Business Profile

News-Leader.com | Springfield, MO

October 27, 2008

Nature of the business:

Jeff and Kristin Etem's business offers a full range of services including home and office cleaning, pressure washing of homes and businesses, professional carpet cleaning, lawn care, maintenance and home/pet sitting.

How business started:

Jeff and Kristin started a home and pet sitting business in 2002 because they believed people wanted an alternative to boarding their pets. After researching similar businesses across the country, they jumped in.

Since opening, they have gained over 275 clients in Springfield and the surrounding area. Many of those clients desired further services such as lawn care and basic housecleaning, pushing the Etems to expand their already thriving business. With the new offerings, customers can come back from a trip to find "their pets have been taken care of and we also took care of their yard and had their carpets cleaned," said Jeff. "There has been great interest and excitement over the launch of this new side of the business."

It isn't necessary for clients to have pets.

Experience in the industry:

Jeff and Kristin use their experience in customer service to ensure that each job is done professionally and efficiently. Jeff worked as a driver for Springfield Paper Co. while Kristin worked at Great Southern Bank.

Many of their maintenance employees have lifelong experience, while their housekeepers are insured and bonded through the company and undergo background checks.

Most importantly, their employees are their friends and love what they do, said Jeff.

Challenges:

Advertising is tricky for many business owners, and the Etems are no different.

"Our greatest challenges are mostly getting the word out about our business in an affordable manner," said Jeff. "We are a debt-free business and if we don't have the cash on hand for it, we don't do it."

They rely on word-of-mouth to gain clientele and have testimonials available on their Web site.

Goals for the business:

The owners aim for While You're Away Services to grow into a franchise.

Jeff notes his "entrepreneurial spirit" and emphasizes how rewarding it is to see something he and Kristin dreamed up develop into full-time careers for themselves and others.

"We are very proud to be a Christian owned and operated business, and we make every effort to run it with honesty and integrity," said Jeff.

-- Pamela Spradlin For the News-Leader

Call or email today to setup a free estimate.


	Business Profile News-Leader.com \| Springfield, MO October 27, 2008 Nature of the business: Jeff and Kristin Etem's business offers a full range of services including home and office cleaning, pressure washing of homes and businesses, professional carpet cleaning, lawn care, maintenance and home/pet sitting. How business started: Jeff and Kristin started a home and pet sitting business in 2002 because they believed people wanted an alternative to boarding their pets. After researching similar businesses across the country, they jumped in. Since opening, they have gained over 275 clients in Springfield and the surrounding area. Many of those clients desired further services such as lawn care and basic housecleaning, pushing the Etems to expand their already thriving business. With the new offerings, customers can come back from a trip to find "their pets have been taken care of and we also took care of their yard and had their carpets cleaned," said Jeff. "There has been great interest and excitement over the launch of this new side of the business." It isn't necessary for clients to have pets. Experience in the industry: Jeff and Kristin use their experience in customer service to ensure that each job is done professionally and efficiently. Jeff worked as a driver for Springfield Paper Co. while Kristin worked at Great Southern Bank. Many of their maintenance employees have lifelong experience, while their housekeepers are insured and bonded through the company and undergo background checks. Most importantly, their employees are their friends and love what they do, said Jeff. Challenges: Advertising is tricky for many business owners, and the Etems are no different. "Our greatest challenges are mostly getting the word out about our business in an affordable manner," said Jeff. "We are a debt-free business and if we don't have the cash on hand for it, we don't do it." They rely on word-of-mouth to gain clientele and have testimonials available on their Web site. Goals for the business: The owners aim for While You're Away Services to grow into a franchise. Jeff notes his "entrepreneurial spirit" and emphasizes how rewarding it is to see something he and Kristin dreamed up develop into full-time careers for themselves and others. "We are very proud to be a Christian owned and operated business, and we make every effort to run it with honesty and integrity," said Jeff. -- Pamela Spradlin For the News-Leader Call or email today to setup a free estimate.
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