A match made in TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® heaven; The story of Lauren and Jared Trost

-Written by Sydney Hartle

Although we mainly specialize in moving services here at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, we also seem to have a knack for matchmaking! We caught up with Lauren and Jared Trost in the Chicago area to talk about engagement heists, work-life balance, and (of course) romance.

Lauren is currently the marketing coordinator for the Des Plaines/Chicago multi-unit franchise, and Jared works at the Des Plaines office as an operations manager. The duo has big plans for the future. This year, Lauren is participating Mary Ellen’s Moving People Forward® Scholarship Program to gain the experience she needs to open a TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® franchise of her own.

Q: You got engaged in front of the 1966 Ford replica truck at Home Office! How does TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® fit into your love story?

Lauren: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® has played a big role in our love story. Jared and I grew up living only 15 minutes away from one another in Michigan, but we never actually met until we worked together at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® here in Illinois. Jared sparked my interest when we went out bowling one night with some friends from work. I got to see this hilarious, fun-loving side of him that I had never seen at work. The rest is history!

The way he proposed to me was the greatest surprise of my life. The marketing department at the corporate headquarters invited us to visit their office to be interviewed for a story about “couples who met at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®.” When I walked outside of the office, there was a sign on the truck that said “Lauren: Will You Marry Me?” Jared got down on one knee, opened a light blue ring box, and asked me to marry him. I am still amazed when I think about how much effort went into the entire set-up and how many people and moving parts were involved.

Jared: Lauren had mentioned in the past that she liked proposals that were caught on film and photographed. I didn’t want to have someone hiding in the weeds with a go-pro, so I had to get more creative. Lauren was under the impression that we were going to the home office to be interviewed for a special called “Couples who met at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®.” This gave me the opportunity to have her pulled into a separate room for a fictitious interview. During this time, we set up the magnet on the 1966 Ford replica truck reading “Lauren will you marry me?” and then got the cameras positioned. Lauren came outside expecting to get a few photos for the story before we left. Instead, when she came around to the side of the truck where I was standing, she saw the magnet as I got down on one knee and held out the ring box. I could tell by her reaction that she was genuinely blown away with shock and excitement.

Q: Can you tell us a little about your wedding?

Lauren: My favorite memories growing up in Michigan took place while on vacation with my family on Mackinac Island. I always dreamed of getting married there one day. Our wedding was a beautiful celebration filled with family, close friends, and lots of love. The island has a vintage Victorian feel and does not allow motor vehicles (only bicycles and horses). From the moment you step off the ferry, it feels like you are taking a step back in time. The ceremony was heartfelt and lovely. The reception was filled with laughter and joy, and the dance floor was full until the very end of the night. We were so grateful to all of our friends and family who made our big day so memorable, including the 11 guests from TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®!

Jared: Our wedding was all the way up on Mackinac Island, MI. Lauren and I love to go there every summer to get away from the everyday hustle-bustle and just relax. We usually ride bikes around the island, kayak, and spend time downtown checking out all the cool little shops and restaurants. Lauren has wanted to get married on Mackinac Island since she was a little girl, and I could not think of a better place to get married myself. We had so much fun, and since it was a destination wedding, most people in attendance stayed multiple nights. This gave us the opportunity to spend lots of time with friends and family before and after the big night. I will never forget the way I felt when Lauren walked down the aisle; I couldn’t believe that I would get to spend the rest of my life with her.

Q: How has life changed since you’ve gotten married?

Lauren: To be honest, not a whole lot has changed since we got married. I feel like our love for each other keeps growing stronger, but our day-to-day routine is still very much the same. I think the biggest change I recognized was over the holidays. This year, both of our families celebrated Christmas Eve and Christmas Day together and it was wonderful. Everyone gets along so well. It’s so nice to be part of his family. From his parents to his aunts and uncles, everyone has been so warm and welcoming.

Jared: To quote my brother Joel (who is a true romantic): “you eat some cake, you dance around, and when you wake up the next morning, nothing has changed.” I feel as though Lauren and I have grown closer as a team since we have gotten married, but I am glad that not a whole lot has changed. What I have noticed the most is how much closer I feel to her family now that I am officially a member of it. They are wonderful people, and I feel lucky to have them as my in-laws.

Q: What advice would you give to other lovebirds who are fortunate to work side by side?

Lauren: The best advice I could give is to find a good work-life balance.  While you’re at work, pour yourself into it and give it everything you’ve got! When you get home from work, it’s good to share some of the highlights from your day, but keep it light and try not to dwell on work-related issues too much. Make time for yourself and for each other outside of work. Plan date nights into your schedule. That way they are more likely to happen and it gives you both something to look forward to. Know what activities or hobbies you enjoy doing on your own, and make time for those as well. Whether you like reading, working out, or spending time outdoors, make it a priority. If you are enjoying your life outside of work, you will feel rejuvenated and excited to get out of bed for work in the morning.

Jared: Lauren and I have very different positions in the company. This allows us to support each other whenever possible, but it also allows for us to focus on our separate job duties throughout the day.  That being said, we try to not discuss work too often at home, and instead spend our time cooking new recipes, watching our favorite TV shows, and going to exercise classes. I feel like this allows us to keep a healthy balance between our professional and personal lives.

Q: What do you love most about working for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®?

Lauren: Giving back to the community is what I love the most about working for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®. This company has given me the opportunity to work with so many charitable organizations, and it has truly been a life-changing experience. We have done everything from delivering care packages to sick children in the hospital, to transporting equipment for Special Olympics events, to delivering thousands of pounds of food to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Knowing what we have done, as well as seeing all the charitable efforts other franchises have accomplished, makes me very proud to be a part of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®.

Jared: What I love about TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is that I genuinely enjoy the people I work with. We are all very goal-oriented and do everything we can to help each other succeed. Our franchise group has strong leaders, who not only set a great example, but have taught me how to grow within the company. I am amazed by how much I have learned from them in such a short time period. They inspire me to challenge myself and strive for excellence.

We wish Lauren and Jared Trost a lifetime of love and happiness!

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.