Collector Care Interviews: Barry Izsak Organizing Expert, Author & Philanthropist

Collector Care Blogs with Barry Izsak

Hello Collectors! I have  a fascination with the pioneers in the industry, and always love to gain knowledge. So when I attended the NAPO LA Organizing awards last January, a certain guy by the name of Barry Izsak caught my eye.  Winner of the philanthropy award, certified organizer and a man.  Who is this guy? I had to learn more about him. I also kept hearing about this scholarship … and how much he has helped the industry.

I initially connected with Barry via social media and we carried our convo over to email where he signs his name with this very cute “{:->====< “. That I had not seen before,  did this certified male philanthropist mega organizing guru have a sense of humor? I hoped so, as we scheduled a time to chat on the phone.

When I called Barry Izsak I was laughing within minutes. I asked him how his day was, and he told me this fabulous story of one of his elderly clients and the exhausting day he had moving her. He was quite comical in his story, and I felt at ease immediately.

Rachel: Barry please tell me more about your Barry Izsak/Glorya Schklair scholarship, and what inspired you to create it?

Barry: I was inspired because I wanted to give those that might not be able to afford it, the opportunity to attend a conference. For me, it was truly a pivotal moment in my decision to become an organizer. When I went to my first conference in 1996 in Santa Clara, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to be an organizer. A friend of mine told me if I really wanted to do this with my career, then I had to check conference out. Back then there were probably 200 people at the conference, and NAPO had a membership of probably 800. I went to conference, and  I was really impressed. I decided to become an organizer and the rest is history! The (NOLA NAPO 2013 Conference) was my 18^th conference since 1996. I have not missed one since. Secondly, I had left some money in my will for NAPO.  I thought, why don’t I just give it to them now, why wait until I die?  I figured why not create my legacy when I am alive? Where I can actually see what the money does. I added Glorya Schklair who was a member of the NAPO-LA chapter. I met her at my first conference, and she inspired me because of her passion for NAPO and her vision for industry certification. After she died I thought about how much she had meant to me, and what a great way to memorialize her - so I put her name on it as well.

Rachel: Certified male Organizers there are few and far between, is this correct?
Barry: There are a few – Scott Roewer is one. I don’t know how many guys are certified, but you’re right probably not many.
Rachel: I <3 Scott Roewer!
Barry: I feel like being a guy in this industry of predominantly women, is actually an advantage because some people would rather work with a guy. Since there aren’t a lot of guys, they don’t have as many choices.

Rachel: Who is your ideal client?
Barry: A senior couple wanting to move that really realizes life is not about the stuff and just wants us to handle their entire move from start to finish. I have been part of NASMM for over five years now. I like working with seniors because that’s the one segment of the population where they really need you. They just don’t have the physical stamina or the emotional where withal to do it all themselves.

Rachel: Do you have any tips for new Professional Organizers?
Barry: People need to realize early that they need to take care of their bodies. Don’t wait before it’s too late!
Rachel: That's for sure, I like to bring a gardening knee pad or a stool if I know I am going to be on the floor decluttering for a while. Bad backs are no help in this business.

Thanks so much for the great interview Barry!

Diva

More fun facts about Barry!

It turns out that Barry is quite close with Rhonda Elliott a local organizer and good friend of mine. She was his conference buddy at his first conference in 1996!

Barry has a maine coon cat named Diva - this is a picture of her that Barry was kind enough to share. She sure looks like a DIVA! That expression is priceless meeeooow!

Barry works when he is not traveling.

Organize your Garage - Buy Now!

Barry Izsak, Certified Professional Organizer®, and founder of ARRANGING IT ALL™ in Austin, Texas, has been helping corporate and residential clients nationwide get organized since 1996. He is the author of Organize Your Garage in No Time (Que, 2005) and co-author of Exploring Productivity (Dawson, 2006).

Having served two consecutive terms as President of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) from 2003-2007, Barry is recognized as an articulate leader, advocate and spokesperson for the professional organizing industry. He has been quoted in hundreds of magazine and newspaper articles including the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the Washington Post and the New York Times and has been featured on CNN, HLN, FOX, CNBC, ABC, NBC and CBS.

In 2007, Barry was one of the first professional organizers in the world to become a Certified Professional Organizer® (CPO®) and in 2008, he earned the Certified Relocation and Transition Specialist (CRTS) credential. 

Barry is a member of NAPO’s Golden Circle and has received three of the association’s highest honors: President’s Award (2010) and (2002), Service to NAPO Award (2008), as well as the NAPO Founders’ Award (2005). A member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) since 2008, he was inducted into the Circle of Service in 2013.

He has also been recognized several times at the NAPO-Los Angeles Organizing Awards: The Philanthropy Award (2013), Most Innovative Organizer (2007) and his book, Organize Your Garage in No Time, as Best Organizing Book (2007).

Collector Care - Dogs love us! Professional organizers and pet lovers in the Bay Area!

Buster The Organizing Woofie On Pet Care - Shed Happens!

Hello world! It's me Buster and once again I have hijacked my Mommy's social media accounts today.
Personally, I find her blogs quite boring. She is always interviewing humans about human stuff. YAWN.

Let's face it, people love animals. Let's talk pets.

It's coming on Summer, and I personally have been shedding this fine Winter coat throughout the house for months. Sometimes, I even lick it all up and cough it up into a little pile (awesome!).

As a pampered older chap, what I love best is to be brushed. Brush me softly, brush me thoroughly, and brush me outside. I bet your pets loved to be brushed as well! If they don't like brushes, run your hands through the fur and try and help them shed.

After brushing your pets, a warm bubble bath (my mommy uses the cheap brand of baby shampoo from the dollar store), a towel dry and a good brush once their fur is dry. This keeps us from getting fur all over your clothing and home. We also smell and look good! We love you and we didn't mean for you to go into work with that clump of hair on the back of your skirt ...

Humans, SHED HAPPENS! It's up to you to make sure we are well taken care of.
Until next time,
Buster

Collector Care Collaborates With Extreme Cleaner Tony Leonardini

Welcome Tony!

Tony Leonardini has recently joined Collector Care. He is our General Manager and Estimator for our Northern California branch and definitely deserves a spot on our blog.

He is my right hand man when it comes to anything having to do with Collector Care. 

He builds custom garage and closet solutions for our clients. He  is a skilled plumber and handyman, and has brought sinks and toilets to use after many years. His dedication to our company is apparent and I could not think of anyone else that I would rather work with on a daily basis. 

Besides his charm and good looks - Tony has a heart of gold and it shows. He honestly wants to help.
Without further ado, I bring to you - Tony Leonardini! 

Rachel: Tony you have quite the extensive background in this field, what made you decide to expand into organizing?

Tony: I decided to enter this field to share my former experiences with peers and clients. I want to teach what I have learned as well as learn what others may be able to teach me.
 

Rachel: Why did you decide to collaborate with Collector Care?

Tony: I really like the Holistic approach that Collector Care and its employees take with their clients. I knew that I would be a perfect fit for the company.

Rachel: Who do you favor in this field? Why?

Tony: Honestly I favor all the Organizers and extreme cleaners in the field that genuinely like helping people in need. However, to answer your question directly, Cory Chalmers is high on the list, as is Dr. Michael Tompkins.

Rachel: Who is your ideal client?

Tony: My ideal clients are people who are overwhelmed in life either by physical or emotional clutter.
 

Rachel: When you aren't clearing large estates or cleaning up squalor, what do you do for fun? (Those two are pretty hard to top on the fun factor)

Tony: I enjoy spending my free time with my daughter. I love camping, fishing, and just about anything outdoors. I also like to watch movies and go for motorcycle rides.
Rachel: Thank you for letting me put you on the spot Tony! I am glad you stopped by our Collector Care blog and I hope you become a regular on here. 

To learn more about Tony Leonardini and Collector care please visit our website www.collectorcare.com or call 925-596-8894 and reach Tony directly!

  
 

Collector Care Interviews Linda Samuels - Organizer, Author and New President of the Institute for Challenging Disorganization

Hello Collectors! I am very excited to bring you this interview. In some of my other blog posts I have mentioned the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD)  and what a wonderful resource it is for those with clutter and for professionals like myself. If you have not subscribed to ICD yet - I suggest you do!  http://www.challengingdisorganization.org/. In addition to her work with the ICD, she is a hands on organizer, amazing blogger and author!

I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Linda Samuels, new ICD prez elect a couple of weeks ago at a convention. She is an absolute ray of sunshine inside and out. Dressed in vibrant ICD colors and a sparkling personality, I was immediately drawn to her. As a fairly new organizer I am always humbled to meet our veterans - and was even more humbled when Linda asked me to join her in an ICD commercial/interview! The ICD is a true collaborative of professionals, that all support each other and Linda Samuels is proof that even the most experienced and savvy organizers are kind and helpful to us "newbies".

http://www.ohsoorganized.com/

So now on to the interview! I hope you enjoy!

Rachel: I love that you still work hands on with clients. What is your favorite thing about working hands on with someone who is chronically disorganized?

Linda:Whether my clients are chronically disorganized or not, what I enjoy most are the wonderful relationships that develop. Particularly with my CD clients, these relationships are long lasting. I feel very lucky to be invited into my clients’ lives and be partners with them as they navigate change and witness the “ah-has.” Since I tend to work with my clients for an extended period, I experience many life transitions with them. I love the variety, the challenges, the connection, and the creative aspect of my work.

 

Rachel: What was one of your biggest mistakes as a new organizer?

Linda: Perhaps the biggest mistake I made as a new organizer was that I didn’t have clear enough boundaries. I found myself in uncomfortable situations too many times. It took me a while to establish guidelines so that there would be no unwelcome surprises for my clients or myself. I used the difficult situations as learning experiences, but it would have been better if I had anticipated at least some of these issues ahead of time. One of the most valuable classes I took to help me think about these issues was “Boundaries and Ethics”, which was co-created by my colleagues Sheila Delson and Terry Prince for the Institute of Challenging Disorganization (ICD).

Rachel:  The ICD has the most fabulous classes.  Thank you so much for this information! Setting boundaries has been one of my biggest challenges. It's nice to know that there are resources for new organizers that address this, and that even the best have gone through this challenge.

Rachel: What advice do you have for new organizers wanting to work with the chronically disorganized?

Linda: The best advice I can share for any organizers, new or veteran that wants to work with CD clients is to seek out education. Without knowledge and training, organizers run the risk of doing more harm than good. The best source for information, education, and strategies for those that work with the CD population is ICD. This association attracts experts that share their resources, strategies and research about chronic disorganization. The ICD website has info including free fact sheets, teleclasses, publications, and conferences.

Rachel: When you aren't organizing, writing books, speaking or blogging, what do you do for fun?

Linda: I love to have fun! This includes taking Comedy Improv classes, dancing in our living room or at Zydeco gigs, taking walks by the two rivers and in the woods, laughing with my husband and daughters, baking, getting together with family and friends, going on road trips, watching movies, and having adventures with my wonderful husband of almost 30 years.

Rachel: I love your website, and of course read your bio. I wanted to ask you - why a purple front door? What does this mean to you?

Linda: From early on, I always loved the color purple. I enjoy other colors too, but have a special “thing” for purple, which has only intensified as I’ve grown. Embracing all that we’re passionate about whether that’s color, people, or work, is essential to living joyfully. Let the things you love surround you. Let the work you love be part of your days. Let those you love know it. Embrace your passions.

Rachel: My favorite color is purple as well,  it started when I realized that the amythest was my birthstone. I love your doorway idea, what a beautiful way to celeberate this marvelous color. Thank you so much for this interview.

About Linda:

 

 

Linda Samuels, CPO-CD^® is a compassionate, enthusiastic professional organizer and coach, founder of Oh, So Organized! (1993), author of The Other Side of Organized and blogger on organizing and life balance. She has been featured in The New York Times, Woman’s Day, Bottom Line Personal, Westchester Magazine, Everyday with Rachael Ray, and Enterpreneur.com. Connect with Linda on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, blog, or website. Sign up for a free monthly e-newsletter with bonus tips at ohsoorganized.com.

Linda’s Contact info:

Email: linda@ohsoorganized.com

Phone: 914-271-5673

Website: http://www.ohsoorganized.com

Blog: http://theothersideoforganized.com

Twitter:  @LindaSamuels

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oh-So-Organized

Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/ohsoorganized/

Collector Care 2012-2013 California Tax Preparation Tips

California Tax Tips 2013

It's that time of the year again! Collector Care is based out of California, hence why we have California tips on our blog. Feel free to submit any more useful tips in our comments section!

Online Account Access

Taxpayers can go to ftb.ca.gov to register and access their MyFTB Account to change their address, get information, such as estimated tax payments, balances due, state W-2 information, or FTB-issued 1099 forms. We suggest taxpayers use their online account information to avoid claiming the wrong amount of estimated tax payment amounts, which is the top error taxpayers make on their tax returns.

What tax credits are available for taxpayers to reduce their tax bill?

Personal Exemption Credit 

This year’s credit totals $104 for individuals and $208 for married couples and registered domestic partners. Blind individuals and senior individuals (65 years or older) receive $208 (double the individual amount.)

Dependent Exemption Credit

Families can reduce their tax bill by $321 for each dependent.

Renter’s Credit

Single renters can claim a $60 credit if their adjusted gross income is $36,337 or less. Married couples, registered domestic partners, or head of household filers can claim $120 if their adjusted gross income is $72,674 or less.

Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

EITC is a federal incentive for low-income individuals and families. Taxpayers who earn less than $50,270 may qualify for a refundable credit that can total up to $5,891.
“Refundable” means that taxpayers do not need a tax liability to get a refund check from the government. For those who might qualify, go to irs.gov and search for EITC assistant. California has no comparable state credit.

What are the common errors taxpayers should avoid?

The top three common tax errors:

1. Claiming incorrect estimated tax payments.
2. Deducting the wrong amount for the standard or itemized deductions.
3. Selecting the wrong amount of tax from the tax table on paper tax returns.

To avoid these errors, we suggest taxpayers:

• Go to ftb.ca.gov and access their MyFTB Account to verify the amounts we have on record for their estimated tax payments, wage and withholding information, and current balance due.
• Accurately add and transfer their total deductions to the correct line of the tax return.
• Double-check that they transferred the correct amount of tax from the tax table.

What should taxpayers do if they cannot file by April 15?

No problem. All taxpayers get an automatic six-month filing extension to October 15. The extension is only for filing tax returns and not for payment of any taxes that may be due. Be sure to pay the total tax due by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest.

What if taxpayers owe and cannot pay?

First, taxpayers should always file on time and pay as much as they can with their tax return. This saves them money in penalties and interest. We realize that unforeseen events occur that prevent taxpayers from paying their taxes on time.
We generally approve monthly payment plan requests if the balance owed is $25,000 or less and can be paid within 60 months. We generally do not file liens on these taxpayer’s accounts.
Taxpayers can set up payment plans online at ftb.ca.gov and search for payment options.
New this season: Payment plans can be set up using our automated phone line at 800.689.4776. Payment plan information is available in both English and Spanish.
Taxpayers may pay taxes by credit card: Visa, Master Card, Discover/NOVUS, and American Express.

Website: Official Payments Corporation: officialpayments.com.
Telephone: 888.2PAY.TAX or 888.272.9829.

Service providers charge a convenience fee for this service based on the amount charged.

What should taxpayers do if they made an error on their tax return, forgot to claim a deduction, or received a late W-2?

Taxpayers can correct their California tax return by filing Form 540X, Amended Individual Income Tax Return. Amended tax returns take longer to process than original tax returns.
For simple math errors or missing documents, taxpayers generally do not need to file amended tax returns, as we typically correct math errors when we process tax returns. We will contact taxpayers about missing documents.

What should taxpayers do if they changed their address during the year?

Each year, the U.S. Post Office returns millions of dollars in refund checks to us as undeliverable. This is generally because taxpayers moved after they filed their taxes. The post office does not forward refund checks.
Notify us immediately of a change of address:
Web: Go to ftb.ca.gov to access their MyFTB Account and change their address online.
Telephone: 800.852.5711
Mail a completed FTB 3533, Change of Address, to:
FRANCHISE TAX BOARD
PO BOX 942840
SACRAMENTO CA 94240-0002

Your Client’s Concerns After Filing Their Tax Returns

As the end of filing season approaches, taxpayers contact us with questions or concerns they have after filing their tax return. The following information can help you:

When can my client expect their refund?

• e-file – Refunds from e-file returns are usually issued within seven to ten business days from the date the return is accepted. Your client can also request to have the refund directly deposited into a bank account usually within five to seven business days.
• Paper returns - Direct deposit of refunds for paper returns are deposited in six to eight weeks.

How can my client check their refund status?

Your client can check the status of their current year refunds online or call 800.852.5711 available in English and Spanish.

My client sent the check without the payment voucher.

We will cross reference and accept the check, but if this is the first time the taxpayer is filing the tax return, we might need to contact the taxpayer.

My client cannot pay what is owed on the tax return.

If your client is unable to pay the tax owed in full, the taxpayer can make a request for monthly payments.
However, interest accrues and an underpayment penalty may be charged on the tax not paid by April 15, 2013, even if the request for monthly payments is approved. To make monthly payments, complete form FTB 3567, Installment Agreement Request, online or mail it to the address on the form.

My client is due a refund for this year, but has a balance due from a prior year or a nontax debt being collected by us. Will my client get the refund?

No. All refunds are subject to intercept. Refunds from joint returns may be applied to the debts of either the taxpayer or spouse.

Collector Care Interviews Organizing Extraordinaire Peter Walsh

You may have seen this handsome Australian American on the TLC hit show "Extreme Clutter", or heard his enchanting voice on the radio. He is a compassionate helper, an amazing organizer and absolutely the kindest for allowing me to interview him on our blog. Folks, let's get a round of applause for Peter Walsh!

Rachel:  At this moment in time, who would you most like to get (free) advice from and why?

Peter: Hmm - great question! I'd like to get free advice from any social media guru and I'm sure there are things in that domain that I could be doing more effectively.

Rachel:  Define success and name a few people you think are successful.

Peter: I think that many people forego success and happiness because when it arrives it doesn't look the way they expected it to look. I think success has to be defined as being firmly in the present with a balanced and reasonable set of expectations. From this perspective, then, success is something that is first achieved internally and not assessed by external criteria. So, for me, another person's success is determined by them, not by me.

Rachel: I'm a new business owner trying to grow my organizing business. What are 3 things you wish you'd done differently when you first started your organizing business?

Peter: I wish I'd spoken with more professional organizers to get some broader perspectives on the profession. I wish I'd embraced social media earlier and more aggressively.
I wish I'd realized that 20% of a job usually takes 80% of the effort.

Rachel: By my standards you are a very successful person; a brand. Would you share some of the types of support you have in place to keep the Peter Walsh brand going strong?

Peter: Sure - I have a very clear vision for my brand, what it is, what it represents and how it presents itself. I call this 'brand intention'. I don't do anything that doesn't align with that. I answer every email that comes to me myself. I delegate wherever possible. I make every effort to work with and to employ people who are much smarter than I am.
As well as his work on TV he has written a few best-selling books about clutter and organization. His first (and favorite) is “It’s All Too Much: An Easy Plan for Living a Richer Life with Less Stuff”. He is now also designing some cool organizational products and hosting a national radio program. This all keeps him busy when he is not travelling or helping people turn their clutter and chaos into calm.

Rachel Seavey, Professional Organizer At Collector Care
Collector Care  serves the San Francisco Bay Area. We specialize in clearing clutter, hoarding disorder, and chronic disorganization.
We  love what we do, and  provide realistic expectations and timelines.

Please visit our website at www.collectorcare.com  or call 925-548-7750
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