How This Entrepreneur Turned a Lifelong Passion for Treasures Into a Purpose-Driven Business

Jamie Davis knows the power of a good platform. With a background in digital marketing and more than a decade of experience running an eBay store, she understands how to connect people with what they value. But her new venture, Caring Transitions of South Gilbert, Arizona, is about much more than buying and selling — it’s about helping seniors and families manage the emotional and physical aspects of downsizing, estate sales and relocation. After years of working for others, Davis officially opened her franchise on July 1, turning her passion for upcycling and community service into a business that’s as meaningful as it is market-savvy.

1851 spoke with Davis to learn more about her story, what drew her to Caring Transitions and her plans for the future. 

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?

Jamie Davis: My business background is in digital marketing, primarily in aerospace — all different types. I’ve always had a passion for online sales. I’ve had an eBay store for over 10 years, and my dad had an antique mall.

I was actually a buyer and reseller for Caring Transitions before I became a franchisee. Then I found out it was a franchise and that really drew me in. I decided I was done working in the corporate sector and wanted to do something for myself. Beyond the estate sales side of it, I loved the idea of being able to help people who really need these services.

We all have way more stuff than we need. I collect plenty of treasures, but as we get older, you need to figure out what to do with all of it. It can be hard to downsize and let go. I love that I get to provide a service that helps people get where they need to be physically, while also helping them emotionally. I also think it is important to upcycle and recycle as much as we can.

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Davis: I saw my dad run the antique mall — and it’s a lot of work. I had talked to him about just doing estate sales on my own, but I felt like I needed more of a platform. Having something like CTBids, with a marketplace format, is really important. Not only can you reach a larger audience, but you can also find the specific buyer for those specialty items..

Coming from that digital marketing background, I knew how important it was to have that online presence. I felt Caring Transitions was a much better fit for what I wanted in a business.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Davis: I did a lot of research. I wanted to work with a company that was trusted in this business. You’re in people’s homes and lives — you need to be a trusted resource. I read a lot of reviews, and that made me feel good about the company as a whole.

That’s what pushed me forward, in addition to being able to work in my own community. I didn’t have to set up a storefront or put a lot of capital into something bigger than I needed right now. I can grow into that. But being able to have a home office and stay rooted in my community was really important.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?

Davis: My two kids are in college now, so ideally, this is my retirement and my future. I want to do something I love I’d like to retire in the next 10 to 15 years and have a business that supports me in that.

1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?

Davis: My background brings a lot to the table in terms of understanding the value of vintage items and antiques. That buyer experience really sets me apart — I can walk into someone’s home and see the value in what they have. That’s something unique I bring to the table.

I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, and I’ve been in Arizona since 2010. I’ve seen how much the community has grown and changed. There are a lot of large families, transitioning families, people with second homes and people moving  here from all over the country.. Being able to serve all those different communities is great — and very specific to the region.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?

Davis: Be diligent and ask a lot of questions. Make sure you know all aspects of the business. Go and work with somebody in the field for a day — that can show you a lot about what it really takes to run the business.

For more information about franchising with Caring Transitions, visit: https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/.

ABOUT CARING TRANSITIONS:

Caring Transitions provides older adults and their families with the most trusted, respected and comprehensive downsizing, right-sizing, estate sales and online auctions, and move management solutions in the industry. Founded in 2006, the brand is committed to helping people in a compassionate and caring manner during life's many transitions while providing a total and easy solution for clients in their time of need. Through their proprietary online sales platform, CTBIDS, Caring Transitions also prepares clients for the process of liquidating assets through their own online estate sales auction site. With more than 350 locations, Caring Transitions’ compassionate, experienced professionals minimize stress and relieve the burdens of life’s transitions. To learn more visit https://www.caringtransitions.com/.