The Journal Record: How This Air Force Veteran Found a New Mission with Caring Transitions

After 28 years in the U.S. Air Force, Margo Gonzales was still eager to serve in some capacity. Fortunately, she found the perfect opportunity with Caring Transitions, the industry-leading franchise with over 300 locations that caters to older adults and their families by offering comprehensive downsizing, estate sales and relocation solutions. After working at the Oklahoma City location for three years, she purchased it in 2020. She's now on track to open two more locations in the neighboring suburbs of Moore and Norman.

“This is my way of giving back,” Gonzales told The Journal Record, noting that she didn’t have the opportunity to help when her father passed away at age 60. “We’ll pretty much do anything that will help a family get through a loss.” 

As an experienced Air Force loadmaster, Gonzales has successfully transitioned her skills to the business, which includes decluttering, organizing, packing, moving and estate sales. The franchise works closely with real estate agents to prepare homes for sale, offering services such as in-home estate sales, online auctions and estate clearing. Valuable items are sold and the rest are put up for sale during the auction pickup.

The process of getting a house ready for an auction typically takes around two weeks, but may vary depending on the amount of items in the house. Among the most common items found are kitchenware, china and bulky furniture. Occasionally, unexpected items are discovered during the preparation process. Old coins and toys are particularly exciting finds, and vintage clothes are popular among younger buyers.

“Every job is a treasure hunt,” Gonzales said.

Gonzales had the help of two fellow retired Air Force members in starting the business — her husband Jack Beckham and brother-in-law David Garlett. The staff also includes veterans and family members with military backgrounds; Gonzales believes these individuals excel as employees due to their work ethic and their ability to communicate respectfully.

“We’re all about helping the senior population, some who are not well taken care of in the U.S. We become their family,” Gonzales said. “We love what we do. It’s a blessing.”

Read the full article here.