Greetings and salutations.
First of all, I want to send positive thoughts and prayers to the people of Moore, Oklahoma. There are no words that can be spoken to truly describe the horror and devastation they experienced yesterday. Like Super Storm Sandy late last year, natural disasters always seem to put things in perspective. I have many friends and family that are still feeling the effects of that horrific day. Last week I was contacted by a reporter from the Star-Ledger newspaper of Newark, NJ for a comment about the amount of burglaries happening along the Jersey Shore in homes that were damaged and are unattended. I gave him my thoughts, but passed along Keith Gunsten's contact info. Keith, of NJ Home Watch, is right in the middle of things on the Shore, and certainly more qualified to discuss the situation. Great job on the article, Keith.
I'd also like to address a couple of comments that I've received about our "Home Watch Start Up Guide". When I wrote the guide, I did so with the intention of having it help a new company form a business plan that makes sense, while avoiding some of the pitfalls and obstacles that I experienced with Coastal Carolina Home Watch. When I speak with people before they purchase it, I always let them know that depending on how far along in the process they are, they might feel that they know some of the information already. However, it is very important that they don't simply dismiss what I am trying to get across. But the guide is only a part of the program. Once you have purchased it, the NHWA is available to be contacted with questions and guidance throughout the entire start up process. We have helped many companies transition smoothly from concept, to becoming operational. And, the price of the guide is applied to the cost of your membership fee. I am extremely confident in our "mentoring program."
I'd like to update you on the NHWA National Conference being held in Myrtle Beach this October 24th - 26th. The event will include demonstrations of Home Watch management applications for smart phones and tablets. My company will be beta testing two of these systems prior to the conference. We will also be officially introducing our very own General Liability policy, available only to members of the NHWA. I can't tell you how excited the membership is about this. We will also have speakers and forums addressing SEO, social media, and networking. We have a lot planned, and much to be accomplished.
Look for new member announcements from Arkansas, Utah, Arizona, Florida, Georgia and California. And, there are more states in the process of coming on board. If you are considering joining, do it already! Our website is generating lots of leads for our Members, and we have many potential clients in other areas looking for Accredited Members. Become a member today.
Much success,
Jack
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Thursday, May 9, 2013
BIG NEWS on the insurance front!
Greetings and salutations!
2013 is shaping up to be a big year for the NHWA. We have been receiving a lot of inquiries from across the country and Canada about membership and our mentoring program. I actually spoke with a woman today that had been considering membership over three years ago. It is very satisfying to know that we have staying power, and that we've been able to maintain people's interests, even after three years. As expected, Florida and Arizona remain the states with the most inquiries: from both Home Watch clients and companies. Because we are constantly gathering information and data, the NHWA is a great source of knowledge and advice for companies in our industry. Whether you are just starting out, or have been in the business for years, becoming an Accredited Member will help you grow your business and make you more profitable.
As a result a lot of very hard and tedious work, the NHWA will soon be making available a GENERAL LIABILITY policy to it's Accredited Members. This policy is being written SPECIFICALLY for HOME WATCH. This is huge news, because as an industry, we are not classified. Check your policies, and you may find that you are classified as "janitorial" or "security guard" or maybe even "miscellaneous". The categories that we are shoved into by insurance companies would amaze you. We have also been researching SOFTWARE and MANAGEMENT APPLICATIONS. We have been inundated with questions about different products, so we have decided to get involved. Look for our choice(s) and recommendation(s) at our National Conference in Myrtle Beach this October.
If you have been considering joining us, do it already. If you've never considered it, here is your chance. There are many good reasons to join. We can help grow your business not only through our marketing, but also through the ability you'll have to interact with other leading companies. That, my friends, is invaluable.
Much success,
Jack
2013 is shaping up to be a big year for the NHWA. We have been receiving a lot of inquiries from across the country and Canada about membership and our mentoring program. I actually spoke with a woman today that had been considering membership over three years ago. It is very satisfying to know that we have staying power, and that we've been able to maintain people's interests, even after three years. As expected, Florida and Arizona remain the states with the most inquiries: from both Home Watch clients and companies. Because we are constantly gathering information and data, the NHWA is a great source of knowledge and advice for companies in our industry. Whether you are just starting out, or have been in the business for years, becoming an Accredited Member will help you grow your business and make you more profitable.
As a result a lot of very hard and tedious work, the NHWA will soon be making available a GENERAL LIABILITY policy to it's Accredited Members. This policy is being written SPECIFICALLY for HOME WATCH. This is huge news, because as an industry, we are not classified. Check your policies, and you may find that you are classified as "janitorial" or "security guard" or maybe even "miscellaneous". The categories that we are shoved into by insurance companies would amaze you. We have also been researching SOFTWARE and MANAGEMENT APPLICATIONS. We have been inundated with questions about different products, so we have decided to get involved. Look for our choice(s) and recommendation(s) at our National Conference in Myrtle Beach this October.
If you have been considering joining us, do it already. If you've never considered it, here is your chance. There are many good reasons to join. We can help grow your business not only through our marketing, but also through the ability you'll have to interact with other leading companies. That, my friends, is invaluable.
Much success,
Jack
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Cautious optimism = news!
Greetings and salutations.
There is a lot going on behind the scenes at the NHWA. Aside from planning our very first National Conference being held in Myrtle Beach this October, we have been working very hard on a general liability insurance solution for Home Watch companies. A lot of Home Watch companies that are insured, might not actually carry the correct coverages. Huh? Unfortunately, it's true. Because Home Watch and Concierge companies are generally slotted into many different categories by insurance underwriters, and because the services we provide don't always fit neatly into a little box, the coverage written into the policy may not be covering the work actually being performed. And then there is the cost factor. Is the Home Watch paying to much? They could be paying too little. Keep in mind that what seems to be affordable insurance that doesn't cover what it needs to, is not a great deal. There will be a lot more conversation about this. Stay tuned for the latest developments.
The NHWA is the source for accurate information for Home Watch. Our members are an alliance of Accredited Members, who maintain the highest standards and ethics in their businesses. Among the many benefits of membership are marketing and education.
Much success,
Jack
There is a lot going on behind the scenes at the NHWA. Aside from planning our very first National Conference being held in Myrtle Beach this October, we have been working very hard on a general liability insurance solution for Home Watch companies. A lot of Home Watch companies that are insured, might not actually carry the correct coverages. Huh? Unfortunately, it's true. Because Home Watch and Concierge companies are generally slotted into many different categories by insurance underwriters, and because the services we provide don't always fit neatly into a little box, the coverage written into the policy may not be covering the work actually being performed. And then there is the cost factor. Is the Home Watch paying to much? They could be paying too little. Keep in mind that what seems to be affordable insurance that doesn't cover what it needs to, is not a great deal. There will be a lot more conversation about this. Stay tuned for the latest developments.
The NHWA is the source for accurate information for Home Watch. Our members are an alliance of Accredited Members, who maintain the highest standards and ethics in their businesses. Among the many benefits of membership are marketing and education.
Much success,
Jack
Friday, April 26, 2013
Home Watch Services of Rochester, MI
Greetings and salutations!
They say that it takes all kinds. One thing that I have learned from running this association is that the diversity of Home Watch business owners is astounding. For those of you who remember the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", you'll recall all of those people who didn't know each other, but kept drawing the same picture of Devil's Tower, or even sculpting it out of mashed potatoes. They didn't know each other, and had no idea what was making them think about it, yet they all wound up in the same place. I know: quite the analogy. Well....
I was contacted a few months back by Lynne and Ron Yurgo of Rochester, Michigan. Lynne held a seat on the Chicago Options Board. and spent 27 years in finance after attending Ohio State University. She raised 3 daughters, and bred golden retrievers on the side. Ron attended the Walsh Business School, had been in real estate for years, and owned a very successful driving school in Michigan. After a chance meeting while playing "pickle ball", they fell in love and got married (on 12/12/12). As a favor to some friends, Ron and Lynne agreed to look after their homes while they were away for a few months. More friends started to ask the same favor, and before long Lynne and Ron realized that they had a business on their hands. So after a long phone conversation, they purchased a guide from the NHWA, and started working on their plan. They hit the very same road block that many other Home Watch companies do: securing insurance. After a little help from us (Thanks Stacey!), they were able to get a good policy, and finalize the details of starting Home Watch Services, LLC of Rochester, MI. Ron and Lynne are drawing on their unique backgrounds to give excellent customer service and peace of mind to their clients. Because of Michigan's climate, they have a lot of snowbirds that wing their way south during the winter. Home Watch Services cares for these people's homes and advocates for the owners in their absence.
Lynne and Ron are very active in local charities. Lynne has a charity that feeds needy families and children. They both work with Leader Dogs for the Blind. Home Watch Services, LLC serves Rochester, MI. Please visit their website at HomeWatchServicesLLC.com. Best of luck Lynne and Ron. I wish you
Much success.
Jack
They say that it takes all kinds. One thing that I have learned from running this association is that the diversity of Home Watch business owners is astounding. For those of you who remember the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", you'll recall all of those people who didn't know each other, but kept drawing the same picture of Devil's Tower, or even sculpting it out of mashed potatoes. They didn't know each other, and had no idea what was making them think about it, yet they all wound up in the same place. I know: quite the analogy. Well....
I was contacted a few months back by Lynne and Ron Yurgo of Rochester, Michigan. Lynne held a seat on the Chicago Options Board. and spent 27 years in finance after attending Ohio State University. She raised 3 daughters, and bred golden retrievers on the side. Ron attended the Walsh Business School, had been in real estate for years, and owned a very successful driving school in Michigan. After a chance meeting while playing "pickle ball", they fell in love and got married (on 12/12/12). As a favor to some friends, Ron and Lynne agreed to look after their homes while they were away for a few months. More friends started to ask the same favor, and before long Lynne and Ron realized that they had a business on their hands. So after a long phone conversation, they purchased a guide from the NHWA, and started working on their plan. They hit the very same road block that many other Home Watch companies do: securing insurance. After a little help from us (Thanks Stacey!), they were able to get a good policy, and finalize the details of starting Home Watch Services, LLC of Rochester, MI. Ron and Lynne are drawing on their unique backgrounds to give excellent customer service and peace of mind to their clients. Because of Michigan's climate, they have a lot of snowbirds that wing their way south during the winter. Home Watch Services cares for these people's homes and advocates for the owners in their absence.
Lynne and Ron are very active in local charities. Lynne has a charity that feeds needy families and children. They both work with Leader Dogs for the Blind. Home Watch Services, LLC serves Rochester, MI. Please visit their website at HomeWatchServicesLLC.com. Best of luck Lynne and Ron. I wish you
Much success.
Jack
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Homewatch Services, Etc of Bonita Springs, Fl gains accreditation!
Greetings and salutations.
I am very pleased to announce the accreditation and membership of Carl Lorenzini and Homewatch Services, Etc of Bonita Springs, Florida. Carl's company was founded by his father Edward Lorenzini in 2002. A successful Realtor in the local market, Edward founded a true family business, dedicated to taking care of clients homes that he met through his real estate dealings. Soon, Carl became the driving force behind the business and built it up to what it is today: a well respected company with family values that looks out for it's clients best interests at all times. Carl, Karinna and Homewatch Services, Etc. are an excellent addition to the growing NHWA membership.
Homewatch Services Etc., Inc.
Carl Lorenzini
Homewatch Services, Etc offers Home Watch, Concierge and Home Management to Bonita Springs, Estero and Naples, Florida. Their website is homewatchservicesetc.com. Welcome!
Much success,
Jack
Friday, March 22, 2013
The NHWA welcomes it's first Canadian member: Severn Cottage Services
Greetings and salutations!
It has taken a while, but I am finally able to announce the accreditation of our very first Canadian Member! Sandy & Randy Martin are the owners of Severn Cottage Services Inc. which is located in the heart of Ontario’s cottage country in Severn Falls,
Ontario. Randy started Cottage Watch in 1990 by being in the right place at the right time. After spending 10 years in oil fields around the world, he
decided to come home for a year or so. Because he grew up in "Cottage Country", he
knew a lot of weekend cottagers from the Toronto. A few of them heard that he was back in town, so they asked him to look after their properties while they were away for the
winter. Because there were no companies offering services like Home Watch, Randy and his wife Sandy learned by doing. Randy returned
to the oil field overseas, but continued with cottage watch on a small
scale. In 2011 Sandy, Randy and their two children decided to expand their
cottage watch services to include: Cottage and Home Watch property patrols,and cottage cleaning and rental services. Randy and company cover a very unique area, because their client's homes are not always accessible by automobile. That's right: access is by boat or ATV in the summer, and snowmobile or air boat in the winter!
Their vast service area covers the Severn River area, between Big Chute &
Swift Rapids, Gloucester Pool, Six Mile Lake, the Honey Harbour Area,
Midland, Horseshoe Valley to Orillia and even along Lake Simcoe. They even developed a cutting edge, state of the art reporting system that informs their clients of their visit, using GPS positioning. A report is automatically generated to the client showing time, inspector and uploaded pictures that can be accessed 24/7 online. Randy has asked my company , Coastal Carolina Home Watch to test his system in the US. He also has plans to introduce his reporting system to the NHWA membership at our National (International?) Conference which is slated for October 24th - 26th, 2013 in Myrtle Beach,SC. Please visit their website www.severncottageservices.ca
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| Randy and Sandy Martin of Severn Cottage Services, Inc. |
Thanks for reading, and I will be announcing our 6 newest members this coming week. As always, I wish you
Much success,
Jack
Monday, February 18, 2013
Cape Associates of Cape Cod joins the Association!
The National Home Watch Association would like to welcome Cape Associates of North Eastham as an Accredited Member. A custom builder on the Cape and Nantucket since the early 70's, they recently added a Home Watch division, based on the amount of homes there needing this type of service.
Cinnamon Swable was hand picked to run and facilitate their Home Watch division. A member of the Cape Associates team for the past five years, she was previously in the landscape industry for over 18 years. During that time, she cultivated a specialty gardening company. Cinnamon earned a degree in Construction Technology from Wentworth Institute of Technology. She and her son, Nemo, love spending time at their home in Eastham, MA.
A very cool thing about Cape Associates is that they build a unique playhouse every year, and raffle it off for a local charity. Go to http://www.capeassociates.com/A_Pages/playhouses.html to see past playhouses.
Cinnamon wants everyone to know that Cape Associates serves all of Cape Cod. They have two locations: the main office in North Eastham, and a second in Yarmouthport. She can reached by phone at (508) 255-1770 or cinnamon@capeassociates.com.
Welcome Cinnamon and Cape Associates. We are thrilled to call you Members.
The National Home Watch Association would like to welcome Cape Associates of North Eastham as an Accredited Member. A custom builder on the Cape and Nantucket since the early 70's, they recently added a Home Watch division, based on the amount of homes there needing this type of service.
Cinnamon Swable was hand picked to run and facilitate their Home Watch division. A member of the Cape Associates team for the past five years, she was previously in the landscape industry for over 18 years. During that time, she cultivated a specialty gardening company. Cinnamon earned a degree in Construction Technology from Wentworth Institute of Technology. She and her son, Nemo, love spending time at their home in Eastham, MA.
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| Cinnamon Swable of Cape Associates |
Cinnamon wants everyone to know that Cape Associates serves all of Cape Cod. They have two locations: the main office in North Eastham, and a second in Yarmouthport. She can reached by phone at (508) 255-1770 or cinnamon@capeassociates.com.
Welcome Cinnamon and Cape Associates. We are thrilled to call you Members.
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