Cindy Dessel and Janis Nezvesky-Schertzer love helping people and believe customer satisfaction should be the number one goal of any business. With the opening of Concierge Associates, LLC, in October 2014, the Sandy Hook residents are combining their more than 30 years of experience in corporate relocation, customer service, and people skills to turn the overwhelmed feelings brought on by life events into manageable and pleasant experiences.

Concierge Associates specializes in global and domestic relocation and property management. “We give people the tools they need to move to a new location,” Ms Nezvesky-Schertzer said.

Having met through business connections, Ms Dessel and Ms Nezvesky-Schertzer had lunch one day, sharing their visions for filling a niche they realized was unmet by the usual corporate relocation services.

“We knew what was lacking, and saw a need for it, and Concierge Associates was born,” said Ms Dessel.

What the Sandy Hook residents felt was lacking was individualized service, with a focus on custom treatment of each situation. “We find out people’s needs. No two people are alike and no two projects are alike,” Ms Dessel said.

Their business is particularly useful to small companies or corporations that do a limited number of moves, they said.

“We found that big relocation companies are good, but there was a need for a ‘boutique’ type of company that can provide the customized services we can offer. We truly are a single point of contact [for the person moving],” Ms Nezvesky-Schertzer said. “All of the services can be coordinated through Concierge Associates,” she said, and they see themselves as support staff for realtors.

Because they are a small company working with other small companies, or individuals, Concierge Associates can offer something big relocation services often do not: “We are available 23/7,” Ms Dessel said, “with one hour to sleep.” They are serious about returning calls and taking care of problems promptly, around the clock, for clients.

Concierge Associates provides relocation clients with any support needed to make the move easier, whether it is a short-term or long-term assignment. Their experience in the field ensures that they are able to recommend only the most reliable sources and service providers when that need arises.

If it is a domestic relocation, among the assistance this business offers are recommendations for local realtors, local bank references, and help with choosing a van line.

For overseas assignments, they will work with the destination service providers in that country. Any questions can be referred to either of the women, relieving clients of distressing details.

Concierge Associates handles property management in Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven Counties, offering the same personalized service as they do for relocation, Ms Nezvesky-Schertzer said.

Property management is needed when people have weekend or vacation homes, or a house will be vacant for a period of time when it is for sale.

“We make sure the property remains safe and secure while it is unoccupied,” Ms Dessel said, “and make sure the integrity of the house is maintained.” That service includes physical inspection of the property by the women, as well as noting any repairs needed and informing the client.

It can also include detailed attention, such as ensuring the refrigerator and cupboards are stocked with food for the weekend clients, or providing a cleaning service. Concierge Associates will also oversee tenancy management, when tenants are in place.

“Different kinds of programs are offered based on the property,” Ms Nezvesky-Schertzer said.

“We can help people who are downsizing with what steps are needed, and what providers are needed,” Ms Dessel said, and provide that help in a way that is sensitive to the needs at that time in a person’s life. “We will help sort out what is needed; what to keep, what to throw, and who to use for those processes. We can help with the logistics of downsizing,” she said. Where a person is going is important to consider in a downsizing situation. With 15 years experience as an interior designer, Ms Dessel said she is able to advise clients on making decisions so far as what furniture may or may not work in a new space. Keeping in mind the personal connections people make to their belongings, both women work to put clients at ease. “We take what is a burden and remove it from their shoulders,” she said.

While the focus remains primarily on relocation and property management, Ms Dessel and Ms Nezvesky-Schertzer said that they are able to extend assistance when time constraints impact a person’s daily life. “We bill on a four-hour block,” Ms Dessel said, and customers may utilize that time however they wish.

“We are always flexible,” stressed Ms Dessel, “and we want to have a good time with people.”

For additional information about Concierge Associates, LLC, or to arrange a consultation, visit conciergeassociates.com; call 203-666-7700; Ms Dessel at 203-645-6922; or Ms Nezvesky-Schertzer at 203-482-1641.

Concierge Associates, LLC is fully insured