Resident in Running for Seniors’ Award

A Sherman Oaks senior citizen is a semifinalist in the national competition for the Colonel’s Way Award, sponsored by Kentucky Fried Chicken to honor senior citizens who achieve great things.

Teddi Kessie, 68, owner of a home-based referral business called the End Result, is in the running for the award and stands to win $10,000.

Back in 1979, Kessie wanted to start a business that would purchase and redevelop abandoned real estate. But when she hired some contractors, she said, she was victimized by inexperienced tradespeople and shabby work. She realized there was a need for a service that would run background checks on contractors so others would be spared such problems.

“I wanted to take the torture out of the process. If you’ve ever been ripped off, you know what I mean. It’s like you’ve been robbed,” Kessie said.

Now Kessie’s business boasts more than 10,000 clients who use the service in the Valley and other parts of Los Angeles. A satellite office of the End Result operates in Orange County as well. But she says she’s no hero, and was amazed to learn that she is a semifinalist in the business category of the competition.

KFC will select one winner in each of six categories: business, education, sports, family, the arts and community service. The grand-prize winner, who will be announced in June 6, will receive the cash prize in Corbin, Ky.