In the heart of southern Ohio, a new initiative is taking root, promising to simplify daily life while fostering a stronger sense of community and environmental responsibility. EcoStep is more than just a valet trash service; it's a vision brought to life by local residents Cruz and Khrystin Lurty, a family deeply connected to Chillicothe and driven by a desire to serve their neighbors with kindness and exceptional care.

The journey of EcoStep began unexpectedly during the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic. While in Florida, Cruz observed firsthand the value and necessity of a reliable valet trash service. During periods of lockdown and heightened concern for hygiene, the convenience of having doorstep trash collection became strikingly apparent, offering a small but significant way to ease the burdens of daily life. This experience planted a seed, highlighting a service that provided both practicality and a touch of comfort during challenging times.

Upon returning to their home in southern Ohio, the Lurtys, long-time residents of Chillicothe, noticed a surprising absence. The very service that had proven so beneficial in Florida was nowhere to be found in their own community. This realization sparked a desire to bridge that gap, to bring a much-needed convenience to their neighbors in Chillicothe and the surrounding areas. It was a moment of recognizing a local need and feeling a strong connection to their community's well-being.  

Cruz and Khrystin's roots run deep in Chillicothe. Their commitment to the community is evident in their active involvement with Lighthouse Baptist Church, a cornerstone of their family life. With four daughters and one son, family is at the center of everything they do, shaping their values and their approach to business. These local ties and strong family ethos are not just background details; they are the very foundation upon which EcoStep is built, fostering a sense of trust and shared community spirit. This personal connection to Chillicothe underscores their genuine desire to contribute positively to the area, going beyond simply providing a service.  

The expertise that Cruz and Khrystin bring to EcoStep is a blend of complementary skills honed through years of professional experience. Cruz’s background in sales and service has equipped him with a deep understanding of customer needs and the importance of delivering consistently excellent service. His career has revolved around building relationships and ensuring client satisfaction, skills that are paramount in creating a service-oriented business like EcoStep. This experience provides a solid foundation for understanding and meeting the expectations of the community they aim to serve.  

Khrystin’s experience in property management offers a valuable and unique perspective to the valet trash service. Her understanding of the intricacies of property operations, the needs of both residents and property managers, and the importance of seamless service integration is crucial. This background allows EcoStep to tailor its services to the specific requirements of apartment complexes and communities, ensuring a smooth and efficient process for everyone involved. Her insights into the daily lives and potential pain points of residents in multi-unit dwellings are particularly beneficial.  

Adding another layer of understanding is Cruz and Khrystin's shared experience of living in apartments for over a decade. This personal journey provides them with an intimate knowledge of the daily conveniences and, at times, inconveniences faced by apartment residents, including the often-tedious task of waste disposal. This firsthand perspective is invaluable, allowing them to design a service that truly addresses the needs and challenges of their target audience. They aren’t just offering a service from an outsider’s perspective; they understand the nuances of apartment living from the inside out.