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Relax
10
Don’t Do It Yourself
Say “Yes” to Y.E.S. Concierge
By Maia Cargas
Your Errand & Services Concierge is a
unique service new to the area as of June.
I had the pleasure of talking with Nancy
Stewart, managing partner and one of
the four founders. Stewart has acquired
experience from a range of industries,
including more than twenty years in
sales, marketing, and tourism. Nancy’s
professional and personal life experiences
enable her to provide superior service in
her most recent endeavor.
Y.E.S. Concierge offers a range of
services from pet care to event planning.
Shopping, traveling, and business services
are examples of common services offered
by this unique company. Gift certificates
are available, which can be very helpful
through the holiday season. Personal
shopping and gift-wrapping services are
also conducive to a relaxed holiday. This
service will do whatever it takes to satisfy
its clients. From small errands to planning
big events, Y.E.S. Concierge will provide
any necessary arrangements to make your
day a success.
Nancy explains the business in her
own words…
FLL: What is the purpose behind Y.E.S.
Concierge?
Y.E.S.: The purpose of the business is to
help other people enjoy life… find time to
enjoy their kids, to focus on work, to focus
on their families and their homes.
FLL: In what way are your three other
business partners qualified to provide
these services?
The ladies of Y.E.S. Concierge; Nancy Stewart, Barb Shopf, Nancy Smith, Barbara Royer
Y.E.S.: Most of us have been very busy
moms or career people, so we know
how difficult it is to juggle everything.
Barb Shopf has a marketing background;
Nancy Smith is customer service; I’m
(experienced in) marketing and advertising,
and Barb Royer is our animal lover. We all
bring unique qualities to the table. We are
a great team.
FLL: How did you apply your business
experience to your new company?
Y.E.S.: I was in the tourism industry
looking at how to make the tours better
and fun… in advertising agencies you’re
always catering to the client. Again, it boils
down to customer service.
FLL: Where do you see Y.E.S. Concierge
in the near future?
Y.E.S.: We’re growing. My goal is to have
people that we trust (as employees). I see
growth happening, and I see our territory
expanding. I would like to employ more
people in order to maintain a high level of
customer service.
FLL: Is there one aspect of your work
ethic that surpasses the rest?
Y.E.S.: Trust and customer service. We
are insured and bonded because we go
into people’s homes and offices.
FLL: Trust is a big thing…
Y.E.S.: Huge. Trust and customer service.
FLL: Customer service makes all the
difference in the world.
Y.E.S.: Yes. That is what our business is
all about.
FLL: How did the concept of Y.E.S.
Concierge develop?
Y.E.S.: Nancy Smith and I used to work
together, and we got along really well. We
always said, ‘Hey we should do something
together.’ So this concept just kind of hit
us. You know how you think of things,
and you never take it and run with it? This,
I conceptualized, and then thought there’s
a tremendous need, let’s do it! It’s a new
concept.
FLL: When someone comes to you, is
there a standard way of handling meeting
their needs?
Y.E.S.: It’s all customized. Everyone has
different needs and desires and ways of
interacting. Everything is customized to
the client.
FLL: How do you begin your relationship
with a client?
Y.E.S.: We meet with prospective clients
first, making sure they are comfortable
before writing the contract. We try to
assess clients and then accommodate
them.
FLL: What is the essence of what you do?
Y.E.S.: We’ll do the research for you;
we’ll make appointments for you; we’ll
do whatever it is that makes life easier so
people can relax.
FLL: Can you identify some of the main
aspects of your working mission?
Y.E.S.: Making sure things get done in a
timely manner. Meeting the customers’
expectations.
Just trying to get back to basics. And
relaxation. I just think it’s a good idea to let
some of the little stuff go so you can enjoy
the most important things. Our goal is to
take over some of your daily chores and
tasks so you can enjoy the most important
things in your life.
FLL: Can you outline a sample success
with a client?
Y.E.S.: For example, we had this client
whose house we were organizing. In one
corner she had stacks of recipes thrown in
a pile. So I got her a binder and titled the
front, and created a place to store all of
her recipes. She didn’t expect it, and she
was delighted.
FLL: That’s an important point
that makes you different from just
completing the tasks and jobs that
they asked for- she didn’t ask you to
make a personalized recipe book…
Y.E.S.: It’s sympathetic; it’s concern;
it’s helpful.
FLL: The human element is what
sets you apart…
Y.E.S.: In this area there is nothing
like what we do. We do it all. We
want to build long-term relationships.
FLL: To what do you attribute
your success?
Y.E.S.: Where there’s a will there’s a
way. Diligence. Building relationships,
networking- staying connected.
{honesty, trustworthiness}
FLL: Do you use a specific pay scale?
Y.E.S.: $25/hr and $40/hr event
planning. We offer different packages
5 hrs week- 20 hrs week. Our costs
are reasonable enough that almost
anyone can use our services.
FLL: What do you find most
rewarding about your work?
Y.E.S.: When people are satisfied.
So you can actually make a difference
and impact people’s lives, help
eliminate people’s stress. It stresses
people out if they need to do
something and can’t. To make
people smile. FLL
Y.E.S. Concierge is located at 135
Treetops Drive, Lancaster PA
and can be reached at 866-442-
5413 or on the web at
www.YourErrandService.com
Maia Cargas has a strong passion
for literature and art. She resides in
downtown Lancaster and can be
reached at mlcargas@comcast.net
Enjoy your life again with help
from Y.E.S. Concierge!