When I started Executive Errands® back in 2006, I was, in many ways, naïve.
My background was in manufacturing and operations, where systems, processes, and accountability were everything. I understood customer service well. My last role in manufacturing was as a consultant. But the lifestyle management industry, as we know it today, simply did not exist. There was no roadmap, no industry standard, and no playbook for how this type of service should operate.
What I did know was this: after spending nearly 50 weeks a year traveling for work, I would have absolutely paid for a service like Executive Errands® if it had existed for me at the time.
Those early years were shaped by trial and error. I had assumptions about what services we would provide. Our clients often had very different ideas. There were hiccups, a few painful lessons, and plenty of course corrections. But one thing became clear very quickly. When we listened closely, managed expectations thoughtfully, and allowed clients to help guide the direction of the company, we could build something genuinely valuable.
Over time, our services expanded. We refined absentee home checks, improved vendor oversight, and strengthened the way we supported our clients. Through every phase of growth, one goal stayed constant: to enhance the living experience here in the desert.
It also became clear early on that data management would be both critical and overwhelming. That realization led us to develop our proprietary Essential Elements™ software. From the beginning, the focus was complete and uncompromised data integrity. Over the years, the system has grown alongside the company and now manages all aspects of our business through one fully integrated platform.
Today, the lifestyle management industry is growing rapidly, with projections showing strong expansion well into 2035. That growth brings opportunity, but it also brings an influx of new companies offering services that appear similar on the surface.
And this is the most important thing to understand:
Not all lifestyle management companies are alike.
If you’re considering adding lifestyle management services to simplify and enhance your living experience, here are the key factors to look for.
1. Longevity and Local Experience
A company with years of experience in the community brings more than familiarity. It brings stability, tested systems, and deep local knowledge.
Why it matters:
Longevity signals consistency. Local experience means understanding seasonal needs, HOA requirements, trusted vendors, and the nuances of desert living that only come with time.
2. Insurance, Licensing, and Risk Protection
Lifestyle management often involves access to your home, coordination of vendors, and oversight of projects.
Why it matters:
Without proper insurance and licensing, liability may fall back on the homeowner. Professional coverage protects both you and the company working on your behalf.
3. Employees vs. Independent Contractors
How a company staffs its team directly impacts reliability and accountability.
Why it matters:
Employees are trained, supervised, and held to company standards. Independent contractors may vary widely in availability, process, and consistency.
4. Written Policies and Procedures
Professional lifestyle management is built on systems, not improvisation.
Why it matters:
Documented procedures ensure consistent service, continuity, and quality even when circumstances change or team members rotate.
5. Data Integrity and Confidentiality
Lifestyle managers handle sensitive information, from home access details to personal preferences.
Why it matters:
Secure systems protect your privacy and ensure critical details are never lost, mishandled, or overlooked.
6. Proactive Oversight vs. Reactive Help
Some companies respond when called. Others actively look ahead.
Why it matters:
Proactive oversight helps prevent problems before they occur, saving time, money, and unnecessary stress.
7. Alignment With Your Expectations
The right lifestyle management company should feel like an extension of you, not another responsibility to manage.
Why it matters:
Clear communication, transparency, and relationship-based service create trust and long-term peace of mind.
A Final Thought
Choosing a lifestyle management company is about far more than convenience. It’s about trust, structure, and confidence that the details are handled with care.
The right partner works quietly behind the scenes, allowing you to simply enjoy living in the desert.
If you’d like to learn more about how Executive Errands® approaches lifestyle management, we’re always happy to answer questions. Reach out at info@errands4you.com or call directly at 760.898.9604.
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