Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra Reny.
Hi Kendra, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I first came to the Toledo area back in 2006 to visit family, and during that trip, I attended a party where I met Paul. It was truly love at first sight — and I never left. Today, Paul and I are happily married with three amazing kids: our 13-year-old son Aaron and our 12-year-old twins, Aubrey and Ayden.
My background is in administrative work, including roles as an executive assistant. With encouragement from friends and family, I took a leap of faith and launched my own side business, SimplyReny LLC. My goal has always been to offer dependable, high-quality support tailored to the unique needs of each client. SimplyReny lets me tap into my wide range of skills — whether it’s organizing, running errands, or planning events — and use them to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.
Paul works as a carpenter at ELK Builders in Toledo, and there’s a beautiful story behind that. He grew up next door to Fleeger’s Hardware Store, which was owned by his grandparents. As a kid, he spent so much time in that store — playing with tools and hanging out with his grandparents. After they passed, the hardware store eventually closed. Years later, in an amazing full-circle moment, Paul ended up working for ELK Builders — located in the exact same building where he spent his childhood. It’s such a special connection between his past and present.
Our son Aaron plays lacrosse for the Sylvania Rec, and we love cheering him on. He’s incredibly athletic and kind — always up for any sport he can get into. His favorite class is gym, of course! Aubrey is a sweet and creative soul who loves spending time with her friends. Her favorite classes are any that she gets to share with them. Ayden is smart, funny, and incredibly talented at drawing. He’ll tell you his favorite class is lunch — and honestly, we can’t argue with that!
As a family, we love spending time together camping, fishing, watching movies, and playing board games. We host an annual fish fry every fall for our friends and family — and this year, Aaron was finally old enough to go out on the lake and fish with Paul in the “Fall Brawl.” It’s a memory we’ll always treasure.
We live in a home that Paul’s great-great-grandfather built over 100 years ago. It’s the same house Paul came home to as a newborn, and it holds a lot of meaning for our family. We’re not in a subdivision, but we feel so lucky to be surrounded by amazing neighbors. Among them are Paul and Seth Butler — Seth and Ayden are best friends and spend summer days running through the woods between our homes. Tara Meredith and her husband Derek have five wonderful boys, and our yard is always full of laughter and energy when they’re around — playing basketball, hide-and-seek, or gaga ball. We also adore Lori and Chuck Alcorn, especially their kindness and patience with our kids, who love fishing in their pond.
We truly enjoy being part of the Sylvania community. Whether it’s block parties, seasonal events, or casual neighborhood hangouts, we love showing up and doing our part. Hosting gatherings, pitching in on beautification projects, or just spending time outside with our kids and their friends — it all matters to us. I believe in contributing to a positive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Whether it’s offering a helping hand, sharing a smile, or simply being present, I’m here to help — and I look forward to connecting with all of you!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Launching SimplyReny has been a rewarding experience, and overall, the journey has been relatively smooth. However, one of the ongoing challenges I face is securing consistent work. Marketing myself and promoting the business doesn’t come naturally to me — I tend to be more reserved and not the most outgoing salesperson. That said, I’m actively working on building my confidence in this area and learning new ways to effectively share what SimplyReny has to offer. It’s a growth process, and I know I still have a long way to go, but I’m committed to improving every step of the way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At SimplyReny, we specialize in offering personalized lifestyle management, event planning, and administrative support to individuals, families, and small businesses. What sets us apart is our commitment to being a dependable, behind-the-scenes partner—someone you can trust to get things done with care, discretion, and attention to detail.
Our services are incredibly versatile—whether it’s organizing a corporate event, running errands for a busy parent, coordinating a special celebration, or providing executive-level administrative support. SimplyReny is designed to be a reliable resource for people who need an extra set of capable hands and a calm, professional presence.
What truly sets SimplyReny apart is the heart behind the work. This business was created out of a genuine passion for helping others, and that’s something clients can feel from the very first interaction. We’re not just checking off tasks—we’re making people’s lives easier and more joyful, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the true inspiration behind SimplyReny: my kids — Aaron (13), and Aubrey and Ayden (12). SimplyReny wouldn’t exist without them.
Not long after I was unexpectedly laid off, I found myself at one of our favorite spots, Olander Park, feeling overwhelmed and unsure of my next step. While we were fishing, my kids could sense how discouraged I was, and out of nowhere, they gave me the most heartfelt pep talk. They told me I should start my own business.
They were so serious about it, they wouldn’t let me leave the car until I came up with a short elevator pitch and created a Facebook page. I sat in the front seat putting that together, while they sat in the back on their tablets, designing what would eventually become a version of my logo.
Their belief in me at that moment changed everything. SimplyReny is more than a business — it’s a reflection of the love, encouragement, and strength of my family. And no matter how far this journey goes, I’ll always be proud that it started with them.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_simplyrenyllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplyRenyLLC/
