Blue Gypsy Inc. Turns 15: Reflections, Realizations, and a Look Ahead
Time flies when you’re building dreams—and helping others do the same! As I sit down to reflect on Blue Gypsy Inc.’s 15th anniversary, I can’t help but chuckle at how this milestone snuck up on me, much like that epiphany I had years ago in South Africa. I was a dive instructor in Sodwana Bay, gearing up to celebrate my 33rd birthday with friends, when it hit me: I wasn’t beginning my 33rd year on the planet I was ending it and actually starting my 34th year! All of a sudden, I felt OLD. I was like wow I’m a year older than I thought!
Here I am now, realizing I’m not just celebrating 15 years of Blue Gypsy Inc.—I’m diving into my 16th year of this wild and wonderful adventure. And what an adventure it’s been!
How It All Began
The seed for Blue Gypsy Inc. was planted in late 2009 during brainstorming sessions with my dear friend and marketing maven, Sonya Schweitzer. Sonya was leading a group called the Geekettes—a band of savvy women who were pioneering social media marketing before it was cool. We were early adopters of twitter, Facebook marketing, and so much more. It was a wonderful group, and to this day Sonya is a wonderful friend.
At the time, Blue Gypsy Inc. was an idea, a dream, and a mix of all my skills. I loved my role as an Online Sales Counselor (OSC) but I wanted to be able to take it on the road. My first client came in February 2010 where I worked remotely as a OSC for a builder. I did that for 4 years as I became a digital Swiss Army knife—doing everything from social media management, social posting, blogging, and to have dabbled in web design, branding, and mystery shopping. I used to joke that I was a Jack-of-all-trades (and master of some).
But it wasn’t until 2014 that Blue Gypsy Inc. truly found its niche in online sales counselor training. Since then, we’ve been dedicated to helping builders establish, audit, grow, and refine online sales programs. I’ve had the honor of hiring and training award winning OSCs and guiding builders toward creating exceptional customer experiences.
Life Lessons from a Nomad
I was selling, teaching, and training well before Blue Gypsy Inc. Selling drinks behind a bar. Selling fine art in a Wyland art gallery – tropical marine art in the middle of winter in Minnesota’s Mall of America. Heck, once I had the opportunity to pitch a casino idea to a casino company… that’s a whole other story.
My life was a kaleidoscope of experiences that even included getting paid to sing karaoke in a hostess bar in Japan. I spent over a decade sailing, diving, and backpacking around the world. Teaching sailing to teenagers, teaching scuba diving to young and old alike in many different countries from Zanzibar to the Cayman Islands. I even taught the history of Slavery when I worked on a Schooner called the Amistad. Life is full of a variety of experiences.
While Blue Gypsy Inc. is going into its 16th year of helping people, I feel that my whole life has been about amazing experiences, people, and helping where I can.
Small but Mighty
Blue Gypsy Inc. has always been a boutique operation. We intentionally work with only 8–12 builders a year because we believe in the power of customization. Our clients truly understand taking a customized approach. One size doesn’t fit all, especially when it comes to online sales programs and customer experience.
We’re here to give honest feedback, even when it’s tough to hear. Why? Because we’re rooting for you. We want your company, your sales program, and your customers to thrive.
Looking to the Future
As we wrap up the year and celebrate 15 years in business, (yes, I get it now, we’re celebrating the past not the future,) I’m filled with gratitude and excitement for what is to come in 2025. Gratitude for the clients, colleagues, and friends who’ve been part of this journey. Excitement for the possibilities ahead as we continue to innovate, strategize, and create meaningful connections in the building industry.
Thank you for being part of this ride—whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or just joined the journey. Here’s to the next chapter of Blue Gypsy Inc. and all the adventures yet to come!
Cheers,
Leah
P.S. If you ever want to hear that casino pitch story, let’s, we can grab a virtual cup of coffee and talk. It’s a good one!