Businesswoman Helps Clients Get Organized

Whether it's to create a filing system, walk the dog, organize the office, or find an affordable home for an aging loved one, who couldn't use an extra pair of hands?

Since 2005, Upper Southampton resident Ingrid Sofield has used her penchant for organization to help area clients live a more orderly life. Through Household Assistant, Sofield offers a variety of services specifically tailored to the needs of her clients.

Describing herself as, "the second pair of hands you need," Sofield said that regardless if clients need help with event planning, medical bill resolutions, organizing and estate planning, "I'm there."

Sofield recalled a client who was relocating a parent into an assisted living facility. She called various facilities, conducted interviews and arranged for site visits. In the end, Sofield said she helped in saving $50,000. 

"It's something I've always had in me," Sofield said of her talents, adding that, as a wife and mother, she runs an efficient household. "Why not go out there and make a living at it?"

How does she do it? Sofield shared a few of her secrets. 

For people looking to tidy up and become better organized, Sofield said all you need is 15 minutes three times per week. On those designated days, she suggested going through the mail and seeing when bills need to be paid. Once sorted, mail can be put in folders. At the end of the week you should go through the folders to determine what needs to be paid, she said. 

"Fifteen minutes. Three times a week," Sofield said. "Just do it."

Beyond mail sorting and bill paying Dave Mock, president of Feasterville-based Money Management Advisory Inc., helped Sofield get her business off the ground. Particularly with seniors, Mock said he has seen situations with clients in recent years where help is needed in a multitude of areas beyond his financial expertise.

In those instances, Mock said he refers clients to professionals experienced in handling the task at hand. 

"I need someone to pick up the ball," Mock said. "That's Ingrid." 

As more and more people age, Sofield said that need is not only out there, but "getting worse." Listening is key and seeing the relocation, downsizing or other senior assistance from that individual's perspective is paramount, she said. 

"Everything has a memory. Everything has an attachment," Sofield said. "Can they donate it and let someone else enjoy it?"

Sofield, who recently obtained a degree in business administration, put her business know-how to work for client Rich Comunale Jr. The New Jersey businessman said he found Sofield through a referral and sought her help in crafting a business marketing plan.

"We told her what we were looking for and she formulated the plan," Comunale said. "She helped us literally get approved."

Comunale credits Sofield with helping his wholesale distribution center for HVAC parts with obtaining a cooperative, which he said operates like a franchise.

"She made everything a lot smoother," he said. 

No matter which tasks clients need Sofield's extra pair of hands for, she said the need is definitely out there.

"People need help," she said. "It's different everyday. It's people. It's pets. Tidying up the house. They appreciate the services I give them."

For more on Ingrid Sofield click here to visit her Web site.