Our Story · Lockport, IL
Built to make your next chapter feel possible.
Fresh Start Group was founded on a simple belief: that seniors and families navigating a major life transition deserve a trusted partner — not a stack of phone numbers and a lot of guesswork.
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Daniel Marquardt
Founder & Principal Consultant
Fresh Start Group — Will County, IL
"The best part of this work is watching someone walk into their new community and realize — this is actually going to be great."
— Daniel Marquardt
Why Daniel started Fresh Start Group
Daniel's path into this work started close to home. When his grandmother needed to transition into memory care, his father navigated the entire process alone — the facility search, the property decisions, the logistics of a lifetime of belongings — without anyone to guide him. It was a lot to carry.
That experience stayed with Daniel. He saw how much easier it could have been with one trusted person coordinating everything. So he built Fresh Start Group to be exactly that — for seniors and families across Will County.
Who We Help
We understand where you are right now
Seniors 60 & Beyond
Ready for a Fresh Chapter
You've built a full life. Now you're ready to simplify — to trade home maintenance for freedom, and busyness for the things that actually matter. We help you move forward on your terms, at your pace, with your dignity fully intact.
Family Caregivers
The Caring Adult Child
You're managing your own life while carrying the weight of a parent's transition. The guilt, the research, the impossible decisions — we've seen it all. We take the complexity off your plate so you can focus on being present, not just productive.
Families & Executors
Honoring a Loved One's Legacy
You're responsible for an estate and don't know where to begin. Grief and logistics don't mix well. We step in quietly, handle every decision with care, and make sure your loved one's belongings and home are treated with the respect they deserve.
Hear From Our Clients
Real families. Real transitions.
The best way to understand what we do is to hear it from the families we've had the privilege of walking alongside.
Marcy, 79 — shares her experience working with Daniel and moving from a larger home into independent living.
What We Stand For
How we show up for every client
Compassion First
Every family we work with is going through something deeply personal. We lead with empathy and patience — because you deserve to feel heard before you feel helped.
Honest Guidance
We tell you the truth about your options, even when it's not what you hoped to hear. You deserve clarity and straight answers — not a sales pitch dressed up as advice.
Dignity in Every Step
A home holds a lifetime of memories. We treat every property — and every family — with the quiet respect that history deserves. Nothing is rushed. Nothing is dismissed.
The Whole Family
Transitions affect everyone — the senior, the adult children, the executor. We work with the whole family, make sure every voice is heard, and never let anyone feel left out of the process.
Local & Nearby
Rooted in Will County, IL
We live and work in the same communities we serve. These aren’t just service areas — they’re our neighbors.
Joliet
Will County seat
Plainfield
Will County
Lockport
Will County
Romeoville
Will County
Crest Hill
Will County
Homer Glen
Will County
Mokena
Will County
Frankfort
Will County
Don’t see your city? Reach out — we’ll do our best to help. →
The first conversation is always free.
Whether you're a senior exploring your options or a family member trying to figure out next steps — Daniel is happy to talk through your situation, answer your questions, and help you understand what's possible. No pressure, no obligation.