Bedford Small Business Spotlight: Judie Kaplan Personal Concierge

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: Judie Kaplan Personal Concierge
Owners: Judie Kaplan, president and owner
Website: Judiekaplan.com
Address: 38 Foxwood Circle, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549

How did you come up with the name?

I chose to name my business with my full name as I am proud of my ethics, integrity and loyalty and wish my branding to exemplify that.

Why start a business in this town?

I started the business so that I could offer a service to folks who wanted the gift of time; those who needed things done that they either could not accomplish on their own due to a time factor or just didn’t know how to resolve. I specialize in seniors aging-in-place, which is a niche for me. I am like a surrogate daughter for seniors, advocating and helping them with their lifestyle management.

What business are you in?

Personal Concierge (lifestyle management).

What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

The most frustrating challenge is trying to help someone who does not want to be helped.

What’s been your proudest achievement since opening?

My proudest achievement, aside from garnering thousands of dollars for folks from insurance reimbursements as well as NYS Unclaimed Funds, is seeing the glee in my client’s eyes when I have completed a service for them. It nurtures my soul.

How does your business give back to the community?

I am on the board of the Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce as well as being active in Chappaqua assisting needy families. I have based my fees in accordance with that which seniors who are on fixed incomes can afford so that it is viable for them to engage me.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@ patch.com.