The Bold, the Brave, and the Daring

Teresa Vidger
President and CEO of Temporary Housing Directory

Teresa Vidger’s entrepreneurial career kicked off in 2001, prompted by the premature birth of her son. Previously, she worked in the leasing relocation business in Dallas, Texas. She also helped customers who needed temporary housing locally due to company relocation or insurance claims. When her son was born five weeks premature, she took some time off, but continued to help her insurance customers find housing via the phone and Internet. After a year, she realized that she could work from home and break out on her own. She decided to start her own company, limiting her services to insurance housing relocation. From a $100,000 initial investment, she has achieved astonishing success and Temporary Housing Directory is now a $20 million enterprise.

Put the customer first

Her company is a nationwide service coordinating the selection and management of short-term housing needs of individuals displaced due to an insurance claim or corporate relocation. She believes that putting the customer first and hard work and dedication from her employees have made the company a success. “I truly believe that customer service and my dedicated team is what has given us the explosive growth. Today, too many companies take for granted the need for outstanding service. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week by a real person and we are always available without the use of prompts,” she said. She also has a passion for work and will only employ people who are equally as passionate. The big boss is also a team player who listens to and values the input of her team.

Adapt as needed

The rapid growth her company has enjoyed came about because of a mold crisis in Texas in the early part of this decade. Thousands of homes were filing mold claims. At the time, newspapers were reporting that the insurance industry paid out some $4 billion. Eventually, mold claims were written out of policies, so Vidger decided to go nationwide with her relocation business. The hallmark of her career is the flexibility and willingness to adapt. “I have found it is important to listen to your customers and to change the way you do business based on their feedback,” she said. “Try to not be too rigid in your business model, so you can adapt to changes when needed so you can constantly improve your service.”

Quality time

Motherhood is important to Vidger and she makes sure that quality time with her three children is just that. “I have a very supportive husband who helps me with the children when I have to travel or work late. However, I do have a home office that helps me be here for them before and after school. I believe that quality time is important and we spend the weekends together as a family since my two older kids are very involved in soccer,” she said.

Temporary Housing Directory is building from strength to strength. Growth can bring problems—especially if a company grows too fast—but Vidger is mindful of this and always ensures she has the right people in place, ready for what may lay ahead.