Concept
Many small businesses, whether retail or offices, have an owner and maybe one or two employees. Staff scheduling can become very difficult when someone is absent. Everyone needs a vacation once in a while. Medical time off is sometimes necessary. And emergency absences are especially challenging - who do you call, what do you do to be sure your business can open and continue to thrive. You call While You're Away for all your short term staffing needs.
Services & Rates
Half day: Up to 5 hours - $100.00
Full day: $150.00
5 or more consecutive days: 10% discount
Training: $25.00 (up to 4 hours)
Scheduling is done on a first come, first served basis. To insure emergency coverage, training beforehand (even without a specific assignment scheduled) is required.
Please note, some businesses can not be served due to licensing restrictions and limitations.
Rates effective January 1, 2024
About Me
My name is Lori Kunze and I am the sole owner, proprietor, and employee of While You're Away, LLC. When you decide to take that much needed vacation or medical leave, you contact me and we schedule your time. Plus a time for training.
While You’re Away was started in 2018. After the previous 4 years working as a receptionist and Classifieds Manager of the local newspaper, and 8 years prior as a retail Manager at a Paint Your Own Pottery shop, I've decided that While You're Away is a much needed service in Edmonds. Before my husband and I moved to Washington in 2006 I worked for 17 years in the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory as a lab tech. I bring a strong sense of responsibility, maturity and care to every client I serve. I'm licensed, insured and bonded in WA and Edmonds. I'll treat your business as if it were my own, While You're Away.
Skills and Expertise
3 years as Private Contractor, While You’re Away, LLC
Working for and managing a variety of small retail businesses in downtown Edmonds.
8 years as Manager at Glazed & Amazed
Manage overall store operations; schedule employees, process payroll and provide administrative support to business owner
Provide friendly reception, answered questions, and assist customers
Process customer payments including credit/debit card and cash transactions
Settle register and credit card machines for evening closing
Handle incoming calls from customers and suppliers
Manage inventory database, order stock as necessary and catalog incoming stock
Create visual displays, contribute to social networking and email marketing activities
4 years as Classifieds Manager at Beacon Publishing
Create classified pages for three local newspapers
Manage At Your Service display advertising
Process monthly billing for advertising customers
Answer phones and carry out receptionist duties
Co-manage newspaper circulation and carriers
Assists editors with proofreading
Proficient with email, cash register programs, multi-line phone systems, Microsoft programs, QuickBooks, Excel, Google docs, internet use
References
Deborah Wertz dswertz@gmail.com 425-466-5211
Barb Deaton
bideaton@comcast.net 425-510-1173
Rev. Eric Kaminetzky eric@euuc.org 425-778-0373
“Lori is a joy to work with and an asset to our business. She is hardworking, reliable and always professional. Lori is a quick study, wonderful with our customers and has excellent communication skills. We know our business is in good hands with Lori and appreciate all of the work she has done for our business. We have come to rely on Lori and recommend the services she provides through While You Are Away without reservation.”
“Lori has been a pleasure to work with and has been instrumental in my store’s success this past year. She managed my store while I was on vacation, she covered shifts when we were short staffed, she helped me interview and hire new staff and she was a lead trainer to my new hired employees. When I had Lori working at my store, I was worry free and confident that not only was the store in good hands but she really cared about my business and would often make extra efforts to help my business succeed. She is well versed on how to run a retail store and how to manage employees and customers with a smile, she is dependable and very organized and has a strong work ethic. I would highly recommend her services. ”
“ Lori is a pleasure to work with. She is professional, friendly and knows Edmonds customers really well. I recommend her unique business model to fill in your staffing needs in a pinch or for regular shifts when you are short staffed. ”
Contact
