Kristi Young is happiest in helping others. In fact, she’s made it her business to help others.
“People say they don’t have enough time to get stuff done, and their lives are stressful,” she said. “I come in and do what they don’t want to do or don’t have the time to do. How many times have you thought, ‘I need to get this done, but that will have to wait’?”
She founded Concierge Now in late 2012 to help get those things done. The company offers a wide range of services:
“Most of it, I do myself at this point, but I have staff I contract certain things out to,” she said. “Basically, it’s whatever someone needs. If I can’t do it, I find the person who can.”
She said on-going projects get a better rate than a one-time job, but there’s no set price for her services. The best way to find out what something would cost is to ask.
Young got the idea for Concierge Now while working and going to school full-time. She found herself wishing for someone to help her out with things. That lead to in-depth research into concierge business. It seemed a natural fit for Paris as there wasn’t one here already.
“In big cities, there’s a lot of competition. Here, the market’s wide open,” she said. “Everything I have read says it is cost effective because it frees people up to do what they want to do and need to do.”
She has the background to help just about everyone, including a bachelor’s degree in human services management. She’s also a life coach, interventionist, certified childbirth educator, professional labor assistant (doula), certified fitness specialist, and water safety instructor.
“People know I love what I do, and I’m going to do it 100 percent,” Young said. “That makes a difference in whether someone calls you back. I offer good customer service, and it’s not overpriced.”
In addition to her professionalism, Young prides herself on being dependable, discreet and trustworthy. Her services certainly seem appreciated by her clients.
On the Concierge Now website, Dr. Sherry Scott said: “Ms. Young embodies the true spirit of an entrepreneur in her determination and persistence to succeed. She stands by a creed of ‘No job is worth doing, unless it is done right.’ Therefore, I have no hesitation in recommending the services provided by Concierge Now and feel certain that the customer’s satisfaction will be first priority assuring our local region of a much-needed service.”
Sydney Young of Young Title Company added: “Thank you, Concierge Now, for helping organize me! Highly recommend!”
Young said it’s her passion for people that will ultimately mean success for her fledgling business.
“I love it. I love people,” Young said. “When I am managing people and a lot of things at one time – that’s where I do my best. Put me in a cubicle? Nah. I’ll go nuts.”
For more information, visit the Concierge Now website at www.conciergenowonline.com, and be sure to “like” the company on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ConciergeNow. Or you can call her at 903-495-2560.
In recognition of National Hospital Week, the Paris Regional Medical Center leadership and administration got together to cook and serve meals to their staff.
They served grilled hamburgers, hotdogs and chicken meals in appreciation of all staffs’ hard work. This took place on the North and South campus locations and on both day and evening shifts.
A question about whether the Paris Economic Development Corp. can legally fund the local business incubator came as a surprise to its director.
Hank Betke
“I was shocked,” said Hank Betke, executive director of the Red River Region Business Incubator. “This came out of the blue.”
The issue came up this week at a PEDC board meeting when its newest member, Rebecca Clifford, asked whether a 4A corporation like PEDC could legally provide money for R3bi.
State law allows counties to collect sales tax for economic development. There are two types: 4A, which is limited to funding manufacturing and industry; 4B, which can also provide funds for community development and retail endeavors.
“I think we could do it if we were a 4B corporation, but not as a 4A corporation,” Clifford said at Tuesday’s meeting.
“I’m not against small business. I believe in small business, and I realize that small businesses are the backbone of a community, and I’m not opposed to that.”
PEDC board member Bruce Carr suggested asking the Texas attorney general for an opinion on the matter, although that can take several months.
Paris EDC has provided the majority of the incubator’s funding for the last couple of years. This year’s budget includes about $95,000 for R3bi. The proposed budget for the next fiscal year includes about $90,000.
“We appreciate input from everyone,” Betke said. “I’d love for any board member who has questions to come and see for themselves what we’re doing here.”
Betke said he feels sure the legality issue will resolve itself.
“We’ve done a lot of good things for the community,” he said. “We’ll put our track record for successful job creation against anyone’s.”
The PEDC board has another budget workshop scheduled for 1 p.m. June 11. PEDC Director Steve Gilbert plans to research and put together a report to answer the board members’ concerns.
North Lamar High School senior, Jessica Roberts, has been awarded the LMS Restoration scholarship for 2013.
Don Preston, owner of LMS Restoration, is shown presenting the company’s 2013 scholarship to North Lamar senior, Jessica Roberts.
Applicants were considered based on grade performance, extracurricular involvement, and future plans. According to Don Preston, owner of LMS Restoration, “Jessica’s application stood out due to her strong and committed work ethic, her many community service contributions, and her sincere confidence in achieving her elevated goals.”
Jessica is the daughter of Glenn & Suzanne Roberts of Paris. She is ranked 3rd in her graduating class of 224 students and has a GPA of 4.00.
Throughout high school, Jessica has been involved in Beta Club, Yearbook, Key Club, National Honor Society, UIL Science, Project Graduation, Spanish Club, Bible Club and Zone 32.
She has contributed to our community through peer mentoring and through numerous roles in her church, as well as demonstrated her determination to further her education by saving the money she has earned through two jobs her junior and senior years. Jessica plans to pursue a career as a doctor or nurse practitioner in the field of pediatric oncology, rheumatology, or obstetrics.
LMS Restoration is proud to support and encourage this outstanding young leader in our community of Paris.
Promoting your business series continues!New Millennium Marketing: Leveraging the internet and social media to grow your business
Greg Wilson of Hometown Web Media presents the Brown Bag Seminar in May. When advertising your business, have you considered who the new generation of customers is? What about websites vs. social media? What resources are available to promote your website, both locally and nationally?
Greg will answer these questions and more, leaving you with more answers about how to promote your business!
Spend your lunch hour with us!
Wednesday, May 15th at the R3bi From 12:00 to 1:00 and its FREE!
Red River Region Business Incubator
1445 Clarksville
Paris, TX 75460
Phone: 903 905-4979
E-mail: info@R3bi.org
facebook.com/ther3bi
Sponsored by Lamar National Bank
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