Business Growth – TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®

January 31, 2022February 21, 2022 Movers Who Blog Business Growth, Moving

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK business moving solutions keep distractions to a minimum during relocation

Did you know TWO MEN AND A TRUCK also specializes in business moving and relocation?

It’s true! People generally think of us as home movers when they see us driving around their communities, but through our nearly four decades of experience, we’ve also become experts at helping businesses move forward, too. If you’re a business looking to upgrade your office or relocate to a new area soon, give us a call to learn more about how our business moving professionals can lend a hand.

As a business, we understand the nuances of running a business, and this is all factored in as we create a detailed moving plan to help limit the downtime for your operation during the relocation. We’ll build a personalized schedule to best fit your needs so you can keep things running smoothly!

A business moving plan for you

Each moving team we send out for a business move is made up of professionally trained, background checked, and drug screened movers who have experience moving large office equipment and furniture.

We’re proud to offer a dedicated level of care and efficiency to our move, which fits great in the world of business moving as we keep your belongings protected and move efficiently to get the job done.

Our business moving services are great for the following:

Professional offices
Retail stores
Medical offices
Educational facilities
Non-profit organizations

And, as a business, we understand how important time is. Time equals money, and you want to save both when it comes to relocating your business. We’ll tailor a business moving plan to specifically fit your needs, ensuring we don’t interrupt the normal flow of your operation while moving equipment and belongings.

This could even include moving on nights or on weekends if necessary – whatever it takes to get the job done right!

More ways to help your business than just relocating

We have an abundance of specialty moving services to offer customers outside of just loading up items and moving them to a new home, and this applies for businesses as well.

With our new junk removal option, we’ll arrive to your business and help you get rid of some of items that need to go. Using our specialized junk removal trucks, our teams can quickly remove and dispose of anything you no longer want or need, which saves you the time and hassle of having to rent a dumpster and do it yourself.

Need storage for items at your business? Select TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchises can help with that, too! Business owners can also utilize our in-home moving services to have our moving teams just move heavy items or furniture around the office or business, if you’re looking to rearrange or move items around. Whatever your business moving needs are, we’ll help!

Need further proof? Check out a verified customer review of our business moving services!

“We had a large last-minute business move that they were not only able to accommodate, but accepted the challenge without hesitation. All were pleasant, fast, listened to special directions, and got the job done in one day, which was a huge bonus to us.” – Janet

To learn more about our business moving options or to schedule a business move, visit our website and contact us today!

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.

March 11, 2019April 1, 2019 Movers Who Blog Business Growth, Career Opportunities

Rock your next interview following these professional interview tips

Here at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, March means two things – we’re finally inching closer to the end of the cold winter months, and it’s officially Career Move Month!

This year marks our seventh annual Career Move Month campaign and as always, we’re putting a huge emphasis on getting the word out about the wonderful job opportunities we offer as we build our franchise location teams to get ready for the busy summer months. It’s important for us to find the best individuals out there in order to maintain our 96% customer referral rate and impressive customer service.

Regardless if you’re considering a potential career with us or you’re just looking at beginning a new job elsewhere, it’s important to nail your interview and show a potential employer you have what it takes to make a difference in their company.

Fortunately for you, our training and hiring teams here at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK have compiled some of the best tips and tricks to stand out in the hiring process!

Live by the 15-minute early rule

You often hear that old coach-saying that “if you’re not 15 minutes early, you’re late” – well, in this case, that might be true! Giving yourself a 15-minute cushion of time will not only impress the people you’re interviewing, but it will allow you to get there comfortably and without worry in case of traffic or other delays.

No cellphones!

It should go without saying, but it’s worth repeating – turn that cellphone off or even leave it in the car! Cellphones have become an extension of people in this day and age, but you don’t want to live through the embarrassment of it going off during your job interview.

Be prepared

Before arriving, be well-versed on what the job you’re interviewing for entails as well as details on the company, and be ready to explain why you’re a good fit for the position. Strong preparation prior to the interview will stand out and appear you’ve done your research ahead of time. This can make a huge difference in allowing you to stand out among others for the position.

Dress like you mean it

Much like the cellphone tip, it should go without saying that it’s crucial to dress to impress for your job interview. Wearing professional attire to your interview shows you care about the job you’re applying for, and that you are responsible.

Shake hands with a purpose

It’s something small and it might not seem like a big deal, but a strong, professional hand shake can go a long way with the people interviewing you.

Maintain eye contact and speak up

Be clear, concise, and confident while speaking! Show that you belong and are worthy of the job by maintaining eye contact during the interview and speaking clearly so everyone in the room can hear. This will help you stand out among other candidates and give others the perception that you’re confident with your abilities and experience.

November 5, 2018November 26, 2018 Movers Who Blog Business Growth, Career Opportunities, Giving Back, Moving, Organizing, Our People, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® works to make life easier for veterans

-Written by Erik Sargent

As we enter the month of November, all around the country, we come together and celebrate the heroic acts and sacrifices of the men and women who have bravely served in our armed forces.

Freedom isn’t free, and it’s important to take the time to recognize what each and every one of these individuals has done to give us the life we all live today. At TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, these sacrifices are not lost on us, and we work our hardest to make sure we give back as much as possible to our veterans all over the United States.

Each fall around the time of Veteran’s Day, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® franchises run our Movers for Military campaign, where the franchises partner with local schools, businesses, and veteran’s shelters in their community to collect essential care items that can be donated to veterans in need.

These donations go a long way in helping our veterans maintain a good quality of life, and can often help them get back on their feet after hard times.

“We feel this is a good fit because we employ so many veterans at each of our locations,” said Charlene Bush, marketing manager for four TWO MEN AND A TRUCK locations in Southeast, Mich. “Some of our longest tenured movers and drivers are veterans, and we wanted to be able to give back and show our appreciation for their service.”

Hiring veterans

Along with the Movers for Military campaign, another way TWO MEN AND A TRUCK works to give back to veterans is by hiring them in a variety of roles.

From drivers all the way up through franchisees – and even at our Home Office location – we employ veterans for many different positions in our company, and they make up a big portion of who we are as a company.

The team environment allows for a seamless transition from military life, and as Pasadena, Cali., Move Manager Cody Setser pointed out, these similar works styles are easy to adjust to.

“The main similarities are honestly just staying motivated and being disciplined,” Setser said. “When you’re supposed to show up, show up, because people are counting on you and it can screw up everyone’s day. Just be fair – you can still have fun while being disciplined at the same time, and that’s an important thing.”

Setser joined TWO MEN AND A TRUCK after serving six years in the Marine Corps Infantry, and immediately joined the company after his time in the service.

One of the biggest reasons he’d recommended the company to someone is due to the team-environment that TWO MEN AND A TRUCK instills at each franchise location.

“It’s a solid group of guys, and it has the same basic comradery that you can get with the Marine Corps,” Setser said. “You’re doing tough work, but at the same time, you can still have fun with it and there are a lot of similarities. It’s a great group of people to work with.”

For Jerry Swartz, team lead at the Central Illinois, Ill., franchise who also served seven years in the Army, he noted the chain of command as a major similarity from military life to TWO MEN AND A TRUCK life.

“The biggest similarity is the chain of command,” Swartz said. “That’s always important, otherwise you just have people walking into offices and it’s very chaotic. Then, just that daily discipline of showing up every day and being dependable.”

We’re thankful for all of the veterans in our company and for the hard work they do every day to help us continue Moving People Forward! To find out more about if our career opportunities fit your veteran background, visit our careers page here.

June 11, 2018June 29, 2018 Movers Who Blog Business Growth, Career Opportunities, Hiring Professional Movers, Moving, News, Our People, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

National Move Hero left speechless, humbled by recognition

-Written by Erik Sargent

It’s no secret that when you look at the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® success over the last 30 years, its people have been the one common factor keeping the brand moving forward.

With more than 350 locations operating in four different countries, over seven million moves completed, and endless customers impacted by our services, the most important part of our business is the hardworking individuals we employ all across the system.

This all starts at the frontline level of the company – the ones who truly make things happen with the heavy lifting. For Marcos Nabejar of the McKinney, Texas, location, his efforts as a TWO MEN AND A TRUCK team member stood out above the rest of the system and he was awarded with the highest honor a frontline employee can receive – the National Move Hero Award.

“I was just overwhelmed with gratitude by the entire process,” said Nabejar, who has been a lead trainer and truck driver for the McKinney location since January of 2016. “It truly showed that with God, all things are possible in life.”

Nabejar was informed of his nomination before TWO MEN AND A TRUCK’s Annual Meeting event that was held in Orlando, Fla., in March. Annual Meeting is a three-day event for the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK brand to gather and discuss best practices and how to achieve success, but for Nabejar, it turned into a meet-and-greet with other attendees after he was introduced as a National Move Hero nominee on opening night.

“Everyone I talked to at Annual Meeting was very positive and kind to me,” Nabejar said. “I felt very honored to have an opportunity to attend. I made some memories that I will never forget.”

Nabejar was one of three nominees for the National Move Hero Award, joining DJ Cook – a driver for the Polk County, Fla. Location – and David Woods, who is a move consultant for the Raleigh, N.C. franchise location.

The three held celebrity status during the Annual Meeting, but on awards night, it was Nabejar who received the news – in front of all attendees – that he had earned the highest award of national move hero. It was a major milestone for Nabejar and his TWO MEN AND A TRUCK career, something he wasn’t quite sure how to put into words.

“Speechless,” Nabejar said. “I was just speechless and overwhelmed at the honor.”

According to those who work with Nabejar on a daily basis, he’s a devoted family man who is heavily involved with his church when he’s away from work. Although he always puts work first, he took some personal time away from the job after Hurricane Harvey hit to head down to the Houston area and worth with relief efforts for the city, showing what kind of person he really is. During his time with TWO MEN AND A TRUCk, he has maintained an excellent customer satisfaction rating, and is considered to be a model employee by his peers.

For Nabejar – who puts so much time into helping others at his franchise location – he felt it was important to recognize his team members from his McKinney location as he won the award, because being part of that team made this possible for him.

“Everyone [at my location] is proud of the award,” Nabejar said. “It’s a great feeling knowing I’m part of such a wonderful and supportive team.”

Although he enjoyed the time celebrating his award, part of what got Nabejar to where he is today is his commitment to hard work and always looking forward, and that’s exactly what he plans to keep doing.

“I’m always dedicated to setting the bar higher,” Nabejar said. “I give respect to everyone I work with and because of that, I get respect back. I strive to continually encourage each team member to be the best they can be, both on the job and in their personal lives. My ultimate goal is to put God first, and I am grateful anytime He uses me for His purposes.”

April 2, 2018April 23, 2018 Movers Who Blog Business Growth, Career Opportunities, Giving Back, Leadership, Moving, News, Our People, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® partners with Project C.U.R.E to distribute much-needed medical supplies worldwide

-Written by Erik Sargent

All around the world, medical supplies and equipment are always at a premium, especially with the ever-growing population across the planet.

But what happens to these items when they’re out-of-date and hospitals spend millions to update their equipment? It’s a question you don’t think of, but it raises a good point – just because the item is used, doesn’t mean it no longer works or that it can’t continue to help people. Many countries around the globe cannot afford new medical equipment, and patients in these areas are often denied treatment due to the lack of proper equipment.

For Dr. James Jackson – who discovered this issue in the 1980s while traveling in Brazil – it became a life goal to find a solution to this problem, and that’s how “Project C.U.R.E.” was developed. He returned home from his trip to Brazil in 1987, and immediately began putting this mission together in Evergreen, Colorado, where he was able to collect $250,000 in medical supplies in just 30 days, which he stored in his garage.

Now, more than 30 years later, Project C.U.R.E. is a full-fledged operation with distribution warehouses across the United States in locations that include Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.

Here at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, this is exactly the kind of company we love to work with as we continue our efforts of giving back to our communities and working hard to make a difference in the lives of others. That’s why our franchise location in Plainfield, Ill., developed a partnership with Project C.U.R.E. to collect and distribute these used medical supplies with our professional moving teams and trucks.

“TWO MEN AND A TRUCK and Project C.U.R.E. are teaming up to help move the world forward,” said Taylor McGuffie, marketing project liaison at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK’s Home Office location in Lansing, Mich. “As the largest provider of donated medical items to developing countries worldwide, we want to help in the best way we know how – moving!”

For Franchisees Joanne and Ron Sebby – who own the Plainfield franchise – when they were contacted by Home Office regarding the opportunity, and after some logistical planning, discovered it was a great fit for them.

“[The whole experience] was very nice. Rosemary was our contact at Project C.U.R.E., and they really aren’t that far from our franchise,” said Joanne Sebby. “We discussed what we could provide in terms of hours per month and then I handed it off to Greg [Sebby], and Greg set the whole process up.”

Fast forward to today, and the franchise has been running on the schedule of performing moves for Project C.U.R.E every other Wednesday, and the amount of movers and trucks needed varies by week.

“The vast majority of the moves usually involve just one truck and two guys, and each move takes five or six hours,” said Greg. “There was one time we were moving 16 hospital beds and 60 other pieces of hospital furniture, and we had to send five trucks and 10 guys for that move. It took our guys all day long.”

Joanne Sebby mentioned how they are always looking to make a difference by helping with moves like this, and outside of Project C.U.R.E., have recently done other charitable moves like collecting water and donating truck time to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey.

The partnership with Project C.U.R.E. has been rewarding for everyone involved at the franchise, and the location has no plans of slowing down with their assistance moving forward.

“I think it’s important for us to work with charity groups because we like to do it,” said Joanne Sebby. “I think getting our name out there is just an added bonus. We’ve tried to do charity work throughout the years, but none have resonated quite like this one. I think it’s a good fit for us.”

To find out more about the fantastic work being done by Project C.U.R.E or to find out how you can get involved with their mission, visit their website here.

March 26, 2018April 16, 2018 Movers Who Blog Business Growth, Leadership, News, Our People, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

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.”

March 19, 2018April 9, 2018 Movers Who Blog Business Growth, Career Opportunities, Organizing, Our People, Tips and Tricks, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

Use these expert interviewing tips to land your dream job!

-Written by Erik Sargent

March means hiring season for the “Movers Who Care®” here at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, and all across the country, we’re working our hardest to add quality team members to each level of our company.

Each March we kick off our “Career Move Month” campaign, and it’s in full-swing as we work through the month. Our goal this year is to receive 15,000 applications for all levels of the company, with 1,500 new employees hired. It’s an extensive process, but this helps us continue to grow our brand and ensure we‘re staffed with the highest quality team members to provide the highest level of service to our customers.

Whether you’re applying with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK or you’re working to get a job elsewhere, the application, hiring, and interview process can seem daunting. From filling out multiple applications to sitting through extensive and difficult interviews, it can become stressful and time consuming, and sometimes, you can feel like you’re going nowhere.

One of the best ways to tackle this issue is to be prepared and do your research prior to entering the interview process. Nailing the interviews for your desired job is usually the difference maker between getting the job and continuing the job search.

Fortunately, our quality training and hiring teams here at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK have seen it all when it comes to the hiring process, and we’ve put together an excellent list of interview tips to make sure you nail your next job interview and land your dream job.

Be sure to give these a try!

Preparation

If you aren’t prepared when you sit down to talk with the people trying to hire you, you’ll stand out like a sore thumb. Companies can tell whether you’re up-to-date on what the job entails, what you know about the company, and what your previous experience is right away. Be sure to review all details pertaining to your desired job so you can answer any question with ease.

Dress to impress

You would think this comes as a no-brainer, but sadly, it does not. Make sure you are dressed up like a pro! Showing up in your everyday street clothes sets a bad tone right away from the interview, and also shows that this job isn’t very important to you.

Follow the “15-minute early” rule

Make sure that when you know the time of your interview, you prepare accordingly, and give yourself enough time to be there a comfortable 15 minutes early. Map out how you‘re going to get there, and give yourself a cushion to account for any traffic or delays so you aren’t late for the meeting.

Shake hands like a professional

Another aspect of a job that might get overlooked, but a strong handshake can set the right tone heading into your interview. It shows that not only are you a mature candidate for the job, but establishes a level of respect and professionalism that can be appealing to the people interviewing you.

Maintain eye contact and speak clearly

Although it’s important to be knowledgeable with the relevant details while talking, none of that matters if you’re looking down at the floor and mumbling the entire time. Show your confidence by keeping your head up, maintaining appropriate eye contact, and speaking clearly and concise to show you’re the right person for the position.

Turn that cell phone off!

It’s no secret that cellphones are basically an extended part of our bodies in 2018. However, as true as that might be, don’t be on it during your interview! Be sure to either turn the phone on silent, or better yet – turn it off completely. The last thing you want is for it to go off right in the middle of your important interview.

March 5, 2018March 26, 2018 Movers Who Blog Business Growth, Career Opportunities, Hiring Professional Movers, Organizing, Our People, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® prepares for sixth annual Career Move Month campaign

-Written by Erik Sargent

Each March at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, a system-wide effort to build our company and strengthen the numbers of our professionally-trained teams takes place with our “Career Move Month” campaign.

Beginning March 1, franchises from all across the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK landscape work to bring on new hires at all levels of the company, from movers and drivers to management positions, and even new team members at our Home Office location in Lansing, Mich. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK’s busy season occurs from May through September, and it’s important for each of our franchises to be fully-equipped with properly trained staff to provide top-notch moving services to our customers across the nation.

“Career Move Month is our annual national recruiting initiative to help our franchises staff up for the busy season,” said Johanna Weitzel, recruiting and retention manager at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Home Office. “This year, our goal is to receive 15,000 applications and make 1,500 hires during the month of March.”

The hiring initiative ensures our brand is on the right track, having properly trained team members with strong work ethics which puts us in the right position to succeed and give our loyal customers the most positive and successful move experience possible.

“We organize several programs to showcase our TWO MEN AND A TRUCK core values, culture, and what it’s like to work here,” Weitzel said. “Our franchises get involved at a local level, and are usually thrilled to build upon the national programs we put in place and extend their efforts through the rest of the year.”

At TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, we’re always searching for people who are career driven, hardworking, and who fit for what we stand for as a company. We take our Core Values very seriously, and we encourage our teams to live by these values, too. Both past and currently employees have spoken highly of the culture across the system, and it’s something we are continually focused on to ensure our team members have a positive work environment that’s reflective on our company’s core values and mission.

“My favorite thing about working at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is the overall atmosphere, sense of accomplishment, and change in environment,” said Matt Wasalaski, a mover at our Brighton, Mich., franchise. “I enjoy the customers I work for, the employees I work with, and after a hard day’s work, I can always hold my head high knowing me and my crew helped someone during a stressful situation in their lives. In one word, I would describe this job as ‘rewarding’.”

Many of our frontline employees echo the same sentiment as Wasalaski – the team experience and the ability to make a difference in people’s lives is what motivates them to come work for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK each and every day.

“My favorite thing about working for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is helping customers move forward in their lives and seeing the joy on their faces when we do,” said Robert Cruze, lead trainer at the Brownstown, Mich., franchise. “The job is awesome, and everyone is very friendly. It is like a family at the franchise!”

If a fantastic working environment and the possibility for career advancement sounds like something you’re interested in, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK might be for you! Countless movers and drivers have worked their way through the system into management and other leadership positions.

“I would recommend TWO MEN AND A TRUCK for someone in search of a new job because there are always new places to see and new people to help,” Wasalaski said. “You make lasting friendships with the people you work with, and can make such a positive impact on customers’ lives. There is never a dull moment while working at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, and you are able to get some amazing exercise, too! The job constantly pushes and challenges you to be the best you can be every day.”

Apply now and get your career started with the “Movers Who Care”!

February 26, 2018March 19, 2018 Movers Who Blog Business Growth, Home Sweet Home, Our People, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK introduces new set of TV commercial spots

-Written by Erik Sargent

As we continue to grow here at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, it’s becoming increasingly important to ensure we’re spreading brand awareness across North America showcasing our talented teams and the services available to those looking to hire professionally trained, and trustworthy movers.

That’s why in 2018, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK officially debuted a new set of commercial spots to be featured across locally, across the U.S. and Canada. This not only gets the word out about everything we are doing, but sheds a positive light on the company.

“TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is filled with local move heroes – people who go above and beyond for their customers and their communities, daily,” said Dawn Kroeger, the marketing and communication director at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. “Given 96% of our customers would refer us, the level of service provided by “The Movers Who Care” is what sets us apart from other moving companies. The new set of commercials feature these move heroes and seek to illustrate how, in days crunched for time and a need for efficiency and quality, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK delivers on all fronts.”

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK worked with Lansing, Michigan-based creative agency Harvest Creative to help with conception and production, and we were able to bring to life stories highlighting home moving, recruiting, and the newest long distance moving service, Value Flex®!

Since the point of these commercials was to highlight all the important things about TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, who would be better to feature in the commercial spots than the wonderful people who work for the brand? All of the actors featured in the spots were TWO MEN AND A TRUCK employees or their families, who put on their acting hats and portrayed a variety of different roles.

We spoke to a few of these TWO MEN AND A TRUCK heavy lifters, turned actors, to get their take on what it was like being on set, and how they felt about being put in the spotlight!

Sherry Campbell – Franchise Marketing Manager at the corporate office in Lansing, Mich.

What was it like being on set?

“It was like being on a big production shoot. They had food and refreshment stations setup throughout the day, my hair and make-up was done by professionals, and there were lights everywhere!”

Did anything happen that you weren’t expecting?

“On the morning of my shoot, which was in Atlanta, it was really cold. We had to act like it was a normal early summer day. Thank goodness for the heaters.”

How long did the process of shooting the commercial take?

“It always takes way more time than you think it should. They’re always adjusting lights and camera angles. And then, you end up doing the same thing over and over.”

How would you say the entire experience went overall?

“I’m not very patient, so sometimes I would get bored waiting for my ‘five minutes of fame’. But all in all, it was a really professional and fun experience. I am glad I was able to be part of the process!”

David Woods – Supervisor, Raleigh, N.C., franchise

What was it like being on set?

“Being on the set of the commercial was exciting. Getting to experience how a commercial is made and having your name and face associated with such a huge project is very humbling.”

Did anything happen that you weren’t expecting?

“The only thing that happened that I wasn’t expecting was when I was told I was going to be the main focus in one of the commercials. I was only expecting a couple of really quick shots, and then to be done for the day. I wasn’t expecting to have an entire commercial centered around me.”

How long did the process of shooting the commercial take?

“On the morning of the shoot, we arrived around 5:30 a.m. I met the director and the production crew, and that’s when they explained I would be the main focus of the shoot. That was a shock and I got really nervous, but they calmed me down and went through the process of getting into make-up and wardrobe, where the people were great. Then we went onto the set, which was shot all on location. The whole thing took about half a day.”

How would you say the entire experience went overall?

“This whole process was an amazing experience. If someone were to ask me if I would do it again, I would say yes without thinking twice. Everyone from the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK team to the film crew made this one of the most memorable moments in my life.”

Holly Stewart – Franchisee, Smyrna, GA

What was it like being on set?

“It was a lot of fun, actually – music, food, laughing, and a whole entourage following me around everywhere I went! I was pretty nervous the first few takes, but everyone was really great at making it a laid back environment so we didn’t come across stoic on camera. At the end of the day, I had a really great time!”

Did anything happen that you weren’t expecting?

“It takes a surprising amount of time to come up with a 15-second commercial, and they took so many takes of the same thing with slight tweaks. It was really neat to see the final product and how it all came together. I had wardrobe, make-up, and lighting all around me for touch-ups between takes, and it took way more takes than you might think. I don’t think you’d guess that small shot took so much thought and time.”

How long did the process of shooting the commercial take?

“We shot every small scene many, many, many times. Sometimes doing the exact same thing, sometimes doing it with a small tweak here or there. Way different than a recorded news segment spot, which is my most common experience on camera. This was an all-day event, and there wasn’t much downtime between scenes. There were a couple times I tried to step aside to respond to an email or speak to someone there, and was quickly called back. Others who weren’t in every scene were able to watch the screenings and relax, but for me, it was go, go, go! That being said, it was a lot of fun.”

How would you say the entire experience went overall?

“Great! It was a super cool experience. I’d do it again in a heartbeat, and what a great reward for the Move Heroes! It was really rewarding to see them get to shine, and I think the commercials turned out really sharp.”

Liza Yates –Daughter of Holly Stewart, Smyrna, GA

What is it like being on set?

“It was enjoyable and fun. All of the staff and other members were super polite. They let me help out so much, and I felt really involved!”

Did anything happen that you weren’t expecting?

“I wasn’t expecting to connect with the director so well. I wasn’t expecting for it to be so community-like and enjoyable, either. Everyone just wanted to have fun, and we did!”

How long did the process of shooting the commercial take?

“It was repetitive, but still fun and laid back. For my commercial shoot, it took about eight hours, but I wasn’t always on camera (and there was a lunch break).”

How would you say the entire experience went overall?

“I feel it went well. We all had a good time, and the commercials turned out fantastic!”

Check out all of the new commercial spots below!

October 30, 2017November 20, 2017 Movers Who Blog Business Growth, Career Opportunities, Leadership, News, Newsroom, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

How big businesses are implementing the use of translation services to enhance customer experience

-Written by Erik Sargent

America is more ethnically diverse than ever before. People from different backgrounds and countries make up large portions of our populations, each bringing their own unique lifestyle. With this type of background comes a growing population of people speaking different languages. Communication plays a huge part in the daily lives of millions of Americans each day, but often times, much of our population is left out due to communication barriers.

According to a report by the U.S. Census Bureau published in October of 2016, there were 40 million residents in the United States ages five and older who spoke the native language of Spanish at home. This was a 131.2 percent increase from 1990, when it was just 17.3 million people. For reference – this is 13.3 percent of United States residents.

While some of these Spanish-speaking Americans are fluent in English, many are not. This can create a language hurdle in places heavily populated with Spanish-speaking Americans, such as California, Florida, and Texas.

From a business perspective, this creates a dilemma for companies looking to branch out and extend their reach to new customers. If they aren’t able to communicate with potential customers and create a positive brand experience across websites and social media platforms, they won’t continue to appeal to a wide audience.

Often times, you’ll see companies bring on one or two Spanish-speaking employees hoping to handle the large influx of people who don’t speak English, but in heavily populated areas of Spanish speakers, this just simply isn’t enough.

One solution to increasing engagement and appealing to a wider audience is using a translation service. Companies like Amazon and The New York Times have both recently launched pages on their website featuring Spanish content, showing the trend of translation services has reached even the biggest of business.

Translation companies like Tomedes Translation work with big businesses and companies to offer translation services of all kinds, improving the communication levels and helping them to reach customers they normally wouldn’t have the ability to communicate with. Tomedes was founded in 2007, and has more than 15,000 clients across the globe.

“We offer a variety of language services – what that means is translation, proofreading, editing, transcription, subtitles, voice over – pretty much if it’s a service that is connected to a language, we offer it,” said Rivkah Miller, an Account Manager for Tomedes Translation.

Tomedes translates over 50 languages, and takes the burden off companies looking to use employees who are bilingual to communicate with customers.

Clients will send Tomedes files they need translated, and it will go through an extensive review process with the translators and project managers at the company. The work they do covers an incredibly wide spectrum, and clients find translation needs for almost anything.

“We have clients who need CDs translated, we have law firms who want immigration documents translated, we have legal contracts, and we are also getting big into the gaming and app industries as they look to go international,” Miller said. “There’s always a reason why someone would need translation and would want it done professionally.”

This type of translation service is the next step as technology increases and business become global, and it instantly makes a business more accessible to the public and people of varying backgrounds.

“It facilitates visibility, essentially, and facilitates communication,” Miller said.

For the international moving company TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, the translation process has become a main priority, as the company has 350 plus locations in the U.S. with a large number of franchises in Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas.

People of all backgrounds are always in need of moving services, and for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, it was important to get their websites translated to Spanish and begin to employ Spanish-speaking customer service representatives at their national Customer Resource Center to better handle the communication. The company recently worked with the translation service, Gengo, to implement Spanish content across all of their websites in order to be more inclusive and connected to Spanish speaking customers.

“This is just another step in our continued evolution, and in our commitment to continuously exceeding customers’ expectations,” said Dawn Kroeger, marketing and communications director at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK’s international headquarters located in Lansing, Mich. “By delivering our local websites and marketing materials in Spanish, we are working to better support the needs of the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK consumer base. We know there are loyal customers out there whose primary language is not English, so we are now taking action to provide them with the best experience possible, starting with their initial experience on our websites.”

This translation will allow the moving company to connect with more customers looking to move, and help them continue growing as a brand across the United States and international locations.

“Being in the Los Angeles market, a majority of our customers find us through internet searches,” said Stefanie Shook, marketing manager at the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Pasadena, Calif., location. “We also have a huge Spanish speaking population here and by translating our website, we are acknowledging and showing that we want to serve them with the best customer service possible.”

According to Miller, the advancement from technology has made this language translation much more crucial to running a successful business than ever before. There are numerous languages being spoken by people in the country, and many businesses in the country are communicating with customers from around the globe.

For companies like Amazon, The New York Times, and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, their revenue streams rely on people continuing to use their services, and translating their company content into a new language will help with this.

“It’s very hard to navigate when you can’t speak languages,” Miller said. “You might have advocates who can help you, someone who does speak the language, but that’s just one person. That’s not enough.”