About The Clients
In recent conversations, Tom DuFore of Big Sky Franchise Team and Courtney Kingston of Kingston Family Vineyards shared how they both once believed that investing in a Virtual Assistant was either unaffordable or unattainable—only to discover that it was the key to unlocking exponential growth for their businesses and personal lives.
The Challenge
Tom, the CEO of a thriving franchise consultancy, found himself at a crossroads when the demands of his growing business made it clear he couldn’t do it all.
“I realized I needed to duplicate myself,” he shared.
But his first attempt with a BELAY Virtual Assistant didn’t go as planned.
“It wasn’t a good fit,” he admitted, reflecting on the initial mismatch. Despite reservations about trying again, he trusted BELAY’s process, which ultimately paired him with Evonne—a perfect match who brought entrepreneurial savvy and customer service expertise to the table.
Similarly, Courtney, who juggles running her family’s vineyard, motherhood, and personal commitments, found herself drowning in tasks she believed only she could handle.
“The idea of spending on me didn’t feel quite right,” she confessed.
Yet, feedback from her brother and an entrepreneurial group finally nudged her to give BELAY a try.
“I thought I should be able to handle it all, but I was dropping too many balls—professionally and personally.
“[But] I couldn't keep my head above water. I just had way too much going on but thought I should be able to keep my head above water – and other entrepreneurs don't have assistance. We can't afford that.”
Still, Courtney conceded after realizing she couldn’t do it all, including managing her household, children, and personal life.
“I was missing pediatrician appointments. I was kicking the can on things that mattered. I thought, ‘I'll try it. I’ll bring the goalposts in pretty close [for] six months,’” she confessed.
The Solution
For both leaders, finding the right Virtual Assistant was a game-changer.
Tom’s BELAY Assistant, Evonne, seamlessly integrated into his business, taking over critical administrative tasks, billing, and even hiring.
“She’s entrepreneurial-minded, marketing-focused, and customer-service-oriented—she’s made a big difference,” Tom said.
Courtney’s assistant, Erica, began by managing her email and gradually took on more responsibilities, including her calendar and finances.
“She listens, understands, and even anticipates my needs,” Courtney marveled.
The Results
With Evonne’s help, Tom’s businesses experienced unprecedented growth, doubling revenue in one year and growing another 50% the following year.
“She was a big part of that, clearing my mind to focus on growth,” he shared.
Similarly, Courtney found herself more present and effective—not just in business but in her personal life.
“People noticed a change. They said, ‘Courtney’s on time and seems more relaxed,’” she laughed.
Both leaders attribute their success to not only their BELAY Virtual Assistants’ capabilities but also the trust they placed in them.
“Trust was the foundation,” Courtney emphasized. “If I didn’t fully trust Erica, she couldn’t do what I needed her to.” Tom echoed this sentiment, highlighting how BELAY’s commitment to matching the right talent with the right client was instrumental in his success.
“[Evonne] definitely was part of the reason that we doubled our growth and the year after had a 50-percent growth rate."
“There's no doubt she was a big part of that, helping to clear some of those things out of my mind to jump into it," Tom adds.
“It's really been a great experience,” he concludes. “I'm thankful for the opportunity to endorse BELAY and be able to share my experience because it's been great. The customer service has been great. Responsiveness has been great. The work conducted by representatives has been top-notch. I have a high personal standard and for those that I work with – and BELAY has met and exceeded those expectations.”
The Right Hire. Right Now.
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