In the heart of Idaho’s Treasure Valley, Progress LLC shines as a remarkable example of entrepreneurial spirit and compassionate service. Tiffany Williams, a visionary businesswoman and CPO-CD® Certified organizer (Certified Professional Organizer) founded the company in 2022. Progress LLC is not your run-of-the-mill organizing company. It is a vital lifeline for individuals facing the overwhelming task of decluttering and paring down their lives. As a proud client of Business Impact NW’s VBOC, Tiffany’s journey embodies the essence of being a successful entrepreneur in Idaho, with a team of experts readily available to support her every step of the way.
From Vision to Reality: Making a Difference
Tiffany’s entrepreneurial journey began when she noticed a common struggle within the Veteran population and her local community: the battle against disorganization. Dealing with chronic disorganization isn’t just about navigating through physical objects; it’s an emotional journey fraught with embarrassment and a deep sense of helplessness. It’s a challenge that many find too daunting to tackle alone. With a keen understanding of this issue, Tiffany launched Progress LLC. Her mission goes beyond just organizing spaces. Tiffany is dedicated to helping individuals reclaim their space, offering additional resources, and truly changing their lives.
Dr. Chris Goings-Armstrong states, “As VBOC Program Director, I am inspired by leaders like Tiffany Williams, who embody true service. Her work reminds me that the greatest measure of success is how many lives you elevate along the way.” He adds, “Tiffany’s passion for service also speaks to the power of generosity, showing that when you give from the heart, you not only change others’ lives, but you also transform your own.”
A Supportive Business Coach, An Empowering Partnership
Seeking to boost her new business’s visibility and growth, Tiffany took a proactive step by connecting with Business Impact NW. There, she forged a valuable and dynamic partnership with her business coach, Dr. Chris Goings-Armstrong. Together, they concentrated on creating a comprehensive marketing strategy and leveraging connections within the community. Given Chris’s background, he recognized the significance of community support. He offered valuable advice on harnessing this network to empower Tiffany and facilitate the growth of her business.
Following Chris’s advice, Tiffany took the initiative to make a memorable introduction of Progress LLC to her community. Motivated by her desire to expand her company and his insightful guidance, she organized a neighborhood National Night Out event. This was a great platform for Tiffany to showcase Progress LLC right at the heart of her community. The evening turned out to be much more than a simple meet-and-greet. Tiffany was able to connect with potential clients, local emergency resources, and community organizations, and gain referrals for those in need.
Reflecting on her work with her business coach, Tiffany stated, “Dr. Chris suggested going out and meeting your neighbors; they may not know what you do,” alluding to potential opportunities once the community becomes aware of her business. Tiffany’s forward-thinking approach laid a solid foundation for future partnerships and, in turn, positioned Progress LLC as a resource of support within the community.
A Compassionate, Resource-Filled Approach
At the heart of Progress LLC is a profound respect for each client’s unique needs and circumstances. As a Certified Professional Organizer specializing in Chronic Disorganization, Tiffany knows that paring-down is more than just spaces; it’s about the stories and emotions intertwined with each item. This is why she provides non-judgmental and shoulder-to-shoulder support, guiding her clients through the process at their own pace.
Tiffany’s commitment to her clients doesn’t stop with organizational needs. She actively collaborates with local community resources to ensure wrap-around support and services. Recalling a few previous instances, Progress LLC was referred by Idaho Veteran’s Network to help clients who had urgent health and safety concerns in their homes. Unfortunately, some of these Veterans could not tackle decluttering and paring down on their own and lacked the family and community resources to lean on. Tiffany did not hesitate to step in and fill the gap with her support and offer her connections to resources.
The circle of support doesn’t stop there. Progress LLC has expanded its reach by partnering with the non-profit Veteran’s Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP), Idaho Veteran’s Network, and a local junk hauling service. These collaborations have opened doors to various support services, from yard clean-ups to in-home services and even critical in-home repairs for Veterans and their spouses who need urgent assistance.
Going A Step Further
As an ADHD, Hoarding, and Time Management and Productivity Specialist, Tiffany brings a unique blend of compassion, trust, and patience tailored to each client’s individual needs. Her background in the mental health field and personal experience have shaped how she approaches each situation and offers essential support services.
Tiffany states, “I connect them with all the necessary resources, whatever that might entail.”
Through Progress LLC, Tiffany is actively improving the lives of those in need and significantly impacting the elderly and Veteran population. She collaborates with various partners and community groups, providing a range of resources and advocating for her client’s needs. Additionally, she ensures her older clients are well-informed about social events, such as a recent free sturgeon fishing event. This underscores the importance of social engagement and relationship building.
Tiffany also hosts speaking engagements to educate the community about her services and other available resources. With requests from major hospitals such as St. Alphonsus in Boise, Tiffany utilizes her platform to provide essential resources to the Greater Boise area. Progress LLC doesn’t just stop when decluttering is done. They remain champions by their clients’ side for as long as necessary.
Tiffany says, “If I were in their shoes, wouldn’t it be nice to have someone going above and beyond to give additional resources? It is about always paying it forward.”
Award Winning Assistance and Support
Tiffany’s passion and dedication to her mission has earned the loyalty of her clients and caught the eyes of local community organizations and partners. Her hard work and commitment were honored when Progress LLC was honored with the Idaho Veteran’s Chamber Spouse Business Owner of the Year award. The nomination came as a complete surprise to her. She recalls the moment of confusion when her name was mentioned. “I heard an Idaho Veteran’s Chamber representative say maybe I should have her come to my house, and they said my name.” Overcome with emotion, Tiffany fought back tears, pausing to gather herself before graciously accepting the award. Progress LLC’s award-winning success stands as a testament to Tiffany’s prowess as a businesswoman. Her ability to blend empathy with expertise has led to the creation of services that deeply resonate with her clients.
Looking Ahead: Progress LLC and the Future of Entrepreneurs in Idaho
As Progress LLC continues to grow, so does Tiffany’s vision for the future. During cleanup projects, she and her husband, Coast Guard Veteran Steve Swihart, noticed a recurring need for customized shelving solutions. This observation inspired them to take a bold entrepreneurial leap. They launched an additional company focused on shelving, storage solutions, and woodworking. This expansion has proven successful, with Steve securing a contract with the Idaho Region for Redline Cabinets. With joint ventures, Tiffany and Steve are enhancing their family’s presence in the Idaho business scene. Their ongoing advocacy and efforts within Progress LLC are leaving a lasting impact on their community.
As the upcoming Grand Opening of Business Impact NW’s IWBC approaches, entrepreneurs like Tiffany will be supported an array of resources and guidance. Her journey, starting with a visionary idea and culminating in an award-winning business, serves as a powerful inspiration. It encourages other aspiring entrepreneurs to strive for success in the business world. For Tiffany, the future of Progress LLC is bright. With ongoing support from Business Impact NW and a growing base of satisfied clients, her business is thriving and setting a new standard for what it means to be an entrepreneur in Idaho.
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About the author
Emma Seymour is a Communications and Public Relations professional specializing in storytelling, relationship building, and content development. A military spouse and former small business owner, she advocates for veterans, transitioning service members, and their spouses, and has delivered keynote speeches on workforce development, military programs, and childhood trauma.