November 30, 2007
 Derby Service was born of a multitasker's frustration.
Brian Wheeler, president of the the Arlington-based
concierge company that has been serving businesses in
the Washington area for more than a year, started the
firm after struggling to balance long hours at work,
personal and family responsibilities.
"In my own life, I was overwhelmed, Mr. Wheeler
said. "I was succeeding in my career but sacrificing
quality of life."
Mr. Wheeler thinks that services like his are part of
a growing trend in the area as the "pace of society
increases."
"Many households have two adults working full time,
people are working longer hours, and traffic in our region
gets worse each year. When you combine these things,
there isn't much time for anything outside of work and
life maintenance stuff," he said.
"We give them a hand and magically get things done
for them during the day so that when they get home they
can actually unwind or spend quality time with their
family," Mr. Wheeler said.
It's a national trend. Memorial Healthcare System's
employees can get an oil change and their clothes dry-cleaned
without leaving work. General Mills workers can skip
traffic and long lines when they mail packages or get
jewelry repaired. And Ernst & Young staffers need
only pick up a phone to have someone plan their vacation
or research nursing homes for an elderly parent.
These workplaces are part of a growing number that are
embellishing their benefits with "concierge services" — everything
from flower deliveries and car detailing to restaurant
reservations and clothes alterations.
— Bethany Sackett
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