Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lindsay Curtis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lindsay, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
Not to resort to clichés, but my strong work ethic is undeniably rooted in the example set by my parents.
Initially, my father toiled alongside his own father and later, at the age of 50, ventured into a business partnership with my brother. During the earlier phase, working with his father meant he was away from home, leaving my mother to single-handedly care for three young children from Monday to Friday. Even as he transitioned to his own business, the conventional 9-to-5 job was never the norm. I was keenly aware of his tireless efforts to provide the best for our family. Although he may have been physically present more often, his work demanded irregular hours and unwavering dedication. It wasn’t until the age of 86, amid the challenges posed by Covid, that my father finally stepped away from his ful time commitment to work.
I want to emphasize that my upbringing was truly wonderful, and I am profoundly grateful for everything my parents did for me. Despite the demanding nature of their work, my mother played a pivotal role in ensuring stability at home, welcoming us after school, shuttling us to various activities, preparing dinner every night, and maintaining the household.
The culmination of these experiences instilled in me not just a sense of gratitude but also a robust work ethic. Witnessing their resilience and determination has given me the confidence to believe in myself and the conviction that I can achieve anything I set my mind to.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My dedication to sustainability has been a constant in my life, but it was the repeated challenges of relocating with three young children that propelled me to delve deeper into this passion. In 2013, I seized the perfect opportunity to address this issue by introducing rentable moving boxes crafted from 100% recyclable materials. This marked the beginning of a journey where my professional pursuits aligned seamlessly with my personal values.
Since those early days, our services have evolved significantly. We now offer professional packing and unpacking, moving services, and move management services – making us a one-stop shop for all your moving needs. Our overarching goal is to deliver a stress-free, efficient, and environmentally conscious moving experience for our clients. We take pride in our proven track record of achieving this objective.
What truly distinguishes us from competitors is our unwavering focus on customer service—we genuinely care about the individuals we serve. Recognizing that moving can be both physically and emotionally demanding, we are committed to making the process as smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free as possible. Additionally, our commitment to sustainability sets us apart, as we actively work to minimize the environmental impact of traditional moving materials.
The positive feedback from our clients is a source of immense pride for us. They appreciate our attention to detail and personalized approach. Beyond client satisfaction, we derive great fulfillment from having built a business that aligns with our values and contributes meaningfully to the world.
As we recently celebrated our 10-year anniversary, we were honored to receive the Forbes Top Mover San Diego award and the Women Entrepreneur 2023 accolade. Coupled with hundreds of 5-star reviews, these recognitions underscore our pride in the meaningful work we do.
If you are considering our services, rest assured that we go above and beyond to ensure a successful move. Recognizing the uniqueness of each client, we tailor our services to meet specific needs. Our core mission is to use sustainable methods to reduce your environmental footprint while guaranteeing your peace of mind and calming the chaos of your move.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three qualities most impactful on my journey Embracing the Art of Listening
It’s crucial to not only tune in to your inner voice but also lend an attentive ear to your clients. Avoid being stubborn; just because an idea seems brilliant to you doesn’t guarantee its practicality. Conversely, don’t let clients solely dictate your path. Maintain firmness in delivering your goods or services—set a minimum 2-hour slot at $150 per hour, establishing a starting price of $300. Resist the urge to compromise, even if a client insists on just 1 hour, hold steadfast to your value. Know your worth. Simultaneously, if a particular package isn’t resonating with the market, heed its feedback and pivot accordingly.
Mastering the Balance of Knowledge
Recognize that you can’t be an expert in everything. Confidently acknowledge your skill set and be adept at referring to specialists when needed. While continuous learning is valuable, mastering your core field takes precedence over venturing into unfamiliar territories. For instance, if your expertise lies in packing and moving homes, you may wish to seek professional piano movers who are more adept to moving pianos.
Passion as the Driving Force
Adhering to the adage, “Love what you do, and you will never have to work a day in your life,” rings profoundly true. If you’ve ventured into entrepreneurship, genuine passion for your work is non-negotiable. This enthusiasm not only shines through to your clients but also ensures that your work becomes a source of joy rather than a chore. Choosing a business aligned with your passion is not just a career move; it’s a commitment to spending your time meaningfully, avoiding the drudgery of a job you dislike for 40+ hours a week.
Tips when starting out
Avoid overthinking
Women often approach situations differently from their male counterparts. While it’s essential to think logically and strategically, resist the temptation to overanalyze. Instead, channel your thinking towards finding solutions.
Take the Leap
Just go for it. Embrace the unknown, even if you’re uncertain about what lies ahead. The initial step is often the most daunting, but the journey unfolds as you progress. If things don’t go as planned, view it as a learning opportunity.
Handle Challenges Strategically
Face challenges as they come. Unforeseen obstacles will arise, some beyond your imagination. Even with contingency plans in place, life can throw curveballs. However, worrying about every possible scenario would paralyze you. When faced with a problem outside your comfort zone, pause, take a breath, and confront it directly.
Build a Supportive Network
Surround yourself with a support system comprising diverse thinkers who may offer alternative perspectives. Don’t hesitate to seek help when needed. Collaboration and varied viewpoints can be invaluable in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.
How would you describe your ideal client?
Our preferred clientele is individuals who reach out to us during their preliminary research. With just one call, we can frequently streamline their process, saving both time and money. Guiding them on the necessary steps, detailing our assistance, and ensuring an efficient move with minimal stress are our specialties.
Whether you’re an individual relocating, a family in transition, or downsizing, we offer tailored moving solutions for both residential and commercial clients, to meet your requirements and budget. It’s the opportune moment to make ‘a smart move.’
Contact Info:
- Website: www.a-smart-move.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asmartmovesd
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asmartmovesd
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-curtis-73b9a7b3/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/a-smart-move-san-diego-2
Image Credits
Shiloh Photography Lori Laroque Photography
