Westwood Couple Lost One Business, Started Another

George and Diana Bedoya of Westwood were victims of the economic downturn. They owned a business that conducted energy efficiency assessments, but funding got cut, forcing them to shut their doors. To support his family of five, George took a job with a local taxi company where he learned about the needs of the community. That's when he came up with an idea for another business that he runs with his wife today.

The Bedoyas own and run out of their basement home office. The company provides a variety of services to people throughout Bergen County, including buying groceries, picking up prescriptions, painting homes and debris removal.

George said he came up with the idea for Errands, Etc. while driving a cab because he saw how people were using the taxi service.

"By working seven days a week within the community, I really got to see the needs of the people," George said.

After working on a business plan for months, the couple started launched Errands, Etc. in December 2010. At first they mainly worked with people they knew. They have lived in Westwood for 12 years, have three small children and have been active in the community. George was a member of the borough's Zoning Board and Board of Health and Diana has served on the Westwood Library Board of Trustees for more than six years. But as time went on, Diana said business has picked up outside their circles.

"Now the phone rings off the hook and I have no idea who these people are," Diana said. "Word is really getting out."

George said the business has been growing slowly but steadily and has been sustainable. The pair currently employs four part-time errand runners to help with the volume of requests, though George and Diana still work seven days a week. George said he sometimes gets up at 3 a.m. to do an errand, and Diana added that he sometimes won't get home until that time.

Despite the amount of work, George said he loves his job. "We feel blessed to be doing what we're doing," he said.

George said he used to view the American Dream as getting a great job on Wall Street, getting married, having kids, getting a dog and going on vacations. But that has changed somewhat and he believes he's living a new version.

"To really be in control I think is a dream for a lot of people," he said. "A lot of people are not willing to take the chance, the risk, but I'm sure a lot of people would love to be in control of their own hours."

In addition to creating a profitable business, George and Diana said their work is a way to help area residents and small business owners.

"What came out of necessity became a business opportunity but also an opportunity to help others," George said. "It's not just about me. It's about helping people in our community."

In addition to the normal errand running the Bedoyas do on a regular basis, they adapt to changing conditions, such as with Hurricane Irene. Before the storm, George stocked up on ice, flashlights and batteries to hand out, which he did without asking for money. He also did debris removal after the storm had passed and left many with feet of water in their homes.

George said he has also provided services for free to help people in need.

"Having those eight months where you're in a spot you never thought you'd be in makes you sensitive," Diana said. "It humbles you. People who go through tough times remember them."

The couple said they like being able to provide others with work as well, calling it "gratifying."

George and Diana continue to expand their business. They introduced Pet Taxi in June, which transports animals to vet appointments, to the airport or even in moves.

The pair said their customers find them reliable and trustworthy, giving them keys to their homes, cars and businesses. While out conducting errands in a Westwood apartment buildling, George was greeted warmly by customers and neighbors.

While both George and Diana are very satisfied with their work now, neither anticipated running Errands, Etc.

"Never in a million years did I think I would be doing this line of work," George said.

Errands, Etc. offers services throughout Bergen County. Charges vary by errand, but there are zone fees listed on the company website. There are coupons available on the website and the Bedoyas offer a loyalty discount as well. The company also has a Facebook page and Twitter account.