Editor’s note: This month’s Business Beacon is a spotlight on Honesty Guard Homewatch, a professional home-watching service covering 30A. Owner Rhea Ross talks to us what prompted this new business venture, what white-glove service means and their comprehensive approach. Reach them at 850.714.2756, via email (Info@HonestyGuard.com) or on the web. They are also on Facebook and Instagram.
Do you have an interesting topic you think we should cover? Leave a comment below!
1. How did you get the idea or concept for your business?
RR: Our own struggles with finding reliable property management inspired us to create Honesty Guard Homewatch, ensuring homeowners have a trustworthy partner in caring for their non-rental properties. This led us to sell our St. Louis home in 2020 and move permanently to Florida to put down roots on 30A.
2. Let’s discuss numbers: What year did you open? How many locations do you have? How many people do you employ?
RR: Opening in 2021, Honesty Guard Homewatch operates without a physical location, focusing on our clients’ homes. It’s just me and my husband, Mike, dedicated to this endeavor.
3. What do you sell or what service do you provide? What’s your best seller?
RR: We specialize in comprehensive property oversight for non-rental seasonal homes, with our vendor coordinator package being the most popular among our clients.
4. What’s unique about what you do or offer?
RR: We offer personalized, white-glove service to each homeowner, ensuring not just watching but genuine care for their properties.
5. How would you describe your business to a potential customer?
RR: As a professional home-watching service, we mitigate the challenges of beach home ownership: heat, humidity, pests, and salty air are harsh on the home, causing minor issues to turn into more significant problems when not detected early. Whether you are a snowbird, a vacation homeowner or someone who needs to be away from your property for an extended time, we are here to help. We complete a multi-point assessment with photos at each home visit. Our job is to keep your home running smoothly while you are away.
6. What do you love most about your line of work?
RR: The trust and ongoing relationships we build with clients, who renew their services year after year, is what I cherish most.
7. What sorts of trends are you seeing in your industry?
RR: There’s a growing recognition of the importance of professional home-watching services, especially for insurance purposes and maintaining property value.
8. Tell me in just a sentence or two what you feel sets you apart from your competitors.
RR: I am a highly organized person with an eye for detail. My husband is gifted in technology and small home repairs. Our unique blend of dedication and comprehensive service approach distinguishes us in the northwest Florida home watch market.
9. Who or what inspires you? This could be a family member or celebrity, a particular quote or even a book/movie/podcast. The sky’s the limit!
RR: My inspiration comes from Jesus and the principles of love, joy, peace, patience and kindness, which are the foundation of our business. I chose the name of my business from Psalms 25:21: “My hope is in you, so may goodness and honesty guard me.”
10. What’s the best thing about being a part of the Emerald Coast, personally and/or professionally?
RR: Of course, it’s the beach!
11. Are you/your business involved in the community in any way? Volunteering or giving back? If so, how?
RR: We are active in our church, The Chapel at the Beach, and serve in community outreaches.
12. What does a typical day in your business look like? (Pretend it’s Monday (or Friday!) and take me through the highlights of your day.)
RR: My days alternate between on-site home visits and business operations, including marketing and client engagement.
13. What’s your best “insider tip?” (This could be a community tip for vacationers or homeowners or even a tip for customers related to your business.)
RR: To avoid crowds, the best days to grocery shop are Tuesday or Wednesday mornings.
14. How do you recharge or relax when the day is done?
RR: Evening beach walks and weekend paddle boarding are my go-to activities for relaxation and recharging. Mike and I also love to cook, especially Neapolitan pizza!
15. Just the deets, please! Where are you located? Business hours? Social media profiles and/or website links we need to know about? (Please feel free to add social media handles or direct links!)
RR: Honesty Guard Homewatch serves the following areas: Santa Rosa Beach; Blue Mountain Beach; Grayton Beach; WaterColor; Seaside, Florida; Seagrove; WaterSound; Seacrest; Alys Beach; Rosemary Beach; and Inlet Beach. Reach them at 850.714.2756, via email (Info@HonestyGuard.com) or on the web. They are also on Facebook and Instagram. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays.
16. One final question: If there was just one thing you wish the public knew about your business, what would it be?
RR: Many insurance policies may not cover claims for homes left vacant for over 30 days. Honesty Guard Homewatch ensures your home is cared for and provides written and photographic documentation.
