Bill Tobin
Bill Tobin is working with older adults across the region through his new business, Caring Transitions of Greater Chattanooga.
The business, which Mr. Tobin launched with the support of his wife, Theresa Pollard, M.D., specializes in organizing and managing senior moves, downsizing, liquidation of belongings and estate sales. Caring Transitions of Greater Chattanooga serves the entire Chattanooga area, including Cleveland.
“When an older adult needs to move to assisted living or a skilled nursing center, it is usually because of the loss of a caregiving spouse or a change in health status," said Mr. Tobin. "But all the memories are in the house that is being left behind. That’s very hard for anyone to accept.
“We step in to help organize and sort belongings, pack the most cherished and necessary possessions for the move, distribute keepsakes to family and friends, and manage the move. An estate sale is then held to generate funds to help offset related costs. At the destination, which we space-plan in advance, we completely unpack and ‘resettle’ all the belongings right where they are supposed to go.
“Our job is to help clients transform their new address into their new home. No move is complete until the clothes are organized perfectly in the closet, the furniture is placed where the client wants it, the scrapbook is on the coffee table, and the space is barrier-free. The yardstick for our performance is the personal fulfillment of those we serve, and we don’t stop until we measure up,” Mr. Tobin said.
Mr. Tobin characterizes the business model as a “total solutions” senior move management partner.
“What makes us different is that we draw from the resources, experiences and best practices of a network of sister franchises who have collectively set the standards on a national scale for how these services are provided,” Mr. Tobin said. “Our focus is to meet the objectives of our clients and their caregiving loved ones during what are difficult and stressful times. Many believe they can handle this process all by themselves, but they are often consumed by stress, anxiety and depression. It’s a terribly difficult thing to do. We make it simple.”
Almost all of Mr. Tobin’s professional career has been spent solving problems for older adults. In the mid 1990’s, Mr. Tobin worked as an advertising and marketing executive for providers of assisted living and long-term care. In 2006, he joined Alexian Brothers of the Southeast in Chattanooga as their director of Marketing and Public Relations.
After earning his Master’s degree in the management of aging services, Mr. Tobin was hired by the Partnership to administer Hamilton County’s federally-funded elder abuse initiative. In that capacity, he implemented programs for training law enforcement officers, prosecutors and judges on how to investigate elder abuse cases and how to prosecute offenders.
“As the grant drew to a close, I sought self-employment opportunities in aging services," said Mr. Tobin. "That’s how I found Caring Transitions. My combined experience, passion and education, along with my wife’s insight as a physician who works with the elderly, puts us in a unique position to play this role in the community.”
Founded in 2006, the Caring Transitions franchise is a national company in senior moving, household liquidations and estate sales management in dozens of cities across the United States. Caring Transitions is part of the International Franchise Association, the Small Business Association’s Franchise Registry, VetFran and Minority Fran.
For more information on Caring Transitions of Greater Chattanooga call 593-7817, email wtobin@caringtransitions.net or visit
www.CaringTransitionsNEChattanooga.com.