Luann
Luann comes from a large Midwest family of 9 children, of which she is the oldest and thus was put into a position of caregiving and responsibility from a young age. I also learned a very strong work ethic which has stayed with me throughout my many years of helping people. My father worked hard and expected his children to follow his lead. My background is in special event management—much of which was spent with non-profit organizations and ranged from helping to organize an air show/trade show in Kalamazoo, Michigan called the Michigan International Air Show & Trade Show, High on Kalamazoo which was voted the top show in the country for two years, to fundraising at National Jewish Hospital, Special Event Coordinator for the College of Arts & Sciences at University of Colorado Boulder and a stint as Catering Director at two local country clubs.
I have also moved 15 times since becoming an adult and have gone through the collecting and the downsizing cycles involved with such moves. I actually enjoy the challenge involved with the whole process and after helping to completely clear out my partner Greg’s mothers’ apartment when she went to live in a skilled nursing home in Boulder, and spending three years visiting her 3-5 times a week, the idea began to ferment that I would like to work with seniors.
With my background in event management it made sense to bring those skills to one of the most important special events that the aging adult can experience—moving from their home of up to 90 years (yes, we moved a lady who had been in the same home for 92 years) and helping to make this normally “overwhelming” transition as smooth and stress free as possible. We felt that if we could take care of all of the details for them, both physically, emotionally and help with the decision making process, that our clients would be able to have a more positive experience instead of a traumatic one. 98% of the time it works! (Some people will stress no matter how smoothly it goes—it’s just their nature!)
When time allows, I love to travel and we have been to some great places, such as New Zealand, 10 European countries, Costa Rica, Panama, Korea, and in the early 70’s I lived in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. I’ve visited most of the 50 states but Hawaii is my favorite. We prefer the Big Island of Hawaii with Maui running second. Golf is one of the things that I enjoy and there is a great course on the Big Island that we enjoy playing. Also like to read and garden when I have time.
I have always been a people-person and I feel that it helps a lot during the moving and downsizing process because I really do care about our clients and want them to have the best possible experience. Each one is unique and has their own special stories and have lived some interesting lives. It is amazing how many artists, teachers, veterans (including a Tuskegee Airman and an airman who was part of the bombing at Hiroshima, world travelers, CEO’s, poets, college professors, antique dealers and housewives. Our youngest client so far was 24 years old and we have moved THREE 99 ½ year olds.