“I need one of these,” Debra Bailey says, holding up a nondescript porcelain salt shaker. “Exactly one of these. Find me one of these.”
It may seem trivial, but fulfilling such requests is what Debra excels at as principal of Bailey Solutions, Austin’s elite personal concierge service. It doesn’t matter how big or small, random or common, routine or infrequent the task, “Yes,” Debra says, “is always in my vocabulary.”
The growth of the personal concierge industry is in part attributed to the proliferation of technology and social media, which have distracted us from the minutiae of everyday life. With a personal concierge, clients are assured the “routine”–keeping appointments, returning calls, general planning–doesn’t fall through the cracks. “When you miss that ball,” Debra says, “I’m there to catch it.”
Because clients’ needs can vary drastically, there is no template for how a personal concierge operates. But the best are self-starters who are flexible, resourceful, and solve problems quickly and effectively. Debra has exemplified these traits personally and professionally. She is a triathlete, by nature a disciplined time manager. She is also a veteran of the hotel industry, a business defined by taking care of people.
Debra founded Bailey Solutions four years ago, after twelve years with White Lodging, a leader in the ownership, development, and management of premium brand hotels. In her tenure with Marriott, she learned the business from the ground up. She graduated from the front desk to supervisor of housekeeping and dining, before becoming assistant general manager and finally general manager. She was also on the new-hotel-opening task force and taught leadership classes.
“Everything I’ve done in my career has led me to this exact moment,” Debra says.
