July 16, 2006
Business Spotlight: Organized Living Solutions
Source: Emily Fitzgerald, owner and founder of Organized Living SolutionsAddress: 614 Harrison St., Suite 100, Fort Wayne
At a glance: The company helps people organize their homes and offices, from creating a more efficient filing system to cutting through the clutter in the garage or making the most of closet space.
Employees: Emily Fitzgerald, founder and owner, and two part-time employees Annual revenue: About $40,000 in 2005, and $50,000 projected for 2006 based on growth How old is the company? Organized Living Solutions opened in the fall of 2003. Biggest accomplishment in the past 12 months: "Opening the office and hiring another employee," Fitzgerald said. The addition of an employee and increased business led her to move the company from a home office to the more centralized downtown location. What are the key challenges facing your business or industry? "The industry as a whole is still relatively unknown." Shows such as Home & Garden Television's "Mission: Organization" and TLC's "Clean Sweep" have done much to increase the public's awareness of the growing industry. But many people Fitzgerald talks to still aren't aware of its local presence. She sets up booths at trade shows and gives presentations on organizing that help to raise the industry's profile locally and increase company exposure. In addition to lack of awareness, many people are reluctant to ask for help in getting organized, Fitzgerald said. "They're embarrassed maybe by the state of their house," she said. Many insist on organizing before she comes to organize. But she encourages them to let her do it and reassures them that she won't judge them on how well their home or office is organized. What are your growth projections for the next five years? "I'm already growing faster than I anticipated, so I would love to just continue that." Fitzgerald worked as a part-time organizer in 2002 and continued on part time after opening her business in 2003. Since last year, she's been working full time and hopes to grow the business enough so that her two employees can work for her full time. What's one thing about your business that people may not be aware of: "I am a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers." The not-for-profit professional association is the largest national association of and for organizers with more than 3,800 members throughout the world, according to its Web site. In addition, Fitzgerald has completed a series of online classes with the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization, which provides professional organizers with tools to help chronically disorganized people. And she continues to take other classes offered by the non-profit organization.