8/15/24

Hello clients, vendors and friends of House Specialties,

It has been 4 years since I launched this business, and we have been very successful because of the loyalty and support of you…my friends, clients, and referral partners. This year’s revenue is on track to be 50% higher than our best prior year. Our billing rates are up, we are booked almost a month into the future and our reputation in the community and online is very strong. In addition to the business performance, I have had a chance to meet so many wonderful generous people and be invited into their sacred spaces (their homes) to repair or improve their unique and interesting homes. I recognize the trust you have put in me and I take that very seriously. 

The opportunities created by your trust in me have increased beyond what I can keep up with myself…both in the office and in the field. My goal, from the beginning, was to build a business larger than myself. However, as you have put your trust in me, over four years I have been unable to find enough talented trades professionals that I could trust. I recognized this dynamic last summer and doubled down. Since then I have evaluated or tried every scenario I could think of to build a team worthy of my trust and yours.

This has all led me to a single conclusion: we can not continue to offer the high level of service and high quality of work that has earned your trust. My personal stress level over the past year has been extremely high as I worked full time in the office and part time in the field to maintain the quality and service that you deserve and I expect. This stress has affected both my health and my family.   

So, (deep breath), I have made the very difficult decision to close my business. I feel deep sadness as I write this letter. This is not a decision I made quickly or take lightly. With the sadness I also feel a deep sense of gratitude for everything in the first paragraph. I want to thank you for supporting my family for the past 4 years. Thank you for your trust, for referring me to your friends and neighbors, and for making me a part of your extended family. Thank you from the depths of my heart.

Again, thank you for four great years,

Lightning 

PS> I have a side hustle called Multigrain Creations. This is my creative side (which I will hopefully have time for now). I make beautiful wooden decor and gift items. Check out my work online and please come see me at an art show in Evanston during the holiday season. www.multigraincreations.com