Climbing the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK ladder: Sara Bennett’s journey to chief talent officer

-Written by Erik Sargent

Career advancement is something that is preached and encouraged daily at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, throughout all levels of the system, as we like to take care of our employees and guide them on their professional paths.

Sara Bennett’s path to success is a prime example of this within the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK system. She has been instrumental in pushing this message through her work in the human resources department, and in 2018, she continued her own journey of moving forward professionally with a move to the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK executive team as Chief Talent Officer.

Bennett began her TWO MEN AND A TRUCK career in 2002 as Corporate Relations Assistant, and over 15 years, has proven time and time again just how valuable she is to the company.

“I was obviously honored and excited for another opportunity to move forward with the company,” Bennett said. “It was also exciting to know that the role itself was one the company saw value in. When I first came to TWO MEN AND AT TRUCK, there wasn’t even an HR Department, so it was wonderful to know there was an executive role focused entirely on people.”

The move was well received by both corporate and franchise team members due to the relationships Bennett has built. “Sara has always been an ultimate professional,” said Trent Kissel, the HR and safety director at the Kalamazoo, Mich., franchise location. “Often, from the franchisees’ view, Sara is the voice in the background that keeps things moving forward while always listening to different viewpoints and trying to find a common ground. She probably doesn’t always get the credit she deserves, so it’s nice to see her getting this promotion.”

Bennett’s move also received high remarks from the very highest levels of the company – the founding family.

“Let me start with this – no one deserves this promotion more than Sara Bennet. Period,” said TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Co-CEO and one of the original two men, Brig Sorber. “She started with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK at the lowest possible position 15 years ago. She took advantage of the opportunities to reach this position. It was by showing up every day, choosing to put herself out there by taking the time to learn and grow, risking failure, and learning from it when she did. Most importantly, it was putting others first. Her victories in her career came from the victories of others she helped.”

Bennett’s journey at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK aligns with the company’s annual recruiting campaign, Career Move Month – a company-wide hiring initiative aimed at strengthening our staff numbers at each of our franchises and our Home Office location.

Instrumental in the development of this program over the years, it was a rewarding change for Bennett to once again find herself on the side of career advancement opportunities with the brand.

“To say it has been rewarding probably sounds cliché, but it’s probably the most accurate,” Bennett said. “It has been challenging at times, but always exciting and worth pushing through the challenges. I’ve never had a time where I’ve thought to myself, ‘Is this really worth it?’, and it’s been awesome to see leaders develop and grow – even if it does make me feel old!”

Bennett’s promotion to the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK executive team adds another chapter to the great history here with women in leadership roles at the company. The company’s founder – Mary Ellen Sheets – built this company from the ground up more than 30 years ago.

Sheets’ daughter – Melanie Bergeron – was the first franchise owner in the system, and also the first person to be named President of the company. Bennett hopes her journey can set a good example not only other women in the company, but everywhere.

“I’ve been lucky to have such amazing women pave the way for me,” Bennett said. “They have set standards and expectations which I am honored to continue to emulate in this role. I just hope to set a good example for other women at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.”

As Bennett transitions into this role, it’s given her time to reflect on this journey through TWO MEN AND A TRUCK that started all the way back in 2002.

Bennett credits the brand for making her feel valued with her contributions in her work, no matter how small they were. It’s this type of response that has been echoed by employees throughout each and every level of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, showing we truly are a “people” company.

Bennett never set personal goals to reach a certain level in the company, and according to her, she just worked hard and tried to make an impact, and found a company where that type of effort truly matters, which is just another reason the brand means so much to her.

“I don’t know how to sum up what it means to me anymore than with our purpose – ‘to move people forward,’” Bennett said. “The brand is so intertwined with who I am as a person at this point in my life. I’ve spent more time in this office building than I have anywhere else in my life, so I need to feel like my time here is spent making a difference.”

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.