When Jeannine Bryant came upon an opportunity to become a business partner for Changing Spaces SRS, a senior relocation service based in Lincoln, she immediately knew it was a perfect fit for her.
Established in 2008, Changing Spaces helps individuals and families downsize and sell items. Bryant, who has a knack for organization and a natural connection with seniors, came on board in 2010 to help the business grow. Following her partner’s retirement, she became the sole owner in 2014.
In addition to downsizing services, the company also offers estate sales and online auctions. Due to the personal and emotional nature of the process, Bryant and her team must balance empathy with practicality.
“The majority of our clients are older adults who have been their home for decades and are downsizing to a senior living community, and they’re overwhelmed,” she said.
Bryant and her staff of 25 help clients through transitions and notably, dealing with the attachment to objects.
“It’s nice to have compassionate people who know how to get things done, but who also understand the emotional side of it as well,” she said.
Unexpected Growth
Being forced to think on her toes during the start of the pandemic, Bryant didn’t anticipate she’d be on the cusp of exponential growth.
“In March of 2020, we had 11 estate sales scheduled over the next eight weeks,” she said.
Many of her clients had already moved and the company was contracted to do the sales. She turned to her husband to develop an online auction service on the website. With quick customer buy-in, the transition was a success and is now the most profitable part of the business. She credits the rise in interest in shopping secondhand as well as the reach beyond the Heartland for its continued success.
As the business continues to grow, Bryant has turned to Entrepreneurs’ Organization Nebraska for a support system.
“It’s pushed me outside of my comfort zone,” she said. “I’ve been a member now for two and a half years and what attracted me to it was just the opportunity to be in the room with other business owners who are at a higher level.”
She’s the first to admit that networking in the past wasn’t her strong suit, as she often felt like she couldn’t relate to others. Now rather than feeling like “a fish in a small pond,” she feels just the opposite, which has led to personal and professional growth.
“Joining EO was a great opportunity to plug into like-minded business owners who had similar successes and similar struggles,” she said.
Address: 5621 S. 50th Street Ste. 4, Lincoln, Nebraska 68516
Phone: (402) 483-0555
Email: Online Auctions: Auctions@ChangingSpacesSRS.com
Other: Info@ChangingSpacesSRS.com
Website: https://changingspacessrs.com/
EO Nebraska Events: Joey Coleman
Finding and keeping quality employees is one of the biggest challenges facing businesses today. After making huge investments of time, money, and energy to hire new employees, most companies see those employees leave before they’ve meaningfully contributed to the business.
In an engaging and entertaining presentation, Joey Coleman will introduce you to The First 100 Days® methodology — a way of approaching your employee experience that will turn new hires into engaged, committed team members. His presentation will feature research and case studies showing the importance of making a great impression and designing interactions that deliver a remarkable experience across the employee lifecycle.
Are you an entrepreneur with a thirst for knowledge, who wants to grow your business and value events like this? If so, please contact Gwen Aspen, EO membership chair, to learn more at gaspen@anequim.net.
Email: PO BOX 540815 Omaha NE 68154
Website: hub.eonetwork.org
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