Content provided in partnership with

Danville entrepreneur cleans up

Oakland Tribune, Aug 2, 2006 by Ben Semmes, STAFF WRITER

DANVILLE -- Mary Ann Pate spent 25 years in high-tech, dealing in software sales for companies like Oracle Corp., Hyperion Solutions Corp. and Ceridian Corp. before she decided to go into business for herself.

Employed most recently at a Bay Area start-up, Pate, 59, was laid off after the tech bubble burst.

When I was in software sales, I worked primarily on the Peninsula, said Pate, a Danville resident. I had a big commute. It was kind of a stressful position. When I got laid off, I realized I didnt want to do this anymore. I took nine months off. It really took me that long to figure out what I wanted to do.

Most Popular Articles in News: The Ten Best Laptop bags; Tata plans cheapest-ever car for Indian market; GLOBALIZATION AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF UNDERDEVELOPMENT OF THE THIRD WORLD; Corn is good for you; Corn is not only a tasty treat, but also a cereal that ...; THE 50 BEST STYLISH HANDBAGS TO CARRY; More »

Researching several business ideas, Pate decided on a profession that, while unfamiliar to her, would utilize her skills from her previous positions and allow her to work out of her home.

I didnt even know what a professional organizer was before I got into this, she said. I am a big believer in assessing the situation and figuring out what the problems are.

Founded in October 2002, A Timely Solution now generates more than enough business for Pate, the companys sole employee. And at $75 to $150 an hour for an average clean-up session, Pate said the industry can be quite lucrative.

I think it is realistic to make $100,000 a year, she said.

But getting the business off the ground was a struggle. Pate worked upwards of 70 hours a week at first getting the word out about the company. She has since reduced her workload to about 50 hours a week, she said.

I think it is really challenging to start a new business that is different from what you have been doing, Pate said. Those first couple of years are so important. When you first start out, it is hard to get that momentum going.

By joining nearly half a dozen networking groups, Pate drummed up business and educated people on the virtues of a personal organizer.

Four or five years ago, people did not know what a professional organizer was, she said.

Recent reality television shows, which perform office and home makeovers, have increased the visibility of the profession, Pate said, but have also given some people unrealistic expectations.

As a way to generate new business -- Pate does not pay for advertising -- she joined the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) and has served as its president.

That has been really good, its been an opportunity to network, she said. I have had people who have found me through (NAPOs) Web site.

Pate is also a member of the San Francisco chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners and speaks and holds workshops at Bay Area companies on the topic of personal productivity and organization.

However, hard work alone was not enough, said Pate, who used her personal savings to jump-start the business.

You better have some money in the bank, she said.

Pate generally tackles projects by herself, occasionally bringing in sub-contractors for large jobs.

When she started her business, Pate did primarily residential clean-ups but has begun to focus on commercial organizational work, which now makes up about 75 percent of her work.

When arriving at a home or place of business, Pate said she first conducts a needs assessment with information from a survey she requires all of her clients to complete.

Next Pate has the client guide her through the space.

We look at every drawer, she said. I want to see how they are using their space.

Only then does she recommend an organization plan.

Pate said she tries to work with the furniture and filing systems on hand, but will sometimes advise that a client purchase additional equipment.

While Pate said she would like to devote more time to her life outside of work, including her two grown children, she said she enjoys her current line of work and doesnt plan on changing careers anytime soon.

This job is probably the most rewarding thing I have ever done, she said. I have had a number clients who have said to me, you have really changed my life.'"

Ben Semmes can be reached at (925) 416-4723 or bsemmes@trivalleyherald.com.

Danville entrepreneur cleans up

Oakland Tribune, Aug 2, 2006 by Ben Semmes, STAFF WRITER

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Business

Most Popular Articles in News

Most Popular Publications in News