Company History
Like Mother, Like Son
Greg Gunderson, inspired by his mother in Minnesota and the growing need for such a service, left his corporate career to found Gentle Transitions of California, Inc. on May 10, 1994.
Like mother, like son, Greg Gunderson and Mercedes Gunderson pictured on the occasion of Gentle Transitions' tenth anniversary celebration in July, 2000.
As a pioneer in the senior relocation industry, Greg’s company has attracted national media attention including Entrepreneur Magazine, CNNfn, Good Housekeeping Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, Money Magazine and also featured in the book, Best Home Businesses for the 21st Century.
Today, Gentle Transitions stands as a leader in the senior relocation field and one of the oldest and largest firms of its type in the country. Its concept, business model, and service techniques have been mimicked in numerous other companies.
One of the First in the Country
Mercedes Gunderson originally founded Gentle Transitions in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She incorporated the company there in 1990 and is likely the first corporation in the country dedicated to senior relocation. She is truly one of the founders of what is now a full-fledged industry across the country with hundreds of operators.
She experienced first-hand with her own aging mother and other family members in the 1980’s the unique challenges seniors face when moving.
Mercedes then envisioned with no model to follow or internet to research, a special service which would provide caring, comprehensive, hands-on assistance to seniors and their families with all aspects of moving.
Dedicated to Mercedes’ Legacy
Our founder and Greg’s beloved mother, Mercedes, passed away of cancer in Minnesota in 2001. Since that time, Greg has dedicated his business and career to the concept she created and to the handling of each and every client in the same manner Mercedes did with sincere dedication, respect, and compassion.
During Mercedes’ illness, Greg managed both businesses for awhile. But knowing the importance of truly being close to your customer and your employees, the Gunderson family proudly sold Gentle Transitions in Minnesota in January 2003 to a wonderful couple, Bill Lehman and Diane Bjorkman.
Bill and Diane have advanced and grown the Minnesota business. Both families and both businesses enjoy a warm relationship as each is dedicated to the work founded by Mercedes Gunderson so many years ago.