As a real estate agent, we normally get bombarded with a lot of sales gimmicks.  Many sales people are looking for the next get rich trick that will make them money for little effort.  These things do not exist, and I normally dismiss anybody that asks us to buy something to “help our business.”

I felt the same way when I first heard about the Certified Distressed Property Expert designation.  Fortunately, I gave the program a little time to see what they are about, and it is one of the best programs available.  Through the program, we get a little insight as to how we got into this mess, and how we can help many of the people that are still entangled in this real estate web.

I’m happy that I took the class, and I know that I can help you or anyone else that is in a situation where they are upside down in their home.

This week’s featured business is IKEA. Normally I don’t like to feature corporations, but IKEA is a very big employer in Tempe. Also, they’ve sponsored multiple Tempe Chamber events, so they help little guys like the mom & pop stores, too.

• What they do: Combining a tremendous variety of styles with 10,000 exclusively-designed product choices – ranging from sofas, bookcases, kitchens and kitchen appliances to beds, mattresses, office furniture and textiles – IKEA Tempe offers visitors affordable solutions for every room in the home. When factoring in color and sizes, we feature more than 80,000 different possibilities. To help shoppers with ideas and inspiration for creating the home of their dreams, our unique IKEA shopping experience includes individual room-settings and complete home displays depicting various “life situations” — from a single mother and her daughter to a couple moving in together. Visitors can enjoy Swedish meals such as meatballs and salmon at the IKEA Tempe Restaurant and Café or have a hot dog, frozen yogurt or cinnamon bun from the Bistro near the exit of the store.  Also, our Swedish Foodmarket features specialty foods to take home.

• Why they got started in it: Ingvar Kamprad founded IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retail company, in 1943. The name IKEA comes from Ingvar Kamprad, who grew up on a farm called Elmtaryd in the parish Agunnaryd in southern Sweden.  There are 37 U.S. and 11 Canadian IKEA stores.

• Who they serve: The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. Our business idea is to offer a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishings at prices so low that as many people as possible can afford them.

• Discounts/opportunities for people that come from this site: They are offering free chair massages available on a first-come, first-served basis on July 24 and 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the bedrooms department. For more details, visit www.IKEA-USA.com/tempe!

What does your company do?

Christian Companion Senior Care provides in-home care for seniors who wish to stay in their homes as long as possible, but may need a little help with meals, bathing, transportation and housework. Our trained caregivers are also able, upon request, to provide spiritual support such as Bible study, prayer, hymn singing and devotionals. Our on-staff registered nurse conducts intakes and helps you decide what level of care you need.

Why did you start it or why do you work there?

We were looking for care for my grandmother and discovered the Tucson branch of Christian Companion Senior Care. We loved the service and thought it would do well in the Valley, so we opened a franchise here. Working here is great because it’s making our mission our work—how great is that!!

Who do you serve?

Our clients are seniors who live at home and desire companionship or help with daily living. Our services are available throughout the East Valley and include Ahwatukee, Maricopa and Casa Grande.

Discounts/opportunities for people that come from this site We do have a newcomer special rate for the first six hours of care.

What do you do outside of this business?

I am the general manager at Christian Companion Senior Care, and I also serve as pastor at Waypoint Church in Maricopa.

Any interesting stories?

Yes—during a training session, one of our caregivers was talking about caring for seniors, and said, “I just cannot believe I get paid to do this!” It was a testimony to the quality of our people, and how their hearts are in what they do.

Also, a few interesting facts:

1. For the next 20 years, the 65-84 year old population is expected to increase by 80 percent, and those 85 and older will reach seven million.
2. According to an AARP survey, 84 percent of Americans want to stay in their present home as they age.
3. Christian Companion Senior Care was named last month to the “100 Hottest Franchises” list.

If you would be interested in Christian Companion Senior Care, please contact Amy at 480.285.1774 or visit www.christianseniorcare.com.

I’ve created a Featured Business page.  As a member of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, I’m trying to promote Tempe businesses.  This is a real opportunity to feature your business.  If you’d like to participate or recommend a business, please email me at steve@occasiorealty.com.