel employee whose job is to assist guests by booking tours, making theatre and restaurant reservations, etc...

And we may not be housed in a hotel but our mission and scope of business fits the definition. Our job is to source out vendors and services and deliver on even the most obscure requests (topic for another day).  Since our office is located in downtown Gig Harbor instead of a hotel it makes sense that we’ve become the Town Concierge, the ‘Ask Abigail’s’ of the community if you will. And the most frequent requests are for reliable, trustworthy and skilled trades’ people with pet/house sitting close behind.

Being Type ‘A’s we couldn’t have picked a more perfect business model. You know those Type ‘A people.  You may even be one yourself. Over the top analytical, detailed, persistent, perfectionist. Who consider working 12 hour days a walk in the park. Often foregoing sleep, food and even trips to the restroom when in pursuit of an objective. Not always great for personal relationships but as a part of a company culture it delivers a  great customer experience.

Type A companies like Apple, Disney, Starbucks, and Nordstrom’s are just a few that come to mind. Companies that are founded by Type A’s are often imitated but never duplicated.

When it comes to trades people Type ‘A’s are a natural choice. Because, like Forrest Gump says, “Like a box a chocolates, you never know what your gonna get.” Cute in a movie but not so great when spending possibly thousands on your home without any guarantee of what you’re going to get from an unknown trades person. The home repair and maintenance industry is very much like a ‘box of chocolates’.

So as Type ‘A’s’ entering the arena of home repair and maintenance made us mighty nervous. Yet, the community demand is there and clamoring for a trustworthy resource.  And people want to do business with people who they trust so there’s never been a better time to serve as advocates for quality trades people while filling a much needed niche.

With that in mind we came up with the most stringent and Type ‘A’ process as possible which is listed below. For our client’s peace of mind, our vendors best interests and our business’ longevity and reputation.  

ABIGAIL’S CONCIERGE SERVICES TYPE ‘A’ PROTOCOL

1. Abigail’s Concierge Services LLC is:

·         Properly Licensed

·         Liability Insured For $2,000,000

·         Bonded by the state of Washington

2. Additionally:

·         Licensed As A General Contractor

·         Carrying additional insurance Of $1,000,000

·         Bonded as a general contractor

3.   For Our Clients And Community:

·         We Back Our Vendors And Deal With Only Qualified, Experienced, Trustworthy Professionals

·         We Prioritize Local Vendors Whenever Possible (meets our commitment to our local economy)

·         Complete Background File On Each Vendor Is Available For Our Clients (peace of mind in knowing who’s coming to your home)

3. Vetting Our Vendor Partners:

·         Vendors Must Sign A Confidentiality Agreement (to protect our clients information)

·         Guarantee Their Work

·         Provide References

·         Agree To A Background Check (where applicable)

·         Have A Valid Business License

·         Proof Of Liability Insurance At Appropriate Levels

·         Be Bonded (where applicable)

Needless to say we interview a lot of trades people but only a few follow through with our requirements. And you know what? That’s ok with us. We want to be serving Gig Harbor and Fox Island for decades to come. Leaving a lasting legacy and a positive economic contribution to this community that we love so much.

We’re in it for the long haul and want to work with only the very best in the business who share our passion for excellence and commitment to our clients’ happiness.

                                                                                                        

So, as we move into spring keep us in mind for those pesky home repairs or, the new addition you want to add. We have a team of professionals that we back up because we know they’re as Type ‘A’ as we are and that’s exactly what you need as a home owner.

Check out our Added Assurance page for more details. LIC# ABIGAC883M6

By Abigail Lovell

2012 Was A Whirlwind, Exciting And Exhausting

Wow, what a whirlwind 2012 turned out to be. So many changes, endings, beginnings, introspection, some regret and like a butterfly from a cocoon or a chick from an egg the struggle to emerge as something different was ultimately worth the effort.
Born in May and bearing all the characteristics of a Taurus. Stubborn, hard headed, steadfast and strong willed. Change was always harder for me than most but finding myself in corporate America at the birth and infancy of the world of Wireless (smart and not so smart phones, iPads, tablets etc..) was both extremely exciting and unbearably painful.
The only constant was change and just when you got comfortable with the status quo, voila, here would come a 360 degree change. It took me years to understand, and then to accept that like a child that is literally growing and changing before your very eyes, Wireless, like parenting, is was for the faint hearted. If you didn't like your current situation, or boss for that matter, all you had to do was to stick around long enough and your situation would change. Sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse.
I learned so much from my life in that fast paced environment. That things change on a dime. Too never get to comfortable in the status quo because there is no such thing. That to survive and thrive you have to anticipate change, embrace it even, and learn from it.
Like a parent it was amazing to watch the Wireless world, once the domain of the wealthy and elite, to what now is as important to us as a car or cable and for a many like water and food.
And I know this is hard to believe but at one time we had to explain to potential customers what texting was, and much later what apps and data were, what a smart phone was. And when I first started we had these outrageous plans that gave you 50 minutes of talk time, but only in one part of the state and you had to pay for long distance! I was there for the launch of all of the Wireless companies that over the years were born, acquired, merged, dismantled, and reemerged . Some of these were positive and some not so much.
I got to feel the power of belief and utter genius that was Steve Jobs. And how in the worst economy since the depression being the exclusive US carrier for the iPhone granted us immunity from the recession and an amazing growth rate year after year. He was an amazing man who thought everything was possible no matter how impossible or crazy everyone else thought his ideas were.
So for those that have big, HUGE dreams remember that every story of success is also one of trial, error, defeat, perseverance and triumph. Even in the Wireless world where casual observer see monolithic empires  remember that on the inside they're run by dreamers and thinkers and creators who are just like you and me.

This year think BIG, BIG, fantastic, wonderful dreams, have belief and faith in yourself and then go make them happen! I know I am.

What do snowbirds and busy moms have in common?

You wouldn't think they would have much in common being from two different generations and in different stages in life. One generation busy buttoning up their home, packing up and getting out of dodge for sunnier climes. The other just getting in the groove of the kids being back in school, with rounds of conferences, soccer practice and this week, Halloween.
But stress is a commonality that we all occasionally suffer from at one point or another. Unless perhaps you're a buddhist monk, but I have doubts about even them.
Leaving your primary home is always stressful, where do you think 'A vacation from my vacation' came from. That's right, some poor soul who had a million things to do before leaving home that almost made leaving not worth it. And you worry about your home when you're in Arizona, Palm Desert or Mexico. Will a tree fall on my home? What if the pipes freeze? Will we come home to a cozy family of mice in our kitchen? The sun feels amazing after years of Northwest gloom but you feel sorry for your house up here, sad and all alone.
But todays moms don't have it better, whoah, talk about the ultimate multi taskers and dealers of stress to the nth degree. Juggling home, kids, dinner, laundry, work. It's hard to imagine that one day things will get easier. My daughter is grown now and going through the cycle herself and it reminds me of that time. But moms I'm here to say that things do get easier and less stressful. Hard to believe but one day you'll be able to sleep in on a Saturday, till noon if you want. No guilt, just wonderful undisturbed sleep.
These are the generations I think about when I head to my office in the morning. Because I know only too well the stress that both generations face. Been there, done that.
We have a home far away, Mexico to be exact, that we worry about as much as we worry about anything. Is she being taken care of properly?  Her name is Casa Karina, by the way. Will there be a mudslide or will termites eat all our furniture, will a boulder come barrelling down the hill and through the bedroom. Yep, these are true events. So we worry and stress just as any snowbird would.
And I also well remember running morning to night with the responsibilities of a mom, career and home and the utter exhasustion that I could never shake.
So it's been extremely gratifying  to see the relief and sense of comfort that we've been able to provide Snowbirds as they head south this winter with the knowledge that we know what it's like to worry and that their homes will get the care that we would wish our home would receive in our absence.
And I love the idea of providing our Girl Friday service to busy moms, a service that I would have loved and so desperately needed. And assistant by the hour. Need a room reorganized for company? Got it! 10 errands run by 4pm? Sure! Someone to chaperone a playdate for 5? Heck yeah!
So it's our fervent desire to be here for moms, for snowbirds and really for folks in Gig Harbor and Fox Island that need a little or a lot of help with stressful times. We're not monks but we do think that it's our job to provide a little Zen in this hectic world.
Give us a call or visit our website soon:
253 432-1888, www.abigailsconcierge.com or email info@abigailsconcierge.com