The Journey of Moving Miss Daisy LLC
In 2016, a blend of personal experience and professional expertise gave birth to Moving Miss Daisy LLC, under the vision and leadership of Glenn Novack. Glenn's journey, spanning over a decade as a caregiver for his mother, intertwined with roles in event planning and as an auction scout, laid the foundation for a unique venture. It was his sister, Kathy Clenet, that sparked the idea of channeling these skills towards supporting seniors during pivotal transitions in their lives. The quest for a fitting name led Glenn to a moment of inspiration while watching the movie "Driving Miss Daisy", thus christening the venture as Moving Miss Daisy.
The business started with a compassionate mission: aiding seniors in the delicate process of downsizing from their long-time homes to more manageable living spaces or retirement communities, often during emotionally challenging times such as the loss of a spouse. Glenn's diverse skill set, including expertise in art, antiques, furniture, collectibles, and CAD design, proved invaluable. Moving Miss Daisy offered comprehensive support – from selecting essential belongings for smaller spaces to packing, moving, and setting up in new homes. Items not accompanying the seniors found new homes through consignment, auctions, or estate sales, meticulously managed by the team.
The pandemic in March 2020 brought unforeseen changes. As the world paused, Glenn shifted gears, initiating a free grocery shopping and medication pick-up service for the senior community. This effort expanded into broader volunteer work, including food delivery for the Food Bank and supporting Care For Paws with pet food distribution. July 2020 marked another pivotal moment. Glenn took over "Finders Keepers", a consignment shop owned by Vic Parvin, who was seeking retirement. Initially a small space, Glenn's vision required more room, leading him to the iconic but daunting Sears building.
The initial plan to share the 70,000 sq ft space with an auto museum morphed into a partnership with Mattress Mike, creating a unique blend of new furniture and consignment pieces under one massive roof. In this expansive new space, Glenn brought his event-planning expertise to life by creating an event space within the store. Complete with a full stage, lighting, sound, a bar, and a catering kitchen, this space is dedicated to community and nonprofit events. Reflecting his passion for music, Glenn, a vocalist with his own jazz band, Society Jazz, plans to perform during store hours on occasional Sunday's. To learn more about the band, visit www.societyjazz.com. Nonprofits interested in using this free event space are encouraged to contact the store at 805-770-7715.
Moving Miss Daisy also boasts an online auction house featured on liveauctioneers.com, catering to a national and international audience. This platform is ideal for selling antiques, handmade rugs, and art that may appeal to a broader audience, ensuring that each unique piece finds its perfect home.
Today, Moving Miss Daisy stands as a testament to Glenn's vision and dedication. It's not just a shop; it's a community hub where memories find new homes and Santa Barbara residents discover treasured pieces. A journey that began with a personal commitment to caregiving has evolved into a flourishing business, bringing joy and convenience to many.
"As we continue our journey with Moving Miss Daisy, the daily feedback from our cherished customers fuels our passion. We're constantly reminded of the vital role we play in the Santa Barbara community. Every story shared, every item that finds a new home, and every senior we assist in transitioning to their new phase of life, reinforces the need and value of our services. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone for their unwavering support and trust. It's your encouragement that keeps us motivated and committed to serving the community we so dearly love. Thank you for being an integral part of our story and for allowing us to be a part of yours."