By Rick Mauch
Candy’s Dirt Contributor

Wendy LeSage smiles when her business, LeSage Welcome Services, is compared to a longtime popular service called Welcome Wagon. Like that organization, she welcomes folks into their new home and then some.

“Yes, but on steroids!” she said with a smile with asked about a comparison.

Actually Welcome Wagon never went away. Founded in 1928, the group gave personalized greetings and community information to millions of households, including American Presidents. But they stopped making house calls in 1998 and shifted to a digital marketing medium. That tactile connection is where LeSage shines.

“We go directly to the front door of the new homeowners and give them a canvas bag that is full of housewarming gifts,” she said. “Along with the gifts we provide a community guide that references local community contact information, partner’s information that provided the gifts along with home care tips.”

LeSage, who is from Grapevine, serves that city, along with a host of other cities ranging from Argyle to Southlake. 

CD: Where did the idea for your business come from and how long have you been in business?

WS: I owe credit for the business idea to the original founder of Your New Neighborhood, Devohn Pugh. The business has been in operation for about 14 years. I have had my franchise running for over 11 years. She is located in the Burleson/Cleburne area.

CD: What sort of gifts do you bring for new homeowners?

WS: I always look forward to picking up my customer’s gifts to see what they are providing that month. I have had everything from a toothbrush from the local dentist, a jar opener from the handyman, hot/cold pack from the orthopedic provider, pizza cutters, a fly swatter from the pest control company, and so much more!

CD: Can you tell us about your background and how you got into this business? Do you have any history of your own in real estate? Family history?

WS: My background was with local chambers of commerce. I oversaw membership sales and retention. Chambers are the best at marketing and networking your business. While I was visiting with a potential new member she was telling me about this organization. I could see her excitement with greeting the new homeowners and running her own business that I thought this was something I could definitely do. It was a hard decision to make but worth it. 

It did cross my mind decades ago to possibly be a real estate agent. But I think this is really the best of both sides, residential and business!

CD: What is the typical reaction when you show up?

WS: Great question! I can always tell when someone comes to the door with their body language and know immediately if they are local or from out of state. The first statement I say is “Hi, my name is Wendy and I greet the new homeowners, and I have a gift bag for you!” Then they relax and start telling me who they are, where they came from, etc.

CD: Is your service for new homes, or also for new homeowners even though the house is not new?

WS: This service is only for new homeowners. That can be an existing home or a new build. We want a new homeowner who will be in their new home for years to come that are in need to search for new services and ways to get involved in their community. I also focus on the whole cities/towns and not solely on zip codes and subdivisions. 

CD: What is the feeling you get from doing this?

WS: When I visit with them and get to recommend to them that new business or connect them to a local non-profit it is a great feeling of happiness to be of service to them. I am a born and raised Texan and cannot even begin to know what they are going through in a new community, state, or even country.

CD: Can you tell us about your family and are they also involved in the business?

WS: I am very proud of my family and we are very small. My dad lives in Grapevine still in the same house I grew up in. He is now 85 going on 86. His goal is to live to 100! I am married to my husband, Tracy, and we currently live in Roanoke. So much growth in our little town. My son, Stephen, and my daughter-in-love, Haley, live in Bedford with my grandchildren, Sloane and Nolan. Sloane just turned 9 and Nolan is 4 and a half, but he just tells me he is only 4 (smiles). Currently, none of my family is involved with the business. Although I did have my son stuff bags with me!

CD: What are your hobbies when you’re not working?

WS: My husband and I love to glamp, kayak, and play with the grandkids. I love to work in the yard and dabble in gardening, trying new recipes, or experimenting in the kitchen. I do love some great arts & crafts!

My goal is to leave the new homeowner with that “warm fuzzy” feeling along with our great Southern Hospitality! Feel free to check out our website to learn more and see our commercial to learn more about our services. I am always looking for that great partner to recommend to the new homeowners moving into our area!