What is a
Kathy Chiero
Founder | Emcee
614-705-8804
History
How’d we start…
DownSize Columbus (DSC) began with a simple idea sketched on a napkin at Panera. Founder and CEO, Kathy Chiero, had already built a thriving real estate career centered on seminars. With a background in communications and an award-winning history as a real estate instructor, Kathy has a gift for simplifying the complex process of moving and selling a home into clear, actionable steps. She firmly believes that an educated client is the best client, and for nearly two decades, her annual Home Seller Seminars have attracted hundreds of homeowners eager to make informed decisions about their biggest investment.
By 2012, as Central Ohio began to recover from an 8-year housing recession, Kathy recognized a unique opportunity. Over coffee with a colleague, she conceived of a seminar tailored specifically for homeowners aged 55 and over—those who had likely delayed selling their homes while waiting out the downturn. What were their distinct needs? Why was this sale different from others? What resources could help them navigate this pivotal transition? From these questions, DownSize Columbus was born.
Today, DSC continues to provide valuable guidance and resources to homeowners looking to downsize, empowering them to make informed, confident decisions about their next chapter.
Downsizing?
It’s much more than the sale of a house.
Downsizing is more than just selling the “big” house and moving into a smaller space—it’s a life transition filled with emotionally charged and future-shaping decisions. Often, this move comes at a time of loss or change, with a spouse who may be deceased or incapacitated and children living out of state. Unlike previous moves, which were steps “up”—bigger homes, better locations, closer to schools and amenities—downsizing is about letting go. Parting with cherished possessions, lifelong memories, and the comfort of the familiar can be the most challenging aspects of this transition.
DownSize Columbus is Central Ohio’s premier seminar designed to support homeowners through this pivotal process. Bringing together experts across the five key areas of downsizing—Residential, Emotional, Legal, Medical, and Financial—this seminar offers invaluable advice, resources, and trusted partners, all in one place. It’s a comprehensive approach to help homeowners confidently navigate the complexities of downsizing, ensuring they are informed, supported, and ready for the next chapter.
Mary Blackstone
Event Manager
740-815-7556
Mary Blackstone
Mary was born to organize! A lifelong resident of Central Ohio, she grew up in a family business, helping her parents run Rolling Acres Quarter Horse Shows and Rolling Acres Country Craft Shows in Delaware. Her parents launched the business in 1977, and by the time Mary was 16, she was actively involved. From a young age, she learned the value of providing excellent customer service to exhibitors and vendors, which resulted in memorable experiences for event attendees. Two phrases her parents instilled in her have guided Mary throughout her life: “Treat everyone exactly how you want to be treated” and “Word of mouth is the best form of advertisement—whether good or bad, it travels fast.”
Since 2011, Mary has served as the Stall Manager for The All American Quarter Horse Congress, overseeing the assignment and management of over 10,000 stalls during the October event held at the Ohio State Fairgrounds. The All American Quarter Horse Congress is the largest breed horse show in the United States, and this role has equipped Mary with the expertise to ensure that even large-scale events run seamlessly.
Now, Mary brings her extensive experience and customer service skills to DownSize Columbus. She is passionate about delivering exceptional experiences for attendees, ensuring everything goes off without a hitch. Whether you have questions or need assistance, Mary is always happy to help. Reach out anytime—she’s here to make your experience with DownSize Columbus outstanding.
2013
year started
5,889
people helped
40
# of events