Errand Family is on hand for those little tasks

Business Beat



Office Assistant Mia Ramirez and Errand Family owners Lindsay and Mark Willard say they love helping people and Errand Family, their new concierge service business, does that. Staff|staff@swspotlight.com

Office Assistant Mia Ramirez and Errand Family owners Lindsay and Mark Willard say they love helping people and Errand Family, their new concierge service business, does that. Staff|staff@swspotlight.com

For all those little home tasks that are just a little too difficult, or for which there is just not enough time, help is just a phone call away.

Mark and Lindsay Willard expanded beyond their Merry Maids business to incorporate a new idea, Errand Family – a new business that reaches out to the community in a different way.

Errand Family, a new concierge style business serving Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero, runs errands, often immediately or the same day they’re requested.

“We provide convenience and compassion to the community in many areas aside from cleaning,” said Mark Willard. “People trust us because we are associated with a household name and because Errand Family is so new, people providing the errand service have often been vetted by Merry Maids.” The company has been running errands by request since July.

“Filled requests,” said Willard, “include grocery shopping, packing vehicles at the end of season for the trip north, mailing packages, delivering purchased items too big for a customer’s vehicle, hosting a party (filling drinks and food trays and emptying trash), ironing, typing and editing documents, delivering and picking up vehicles from mechanics and more.”

Simple errands often serve older residents who seek an extra hand for a specific task. Staff requirements include trustworthiness and aptitude for diverse tasks that are not too complex. Customer service is the priority. “We can do just about anything,” said Willard.

Merry Maids cleaning has been in the Naples area for 17 years and owned by the Willards for nearly three years. Employees are well-vetted for honesty, work ethic, skill and reliability. A sophisticated tracking system follows an average of 15 to 20 employees at all times, showing who might be available to run an errand nearby.

Employees opt into Errand Family for additional income. Errand Family costs vary according to distance and task complexity, averaging $10 to $35 per hour.

“As Errand Family grows,” he said, “serving the occasional needs of able elderly not quite ready for full-time caregivers is expected to gain in popularity – more like a friend stopping by to say hello and running a few errands or completing some household chores.

“The satisfaction Lindsay and I get, along with our team members, when helping someone — from ironing a shirt to ensuring a happy Christmas – is outstanding,” Willard said.

See ErrandFamily.com or call 239-403-4003 for more information.


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