Senior Moves

When her Mom died, Sue Ellen Addicott painfully reflected – as many children do – on the many tasks involved in caring for seniors in their later years. In January 2007, Addicott decided to turn that emotion and awareness into Senior Moves, a company specializing in providing assistance for seniors and their children in navigating the often difficult moves from independent living to assisted living to nursing care.

“These are emotional decisions,” says Addicott, “and often times children live far away and are not available to help with a move.”

Since Sarasota County is the oldest large (250,000 plus) county in the United States, there is a built in customer base for such a business. “I funded it myself and decided to put my organizational and communication skills on the line. And you know what? It’s working great. I stated with one, lonely client and have had about 25 more in the past year, with 5 or 6 currently active.”

Addicott learned of the free business counseling offered by the Small Business Development Center through the local Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. “I had only a vague idea of what I needed to do, but Carolyn Griffin helped me with financial planning and my business plan, and Art Mahoney guided me in developing my concept and a brand. We created a business name, and then produced a web site and collateral sales material. Carolyn and Art gave me tools I need to make this business succeed. And it’s incredible that this invaluable help was free for the asking!”

Addicott hopes to grow her business and continue to develop Senior Moves. “When I turned 60, I spent time thinking about what life’s next adventure would be. With Senior Moves, now I know.”