Ms. Melissa Rulli is the CEO and Owner of Eye On Your Home. Her company, Eye on Your Home, is a Property Management company that provides Home Watch, Concierge Services, Estate Management, Real Estate Maintenance and Cleaning Service support to owners of a Vacant Home, She looks forward to boosting women's involvement in entrepreneurship on a national level — by exclusively franchising the business to extraordinary women! We had a chance to interview Melisa and asked about her story, how she started her business and the future of Eye on Your Home.
Tell us your story. Why did you start your business?
After divorcing, I became a real estate agent for 18 months and then the market crashed. In fear of not being to support my children properly, I researched to see if there were any jobs out there, where I could use my license. I found out that to be a North Carolina residential property manager that handles full term leasing, you had to have one. I, then, quickly found out what companies did this and called every company near me to try to get that position and a paycheck. After a year of supporting 130 owners and tenants, I decided I was not happy with the company or the negativity that comes with tenancy — even though, I loved my grateful owners that I had and the support of their homes. In a moment of wanting to only work for gratitude, I wondered who was taking care of the second homeowners, as we have an abundance of them in our region. I did research and there were hardly any competitors doing that and most of these owners go unsupported. Their home is left vacant, out of sight and out of mind. With this, many issues can occur. At that moment I decided they needed me, a women who would do backflips for them and could facilitate any issue, maintenance and support for their home. It was no turning back after that.
How did you come up with your business name?
My actual very beautiful and blue eyes have always been a conversation piece for compliments and inquiry. They have also been my truth, you cannot look in them without either seeing the truth or knowing. My eyes never lie. This business is about truth, care, concern, honesty and support and my eyes on my client’s. So, it seemed fitting for name Eye On Your Home came into my mind. My clients know that I always have a trusted Eye on their home.
Tell us about your products and services. How do you help clients?
My foundation is my client’s second homeowners, but we support anyone that owns a home in a multiple of ways. The foundation is clients that own a second home and primarily live elsewhere. They either come and go throughout the year as they wish, or they lock up and live 6 months here and 6 months there. My service starts as a live insurance policy. I check on the home as scheduled and make sure everything is secure and up to par. Giving peace of mind is my first support. Unfortunately, if there is any issue then my next value is the ability to have someone support the home and what is going on as soon as possible. It does not have to be an issue or emergency; it can be a needed maintenance task that needs to be taken care of or a project that the client would like done. There is nothing that Eye On Your Home cannot facilitate for a home from stocking a fridge, getting gutters emptied to facilitating a $60,000 remodel. I help clients facilitate their home’s needs from a distance, keeping the value up to par and save them time and money.
What makes you unique? What is your unique selling proposition (USP)?
What makes me unique is having the ability to be a “Angie’s list.” I have every means of support needed for a home at my fingertips to support a client immediately, efficiently and affordable.
Where do you see your business in the next 3-5 years?
I see more franchisees in the system, supporting clients nationally with a brand name that is proven, known and consistent.
Any advice you would give to entrepreneurs and business owners?
Being an entrepreneur is not easy but the rewards of freedom and knowing you are at the wheel of the reality is empowering.
What is your favorite business quote and why?
If it was meant to be easy then everyone would do it. It reminds me every day that when I am struggling sometimes I am always pushing through and doing it, most people would give up!
What have been some of your achievements that you are most proud of? Why
Starting, growing, and creating a national franchise system as a single mother with nothing.
Anything else additional you want to tell our readers?
Life is what you make it, so many clichés I could recite but the truth is only you are in charge of your reality! Get up and make it happen, no one can do it for you.