Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Yetwin.
Brian, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I needed a stool for everything when I first started organizing at age 6. Even then, I kept form and function in mind because I’m that special kind of weirdo that loves to organize and design. My parents owned a toy store – not such a rough life for a kid, especially considering my passion for organizing, design and decor. My job was to unbox, sort, and display all the new toys that came into the store. It was the perfect combination of nature and nurture for someone with my personality.
Jumping way forward, I found myself in a 12-year career in entertainment advertising. I started as a copywriter and producer for key art – movie posters – and trailers. When I began, I thought it was my dream job. I was still organizing, designing and decluttering, just in a 2-dimensional space.
Then I got married to an amazing woman and we had 2 strong, smart, beautiful girls. Twelve hour work days with my phone ringing at all hours was not conducive to being as involved in my family’s life as I wanted. I came home one day and told my wife I think I hate advertising. She, of course, had known for a while and was waiting for me to catch up.
But what the hell else could I do? Almost universally my friends and family answered my question – I can organize. But professionally? Turns out, yes. People do hire me to, “enhances their lives by designing systems and processes using organizing principles and through transferring organizing skills. I help individuals and businesses take control of their surroundings, their time, their stress, and their systems for life.” – that’s NAPO’s promise to all of our clients.
My sister booked my first 2 clients for me and all of a sudden I had a new business that brings me more joy than any other job I’ve ever had.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Every career pivot comes with its challenges. I was giving up financial security with a toddler in-hand and a new baby on the way. Numbers were crunched. Things were given up – bye bye Starbucks – and real sacrifices where made.
For the first 6-months of my business, I made less than a cashier at In-n-Out. I traded services with web designers, business card printers and anyone who could help my business grow. It was all about the barter.
I also proudly wore the badge of a dumpster diver. I would save scraps of wood, collect beaten up but beautiful furniture and liberate junk from alleys. I would then build, refurbish and hack IKEA furniture for some side income. It was the first time in my life my passion for woodworking helped pay the bills. It was tremendously rewarding.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Getting organized isn’t an expense, it’s an investment. So what do I do? I organize stuff. Pretty simple, right? Not for the 80% of us who only use 20% of what we own.
As a professional organizer, I create simple and sustainable organizing solutions that work for your daily routine. I don’t just consult, I get dirty. Sitting on the sidelines directing doesn’t get the job done. I customize organizing solutions for people and businesses that allow them to take control of their surroundings and their time.
Your space will be organized and decluttered the day I leave, and I want you to be able to maintain the organized lifestyle with the least amount of effort possible.
Get Organized LA organizes, designs and categorizes to maintain clutter-free surroundings. Using proven methods, I create solutions that enhance lifestyles and environments.
I’m not just about organizing from attic to basement, I also refurbish, build and design. Downsizing? Moving? Home-refresh? I do it all while helping you stay organized and efficient.
What were you like growing up?
To be clear, I wasn’t expelled from the 7th grade. My vice principle politely recommended that perhaps I go elsewhere. We were kind of friends. That’s what happens when a kid spends much of junior high in detention with the vice principle.
I wasn’t a bully or destructive, but I loved to make people laugh and it turns out teachers don’t love disruptive kids – who knew? I was a nice kid, but I was still a pain in the ass.
So, I started a private school in the 8th grade where instead of putting me in detention I was voluntold that I had to be in the school play. All of a sudden, I was a passionate drama geek, a jock (I played lacrosse through college) and class president.
I wasn’t cool. I wasn’t a nerd. I was just the kid who liked to clean his room.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.GetOrganizedLA.com
- Phone: 734-945-1661
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @byetwin
- Facebook: @getorganizedla
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/get-organized-la-burbank
- Other: www.linkedin.com/in/brianyetwin/
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
