My name is Lindsay Curtis, and I am an entrepreneur with a diverse set of roles and experiences. I have been happily married for 29 years, and am a proud mother to three wonderful children. Originally from the United Kingdom, I have spent the last 16 years living in San Diego, where I have maintained my English accent. My journey encompasses a blend of personal and professional experiences that shape who I am today.
About Lindsay Curtis
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
We are a close-knit family, celebrating nearly 29 years of a joyful and supportive marriage. My husband, Steven, is a dedicated pharmacist working with Albertsons. Our eldest daughter, Emily, aged 27, has recently moved back to the UK. She is following her passion by working with a non-profit organization, a decision we are incredibly proud of. Maddison, our 25-year-old, is ambitiously pursuing her Master’s degree in Education. Our youngest, Hayden, aged 22, is not just a beloved family member but also plays a pivotal role in my professional life as my Chief Operating Officer. Each of our family members is embarking on their unique paths, and we take great pride in supporting each other’s endeavors.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My professional path has been fundamentally shaped by a profound commitment to sustainability, a principle that grew in importance during the arduous process of moving with my three young children. The exhaustion and challenges I faced during these moves were crucial in redirecting my focus towards a more sustainable practice within the moving industry.
As the leader of an award-winning moving company, I am proud to say that we have revolutionized the industry. Our approach goes beyond providing eco-friendly alternatives to traditional moving solutions. We specialize in renting moving boxes made from 100% recyclable materials, and our services extend to include comprehensive packing, unpacking, and total move management. Our dedicated team, with thoroughly vetted through background checks, share a passionate commitment to sustainability, ensuring that every aspect of our operation aligns with these values.
This business venture harmonizes with both my professional goals and my personal dedication to environmental stewardship. The aspect of my work that I find most fulfilling is the connection we establish with our clients and the opportunity to discover and serve various parts of San Diego, many of which were new to me. The most gratifying element, however, is observing the joy and satisfaction of our clients after they experience our services. These moments of client happiness profoundly capture the essence and reward of my work in the sustainable moving industry.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
In navigating the complexities of both personal and professional life, here is some advice I’d like to share: Embrace Simplicity in Decision-Making: Often, as women, we approach decision-making with a level of depth and consideration that differs from our male counterparts. While logical and strategic thinking are essential, it’s equally important not to overcomplicate decisions. Rather than thinking yourself out of opportunities, think yourself into them. Take the Leap: My journey began with a simple belief in a great idea, without fully knowing where it would lead. My advice is to go for it. Dive into your ventures with enthusiasm and let the journey unfold. If things don’t go as planned, embrace these experiences as learning opportunities. Tackle Challenges as They Come: Life and business are replete with unexpected obstacles. It’s important to not dwell excessively on potential problems; doing so can be paralyzing. Instead, approach challenges as they arise with a clear mind and a problem-solving attitude. Remember, not all battles are anticipated, and sometimes, the best strategies are formed in the midst of action. Cultivate a Diverse Support System: Surround yourself with people who offer different perspectives. This diversity can lead to innovative solutions that might not align with your usual way of thinking. Don’t hesitate to seek help and leverage the strengths of those around you. A strong support network is invaluable, especially when navigating uncharted waters. In summary, success often lies in the balance of thoughtful planning and the courage to act spontaneously. Embrace the journey with an open mind and a willingness to adapt.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Looking ahead to the next 5 to 10 years, I have specific aspirations for both my professional and personal life. In the Next 5 Years: As we approach nearly 16 years in the Moving Industry, my goal is to see A SMART MOVE become a widely recognized and trusted name in San Diego. I envision our brand as synonymous with reliability and quality in moving services, deeply integrated into the fabric of the community. In the Next 10 Years: A decade from now, I anticipate transitioning into a well-deserved retirement. I aspire to confidently pass the leadership of A SMART MOVE to my son, entrusting him with the legacy and future growth of the company. Personally, I see myself enjoying leisure and relaxation, possibly sipping margaritas on a serene, exotic beach, reflecting on the successful journey and the flourishing business left in capable hands. These milestones represent a blend of professional achievement and personal fulfillment, marking the evolution of A SMART MOVE and my own journey within it
Lindsay Curtis & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Villa Capri – I am a sucker for a good Italian Spices Thai Cafe – it’s simple yet so delicious
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We have lived in San Diego 16 years of which 11 of those years I have been running A SMART MOVE.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
In the vibrant tapestry of our community, I have had the privilege of meeting many fascinating individuals. Among the most memorable encounters was with the family who operates Kobe’s Swap Meet. Engaging with them was a remarkable experience; hearing about their rich family history and the legacy they have built in our community was truly inspiring. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to work with several high-profile clients from San Diego. While I maintain confidentiality regarding their identities and stories, I can affirm that each interaction has added unique and valuable perspectives to my understanding of our diverse community. These experiences, among others, continue to enrich my appreciation for the dynamic and intriguing individuals that make up our community.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
As someone relatively new to this community, I find myself still in the process of building connections and memories with local businesses. Therefore, the sentiment of nostalgia is something that I have yet to experience in its full depth here. Each day brings new interactions and discoveries, contributing to a growing fondness and appreciation for our vibrant community and its diverse businesses. I look forward to the day when I can look back with nostalgia at the local establishments that have become significant to me during my time here.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
One of the most endearing and unique aspects of our community, which I hold in high regard, is the remarkable spirit and camaraderie that flourishes within our school system. During the time my children were enrolled in school here, I was thoroughly impressed by the strong sense of community and mutual support among the parents, particularly the mothers. The bond and cooperative spirit exhibited by these dedicated school moms go beyond mere participation. It’s a tight-knit network of individuals who are always ready to lend a helping hand, share resources, and provide support. This aspect of our community not only fosters a nurturing environment for our children but also creates a supportive and engaging community experience for the parents. This remarkable sense of unity and collaboration is something that truly sets our community apart and remains one of my favorite characteristics of living here.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
If given the opportunity to select any individual for a lunch meeting, my choice would be the remarkable Golda Meir. Her indomitable spirit and influential presence in the realm of global leadership have always fascinated me. Golda Meir’s journey, marked by resilience and power, makes her an incredibly inspiring figure whose insights and experiences I would greatly cherish. For the venue, I would choose Poseidon in Del Mar. This location offers a stunning beachside setting, creating a serene and picturesque backdrop for our conversation. Additionally, the exceptional culinary offerings at Poseidon would complement the experience, making it not just a meeting of minds but also a delightful gastronomic experience. This hypothetical lunch would undoubtedly be a memorable occasion, combining engaging dialogue with the beauty and flavors of one of my favorite local spots.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
As an avid television enthusiast, I find myself particularly drawn to a variety of shows, especially those originating from the UK. Among these, ‘Line of Duty’ stands out as a favorite. Its gripping storyline, complex characters, and thrilling pace make it a standout series in my viewing experience. The show’s ability to consistently deliver compelling narratives has cemented its place as one of my top choices in television entertainment.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
An interesting and relatively unknown fact about me dates back to when I was 16 years old. In an unexpected incident, I was struck in the head with a baseball bat, resulting in a significant injury that required stitches on my forehead. This experience, while certainly dramatic at the time, has left me with a distinctive ‘war wound’. This scar serves as a unique reminder of that eventful moment in my life and has become a part of my personal story.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The weather in San Diego vs. the weather in London
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
It might be a cliche but my family
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
Among the various community organizations and local nonprofits, one that I hold in high esteem and actively support is The Kindness Initiative. This remarkable nonprofit organization dedicates its efforts to addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of vulnerable Jewish households. Their comprehensive approach not only meets basic physical necessities but also considers the psychological well-being of those they assist. The impact and dedication of The Kindness Initiative in our community are truly commendable, and their work continues to inspire my support and admiration.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
One piece of advice that has profoundly influenced my approach to challenging situations is the simple yet powerful suggestion to “sleep on it.” This counsel particularly resonates in contexts where immediate reactions might be fueled by strong emotions, such as when composing a stern email. The wisdom lies in taking the time to pause, reflect, and revisit the situation with a fresh perspective in the morning. I’ve found that things often appear less daunting in the cool light of day, allowing for more measured and thoughtful responses. This practice of pausing and reflecting has been invaluable in both my personal and professional life.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Rancho Penasquitos
What I love about my Neighborhood:
Well, we just won 9th friendliest City to live in the Country so do I need to say anymore?
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
In envisioning the perfect weekend in San Diego, it centers around the joy of simplicity and quality time with loved ones. A quintessential day would involve relaxing at the beach with my family, embracing the serene beauty and tranquil atmosphere. As the day transitions to evening, the ideal setting would shift to a casual BBQ, surrounded by friends, sharing stories and laughter under the stars. While I deeply appreciate the simplicity of these moments, I also relish the opportunity for a bit of shopping, adding a touch of excitement and variety to the weekend. This blend of relaxation, social connection, and a little retail therapy encapsulates my ideal San Diego weekend
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Love & the smell of chicken soup cooking in my kitchen!
