Member Spotlight: O.C.D Organize. Create. Design

Integral to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s mission is telling the stories behind the small businesses Scouted in each Volume. The story begins in print and continues online, after all. And so, as we prepare to launch Volume 2, we are thrilled to kick off our story-telling mission with Member Spotlights…

Photo by Carrie Evans

We are thrilled to welcome Ashley Stewart of O.C.D Organize. Create. Design, Arizona’s top organizing company, to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale Volume 2! With a flawless reputation built on trust and confidentiality, O.C.D delivers systems that stay organized, offering more time and peace of mind to clients. In fact, after nearly seven years, Stewart and her team have helped bring order to hundreds of homes and offices. Read on for our Q+A to get to know Ashley, her business, and their community…

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Ashley, we are thrilled to welcome you to Volume 2! Let’s kick off our chat by delving into what inspired you to start O.C.D…
Ashley Stewart:I have always loved seeing things transform into beautiful spaces. After planning weddings and events for 15 years, I knew there was something else out there for me to do, and when I realized there was a demand for organizing experts, it was only natural for me to start a business that would meet that need. 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: How did you choose the name for your organizing business? How does it translate to the work you do with your clients?
Ashley Stewart: I love a good play on words. The name came to me within minutes when I decided to start the company. I thought of what organizing means to me, and my OCD came to mind. About 99% of the time, people comment on how much they love the name, but there is that 1% who comment that it is disrespectful, believing it makes fun of people who struggle with OCD. I am quick to explain that the name stands for Organize. Create. Design, and it is in no way an attempt to minimize people with OCD. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to use my obsessiveness to help people get organized, which in turn, helps me too.

 

“I love that there is trust established from the time we walk in. It is an automatically personal relationship right from the start.”

 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What would you hope every potential client knows about O.C.D?
Ashley Stewart: We are judgment-free and trustworthy. What we hear and see in our clients' homes stays there. We pride ourselves on respecting the privacy of our clients. Plus, we have FUN!

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Of course, the benefits of organizing are infinite. Can you share the one benefit that stands out to you?
Ashley Stewart: If you know what you have and where to find it, you will not only be able to enjoy it but also, appreciate it.

 

“If you know what you have and where to find it, you will not only be able to enjoy it but also appreciate it.”

 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What’s the best part about your work?
Ashley Stewart: My favorite part of this business is the experience of helping my clients reclaim their time. It’s a process I cherish for myself. The older I get, the busier my life gets. But, I’ve experienced firsthand that good organizational systems can “create” more time. It’s simple: the less time people spend looking for things, the more time they have to enjoy them.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Before we dive into local-centric questions, we need to know: what’s on the horizon for O.C.D?
Ashley Stewart: Expansion!  We are currently expanding in Tucson and are looking at more cities to introduce O.C.D. Stay tuned!

Photo courtesy of O.C.D

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Now, onto Valley-centric questions. What do you love about living and working in the Valley?
Ashley Stewart: I am a second-generation native who loves Arizona and those who call it home. The best part about working in the Valley is the opportunity O.C.D affords me to connect with new people. From the start, organizing facilitates a personal relationship because there's something so vulnerable about inviting someone into your home and personal effects.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: If you could plan your “perfect day” to experience the Valley like a local, what would you do and where would you go?
Ashley Stewart: Most definitely a day at the Spa! We have so many great ones here in the Valley. Spending a day at the spa always makes me feel like I’m on vacation. 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: The Valley, like other communities, are deeply and positively impacted by small business owners like yourself. And not just for the skills and services you offer. So many small business owners are engaged in giving back to the community. Do you have a particular local organization or charity that’s close to your heart?
Ashley Stewart: Absolutely. The Sherman Home Hospice of the Valley holds a special place in my heart as my grandmother, Evelyn Feffer, gifted the Sherman Home in honor of her parents, Minnie and Armond Sherman. Before kids, I volunteered there every week and am looking forward to continuing my volunteer work there again. I also love to support Make A Wish Arizona! I have been on the Wish Ball Committee for five years and a Wish Granter for two years!

For organization tips and inspiration, make sure to follow along with O.C.D Organize Create Design on Instagram. And to learn more about Ashley Stewart and the O.C.D Organize Create Design team or schedule a consultation, visit them online.

Member Spotlight: Denver Agency

Integral to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s mission is telling the stories behind the small businesses Scouted in each Volume. The story begins in print and continues online, after all. And so, as we prepare to launch Volume 2, we are thrilled to kick off our story-telling mission with Member Spotlights…

Photo by Carl Schultz.

Undoubtedly, you’ll recognize Denver Agency from Volume 1, and we are thrilled to welcome the agency back for Volume 2. Last year, we delved into Denver Agency’s rich history of supporting clients. This year, they’ll celebrate 90 years in business. Ahead of this massive accomplishment, we chatted with Tierney Aldridge, one of their talented Personal Insurance Advisors, about how Denver Agency’s approach has cemented them as industry leaders for nine decades.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: We’d like to start by congratulating the Denver Agency on its upcoming anniversary. What has allowed the Denver Agency to maintain its status as an industry leader for nine decades? 
Tierney Aldridge: Our belief in challenging the status quo and our ability to do things differently.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Can you share with us your path to Denver Agency?
Tierney Aldridge: Fourteen years ago, I got my start in commercial insurance markets. I quickly realized I preferred working with small business owners because of the relationships I developed, which made for an easy transition to specializing in high-net-worth insurance with the Denver Agency. I’ve been sharpening my saw ever since, and have a deep understanding of the lifestyles of the families I represent.

Photo by Carl Schultz.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Denver Agency is known for the personal approach you mentioned. What can a client expect from working with you and the Denver Agency?
Tierney Aldridge: Our clients will never call a 1-800 number. Instead, clients will have access to my team and myself, never a voice recording. We recognize that we provide insurance solutions but view ourselves as being in the hospitality industry. So, we work hard to create a positive experience throughout the relationship.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: In addition to working with an ultra-personalized agency, what advice would you give to someone about ensuring that everything that should be protected is protected?  
Tierney Aldridge: This is a great question. In my experience, the biggest opportunity to better protect high-net-worth families is in excess liability policies (a.k.a umbrella policies). Typically, families in the high-net-worth space are severely underinsured because their previous advisors didn’t educate them about the value of increasing their limits to a more appropriate value.

 

“We recognize that we provide insurance solutions but view ourselves as being in the hospitality industry.”

 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What else should high net worth individuals consider when assessing personal insurance? 
Tierney Aldridge: There are five big items… Relationships: how strong are the agency’s relationships with its partner carriers? Specialization: does the agency understand and appreciate the complexities of the high net worth lifestyle? Education: what is the experience, tenure, and credentials of the personal lines team? Stewardship: is the agency’s annual review process thorough and easy to understand? And finally, counsel: does the agency provide ongoing advice that extends to claims, appraisals, and general housekeeping that’s common within the high net worth segment?

 

“We believe in challenging the status quo and our ability to do things differently.”

 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: In many ways, you and Denver Agency make it possible for clients to enjoy the best in life. We’d love to know what you enjoy about your life in the Valley!
Tierney Aldridge: While I'm newer to the community, I am naturally curious and ready to explore and experience Café Monarch, Taliesin West, Musical Instrument Museum, Desert Botanical Garden, and Scottsdale Quarter.

To learn more about Denver Agency and the coverage they provide, reach out to Tierney at tierney@denveragency.com or via phone at 720.257.7947 - and don’t forget to tell her Scout sent you!

8 Classic Spring Pieces to Invest in According to Scouted Fashion Experts

Originally published by The Scout Guide on March 24, 2022.

The arrival of spring tends to inspire a wardrobe reassessment. And while adding a few pieces to keep our attire fresh and current is always a highlight, it’s also helpful to determine which classic go-tos might be missing or in need of replacement. To help us scout out this season’s collection for items that will stand the test of time, The Scout Guide asked the owners of three stylish scouted boutiques to identify the key pieces that belong in any spring closet. From flattering dresses in long-favored fits to an equestrian-inspired accessory that will never go out of style, read on for inspiration from Amy Yount of Amy Atelier and click here for two other Scouted fashion experts.

AMY’S ADVICE

WHO: Amy Yount, owner of Amy Atelier
WHERE: Scottsdale, Arizona
THE CLASSIC PIECES: Paperbag short, Western bootie, midi dress

Paperbag Short: “Thank goodness the days of unflattering Bermuda shorts are gone. Enter the paperbag short that’s the modern-day long short. This flattering style goes great with a tucked-in top and mid-to-long boyfriend blazer for a breezy-but-pulled together look.” 

Western Bootie: “The Western boot is having a moment nationwide, but in the Southwest, it’s never gone out of style. It works with dresses, skirts, and shorts of all lengths. An off-white bootie will never go out of style, and this particular boot keeps things interesting with silver stud detailing.” 

Midi Dress: “The midi dress is the epitome of feminine, and in a timeless floral print it’s personally something I would always have in my closet. Made of silk, this particular style goes the distance because it will never wear out.”

Scouted Wedding Planners You Need to Know About

Originally published by The Scout Guide on March 23, 2022.

For many couples, hiring a wedding planner is one of the first (and wisest) decisions they make as a newly engaged duo. After all, while there are many fun details involved in the wedding planning process (wedding cake tasting, anyone?), when it comes to an event that many have dreamed about for years, there is much that’s best left in the hands of a seasoned professional. For those ready to start planning their nuptials, The Scout Guide polled editors across the country to recommend their favorite local wedding experts, many of whom will travel anywhere in the U.S. or abroad. Keep reading to meet our local favorites and read the full article here.

GEORGE ABRAMS EVENTS

WEDDING PLANNER: George Abrams of George Abrams Events
LOCATION: Phoenix, Arizona
WHAT THEY DO: George Abrams Events has unmatched experience across all channels of event creations. If you can dream it, they can execute it.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “George brings a level of detailed planning to his weddings that are so personalized it allows the couple to focus on the significance of their wedding, rather than managing all the details that go into planning the event,” says Sasha Clements. editor of The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale. “He partners with the families to host their friends and guests without question or concern that every element will be seamlessly executed.”