Atlanta's Concierge Guy Is Here to Make Your Life Easier

By Kristina Drew on 04/09/2018, updated on 04/09/2018

Take some stress out of your schedule with help from Dillard Jones.

(Courtesy The Concierge Guy)

Tell us more about your business and services. 

I started out my career in the events and hospitality industry at one of the premier caterers in town right before the Summer Olympics in 1996. I definitely hit the ground running learning the ins and outs of the many event venues and attractions, while also fine-tuning my management and logistical skills. From there, I continued in my field as the private events manager at Zoo Atlanta, coordinating and managing over 100 corporate events, social events and weddings per year.

Next, I dived into the event design side of the business at a boutique event firm. My creative skills also came in handy in this role. Seven years ago, I finally gathered all of my skills, experience and enthusiasm into a customized, personal concierge services for busy individuals, families, small- and medium-sized companies. I basically give people their time back, no matter the home, the event or overall lifestyle management needs they may have. The Concierge Guy is like a personal assistant without the 24/7 commitment. They can “Leave it to Dillard and consider it done!”

(Courtesy the beehive)

Let’s talk new mommy and daddy support. Name a favorite Atlanta store for shopping for newborns. 

I always appreciate supporting local Atlanta establishments whenever possible, and there are some really creative ones out there for parents to treat the newborn or treat themselves. The beehive in the Little Five Points neighborhood is a real gem for locally made products, crafts, candles and gifts for any new mom, dad or the baby. You want to decorate the baby room with local art? They’ve got it. Planning the baby shower? Custom toys, onesies and blankets make a great gift from this store. They also have so many locally crafted soaps, candles and scrubs for when the new mom or dad needs to relax.

South City Kitchen's Fried Chicken and Malted Buttermilk Waffle (Courtesy Owen Thande)

Mother’s Day is almost here. What's an ideal Mother’s Day itinerary from brunch to mid-afternoon? 

Of course, it’ll be a beautiful spring day, so I would love to join mom over brunch at Midtown’s South City Kitchen.This quaint establishment has been providing a modern twist to the Southern appetite for many years. It doesn’t get any more delicious than a classic Bloody Mary with all the fixin's along with a malted buttermilk waffle.

(Courtesy Atlanta Botanical Garden)

Afterward, you and mom may need to walk it all off with a stroll around the beautiful Atlanta Botanical Garden. There is always something in bloom at this Atlanta favorite. Smell the roses in the rose garden and get a birds-eye view from the treetops at the Canopy Walk.

Beginning in May, the "Imaginary Worlds" exhibit will bring a smile to mom with larger than life plant sculptures ranging from 25-feet tall and 20-feet wide. For the mom who is a kid at heart, she can cool off and dip her toes in the Splash Pad. While you are doing all of this, you can task The Concierge Guy to shop and stock her fridge and leave a bottle of wine for her return home.  

May is graduation season. Where is a spot around town you recommend hosting a high school or college grad party?

Because this can be a mixed crowd to entertain and it’s always fun to get some activity included, a night of bowling can definitely do the trick. Midtown Bowl has been around for a while and can offer your guests an opportunity to hit the lanes, while also providing a private event space with a customized catered menu, from hamburgers and hot dogs to wings, or a bit more upscale if you like.

The private rooms have several flat screen TV monitors to watch the big game or loop the grad’s pictures, messages and video of the years and celebrations leading up to the big milestone. As your event concierge, The Concierge Guy can help with the planning, coordinating and logistics so that you and your guests can enjoy the occasion.

Name your go-to place for private wine tastings.

Barcelona VinoTeca is one of my favorites, and it’s in one of my favorite Atlanta neighborhoods, Inman Park. They offer very cute and cozy spaces for simply walking up and having a taste, or hosting a wedding shower or birthday gathering for six in the wine cellar to 75 guests in a store buyout.

For the adventurous taste buds, I especially enjoy the mix of wine tasting opportunities they provide with everything from “wine in a bag” where they pour from a paper bag and your guests have to guess the notes and tones without any preconceived thoughts.

Or, if you want to refresh your yoga postures and taste buds, there’s the wine and yoga tasting class to expand your palate and maintain your Zen. Namaste!

Give us a few examples of your customized private tours.

Atlanta is fast becoming the new Hollywood, and you can often see a movie or TV production happening around town—maybe have a celebrity sighting when you least expect it. Allow me to coordinate your tour with glimpses of where your favorite zombie reeks havoc or where "Stranger Things" is filmed. Or, how about a classic "Gone With the Wind" movie tour? See where Margaret Mitchell wrote the famous novel and also where she’s laid to rest in the beautiful Oakland Cemetery.

Another way to tour the city and get a taste of it is with a private food tour. With so many dining options, it can be a bit overwhelming on where to begin. Task The Concierge Guy to coordinate and manage your way through some of the best places to eat like a local, from the newly renovated Ponce City Market packed with local eateries to the charming Inman Park neighborhood. In between, you can include a walk along the Beltline for some great people-watching.

One of the services you offer is corporate incentives, particularly higher employee satisfaction. Can you elaborate on this? 

In today’s busy world, businesses really need to stand out and provide their employees with a culture and flexibility in the work environment. The ever-challenging work/life balance is one way to strive to recruit and retain the best employees in any industry. Just as an employer may provide healthcare, a 401(k), maternity and paternity leave benefits, adding personal concierge services to a company benefit package is an ideal way to show your commitment and investment in your employees.

Instead of spending some of your work day running an errand, picking up the dry cleaning or taking the car in for detail or service, the employee can delegate these pesky and time consuming tasks to their personal concierge. It’s a win-win for everyone: saving the company time and providing enhanced employee productivity.

The Concierge Guy can customize a Corporate Incentives Concierge package your company that compliments and fits your culture and goals for a productive and valuable workplace. I also offer gift cards as a great way for the employer to reward an employee or thank a client. Give the gift of time!