For many, the task of de-cluttering, organizing, or packing for a big move is exhausting. But for Jerome LaRochelle and Colleen and Erick Osburn, it’s all in a day’s work. The three long-time friends recently opened Caring Transitions, a franchise in Maple Grove that specializes in managing relocations for seniors, busy families, and everyone in between. Whether you’re going through a transition in your life, or helping a loved one, Caring Transitions is there for every step of the journey.
“There are so many different stages in people’s lives, and if there is a way to be able to help folks through a challenging time and maybe have some laughs along the way, that’s what we want to do,” says Colleen Osburn. “[Clients] don’t want to deal with the ‘stuff’; they want to be with their loved ones, so we do it for them.”
Behind Caring Transitions are three friends who have known each other since 1994. LaRochelle and Erick Osburn were co-workers at a different company when they were looking for a career change that broke the 9 to 5 mold and had a little more substance. “Erick and I had talked on and off about what we wanted to be doing, and finding a job that had some meaning to it,” LaRochelle says. “We got together and were kicking around the idea of opening a franchise, and had heard through a friend about Caring Transitions.”
After doing more research on the company, LaRochelle and the Osburns were hooked. Being able to help others and see the direct effect, paired with running their own business, was what made them take the plunge. With corporate orientation, training and a Certified Relocation and Transition Specialists course under their belts, the trio opened Caring Transitions last February. Since then, they’ve assisted in everything from simple downsizing and re-organizing to estate sales and relocation services.
“By providing free, in-person consultations, we differentiate ourselves from the competition because of our ability to customize for every person we meet with, and understand their needs,” Colleen says.
Through a free consultation, Caring Transitions identifies whether or not the individual can do it on their own, and if not, they determine which relationships their clients need, ranging from realtors and financial advisors to movers and estate attorneys, as well as dealing with other factors that come with a major transition.
“If someone breaks a hip or there’s a death, we deal with the ‘stuff’ so that the family can take care of the individual,” Colleen says. “During those times of crisis, the ‘stuff’ can be so overwhelming.”
And Caring Transitions is not just for seniors and their families. Anyone going through a transition, whether downsizing or relocating to a different state, will benefit from these services—expect to pay upwards of $500, depending on your needs. If an individual needs liquidation through online auction or estate sale, however, the proceeds can be used to pay for services.
“If we can help people address that hurdle of downsizing to get them to a place physically and emotionally that they can enjoy, it is a huge win,” LaRochelle says. “It’s the benefit of being there from start to finish—we’re that one call that any client has to make for all of the services they need for a transition.”
