Mother’s Day – TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®

July 2, 2018July 23, 2018 Movers Who Blog Giving Back, Mother's Day, Movers for Moms, Moving, Organizing, Our People, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchises brighten up Mother’s Day for moms in need

-Written by Caitlyn Laidler

Giving back to the community has been a driving force behind the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® brand ever since our Founder Mary Ellen Sheets donated her first $1,000 profit to local charities.

This spring, as part of a national effort to better our local communities, each and every TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchise collected donations for women in need during the 11^th annual Movers for Moms® campaign.

Movers for Moms was created in support of mothers who are living in shelters due to homelessness or domestic abuse. In an effort to show these women the love and appreciation they deserve on Mother’s Day, our franchises work with businesses and individuals in their local communities to collect essential care items to be delivered for the holiday weekend.

Each year, Movers for Moms continues to reach new levels of success. This spring, more than 366,000 donations were collected across the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK system —70,000 more than the 2017 total. With the help of nearly 1,000 collection sites across the country, these donations were able to support more than 150 women’s and family shelters nationwide.

In addition to reaching record-breaking numbers, franchises went above and beyond to spread awareness and make Mother’s Day extra special for moms who need it most.

“Aside from gathering donations, [our franchise] provides gift baskets to each of the mothers living in the shelter on Mother’s Day, and gift bags to every woman in the shelter whether they are a mother or not,” said Miriam Berrouet, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Myrtle Beach Marketing and Human Resource Manager. “Everyone gets to feel special on Mother’s Day!”

For Berrouet, Movers for Moms is more than just part of her job. South Carolina ranks among the states with the highest rates of domestic abuse against women.

“Movers for Moms is an initiative that means a lot to me,” she said. “Whenever I speak about Movers for Moms, I speak about it with passion. When you speak about something passionately enough, your passion becomes contagious and people want to help you with your cause.”

Berrouet’s passion for the program and dedication to supporting the women in her community led the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Myrtle Beach location to being one of the top preforming franchises in the 2018 Movers for Moms campaign. With the help of five collection sites, Berrouet and her team raised nearly 14,000 donations for their local family shelter.

Just up the coast, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Charlotte Marketing Director Rosemary Hastings painted the town purple in honor of Movers for Moms®.

“We have had two buildings in the Charlotte skyline go Movers for Moms purple in years past, but this year I wanted to paint the town purple,” Hastings said. “I made a dozen Movers for Moms packets and took the afternoon to walk around to each sky rise and asked the front desk if they had a lighting program and if so, would they be on board to support local moms on Mother’s Day.”

“On Saturday, May 12, we had six buildings on the skyline go purple and my mission is to get the remaining four on board for next year,” Hastings said.

It’s this kind of extra effort that makes Movers for Moms grow in success each spring, and we’re proud of the impact our system is able to make in the communities where we live and work.

Special recognition goes to our St. Louis, Madison, Charlotte, Myrtle Beach, and Boynton Beach locations for their large-scale campaigns. Together, they raised 90,000 donations for shelters in their communities.

To learn more about how you can be involved with Movers for Moms in the future, visit our website, here.

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.

May 14, 2018June 4, 2018 Movers Who Blog Giving Back, Mother's Day, Movers for Moms, Newsroom, Our People, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

Women’s shelters nationwide work tirelessly to provide safety for those in need

-Written by Erik Sargent

Flowers, gifts, family get-togethers, and immense appreciation are just a few things that make up Mother’s Day each year.

Unfortunately for some mothers and women, a joyous day of celebration isn’t always on option on Mother’s Day – or any day. Domestic violence is a never-ending issue nationwide, with a staggering three out of every 10 women facing some form of domestic violence in their lifetime, according to The National Domestic Violence Hotline.

It’s an issue that many try to brush to the side, but one that needs to be talked about, as women from every community around the country struggle to find safety, help, and peace. Where do these women go if they can’t find safety in their own homes, for themselves, and their kids? A major resource for women in these terrible situations comes from the help of women’s shelters, which aim to not only give them a place to seek refuge during moments of domestic violence, but also the resources to find stability in their life again and get back on track in an independent manner.

Organizations like the Genesis Women’s Shelter, based in Dallas, work diligently to be as accommodating as possible for women of domestic violence, as they try to strategically maneuver around the obstacles involved in cases like these and provide the necessary care.

“Genesis provides shelter, safety, and support for women and children who have experienced domestic violence,” said Bianca Jackson, senior director of funds and community development at Genesis. “Our goal is to remove every single road block she is going to face on her journey to this abuse-free life that she deserves, and that can be different for every woman.”

Every domestic violence case is different, and a big step for places like Genesis is figuring out each patient’s specific situation and needs to get where they need to be. Whether it is physical or emotional damage, domestic violence can take many forms, and the type of support one women may need might not work for someone else.

Genesis takes in women who have experienced what they call “intimate partner violence”, and that’s where they target their relief efforts for the women of the Dallas area.

“Basically, she’s been hurt by someone she is in a relationship with, or someone who she was in a relationship with,” Jackson said.

Outreach by the Genesis staff can take many forms, but most women inquire about coming to the shelter by reaching out to Genesis’ 24-hour emergency hotline.

“Does she need a place to stay, or does she need to talk to someone? As long as we have space to protect her, we tell her to come,” Jackson said. “She doesn’t have to bring anything with her, and in most cases, they don’t have anything because they are leaving while he’s at work, he jumped in the shower, or he’s on a business trip, and she gets out of there. When she walks in our doors, we provide food, clothing, a private room, and the immediate support that she’s going to need.”

Each woman who enters the doors at Genesis starts with counseling treatment before shifting to what specific things they might need to get out of their situation. Everything from figuring out if a change of jobs is needed to determining where their next residence will be, as the threat of the abuser going to where he thinks the woman might be is always present.

One of the biggest factors that comes into play with a domestic violence situation is financial, because according to Jackson, nearly all domestic violence relationships contain some type of financial abuse, too.

“We sustain them while they are here, and we also help them with financial planning,” Jackson said. “In 99 percent of all of these relationships, financial abuse is present, so she doesn’t have access to her money. Even if she’s working, she has to put her money in his account or he doesn’t allow her to work. So we provide financial planning to get her prepared for life after she leaves the shelter.”

Another major benefit Genesis offers – and something that would often get overlooked by someone on the outside looking in – is resources for the children she might have.

If a woman brings her children with her, they are no longer able to go to school because their father could go looking for them and he has the right to pull them out of school, putting the woman in a situation where she would have to go back home to get the kids.

“For the six-week period [she is here], her children can enroll in our school that is on-site with trained therapists that know what these children are experiencing, and that can provide them with a safe education while they are here,” Jackson said.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® making a difference

A company who takes this issue very seriously – and who tries to make a difference by helping every spring – is the international moving company, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.

Founded in 1985 by a mother herself, Mary Ellen Sheets, and her two sons, Jon Sorber and Brig Sorber, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK developed its own way to make a difference by helping women’s shelters i across the country with its national Movers for Moms® campaign.

Franchise locations throughout TWO MEN AND A TRUCK partner with local shelters and community organizations in their community to collect essential care items for women and children that are then delivered by the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK moving teams to various women’s shelters. It provides the company a way to not only a make a difference in the lives of these women, but also to raise awareness to the public.

“Our franchise is so into Movers for Moms, we love it,” said Shalimar Rydzik, marketing coordinator for the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Waukesha, Wis., location. “Personally, I feel having a respected woman as our franchisee makes us a little more connected to the campaign and what it means to the women in our community. [This campaign] really forces [all] of us to look at the world from a wider perspective, and encourages to care more about the greater good.”

In 2017, Movers for Moms ran in all 42 of the states that TWO MEN AND A TRUCK operated in, supporting a large number of different shelters. More than 295,000 gifts were donated to these shelters, and over the 10 years the company has been running Movers for Moms, more than 1 million items have been donated.

To find out more about Movers for Moms and how you can get involved, click here.

Get involved

For Genesis and other shelters, the goal at the end of the day is to help women in these terrible situations find stability and peace. Genesis encourages anyone in the Dallas area to visit the “Be Her First Step” page on their website, which provides a detailed breakdown on the necessary steps to take for women – or people who know women – in situations of domestic violence.

For those outside of the Dallas area who are interested in helping, be sure to research shelters and organizations in your area working with this cause to find out ways you can donate to their facilities or assist with their work.

April 30, 2018May 14, 2018 Movers Who Blog Giving Back, Leadership, Mother's Day, Movers for Moms, News, Organizing, Our People, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

Movers for Moms® aims to make 2018 Mother’s Day special for moms in need

-Written by Erik Sargent

The importance of mothers in the world could not possibly be put into words, and taking care of the moms in all of our lives is something we take very seriously here at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®.

Since the company’s beginning when it was started by a mom, Mary Ellen Sheets, and her two sons – Brig and Jon – we’ve put a heavy emphasis of working to honor and support the mothers in our communities any way we can. This motivation was the driving force behind the creation of one of our most important campaigns – Movers for Moms.

Movers for Moms is run by each franchise location in the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK network, and was developed with the idea of making Mother’s Day special for the mothers and families who have fallen on hard times.

Franchises partner with local business and organizations to set up collection areas, where people are encouraged to bring essential care items that are then delivered to partnering shelters by our moving teams in time for Mother’s Day.

“[Movers for Moms] is a great way to show we care about the community, and let people know we are more than just a local moving company,” said Amy Gladieux, marketing and recruiting manager for the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Cleveland location. “For me, it’s about educating people in the community that the shelters could use our help. It’s so amazing to see the joy on volunteers’ faces when we make the big delivery before Mother’s Day. They are so grateful for what we can do for the shelter.”

Movers for Moms has continued to grow exponentially each year since it was developed, and every spring we’re able to expand our reach a little bit farther and make more of a difference for the people who need our assistance.

2017 was a record-breaking year for the campaign, as we were able to collect more than 295,000 items that were donated to shelters all across the country. These donations go a long way in helping moms get back on their feet, and also helps them enjoy a special Mother’s Day during a difficult time in their lives.

“I’ve always thought that Movers for Moms was an important initiative for us because it shows we are much more than just a moving company,” said Joe Malacky, marketing specialist for the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Akron location. “One of the biggest compliments I get as a marketer for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is the amount of community involvement we do, and how much we give back. Movers for Moms is a great example of this, especially here in Akron.”

In the 10 years the program has been running, more than a million items have been donated to shelters across the country. For the year of 2017 alone, we partnered with over 800 businesses, schools, and other community programs to make sure we help as many people as possible.

This year, the system is ready to get back out and help as Mother’s Day quickly approaches, and our franchises are ready to continue making a difference with new and exciting ideas.

“We have a really good mix of partners this year, consisting of daycares, coffee shops, banks, libraries, insurance companies, title companies, and more,” said Shalimar Rydzik, marketing coordinator for the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Waukesha location. “Associated Bank is a big partner this year, because they have 14 branches participating over Southeast Wisconsin. To sweeten the pot, Southeast Wisconsin co-op is working together to offer a free breakfast or lunch to the Associated Bank branch that collects the most items. With our Waukesha franchise, we are also offering this prize to the community that collects the most items.”

The franchises get creative in who they decide to partner with to help set up their collection sites and raise awareness, like the Akron franchise, who uses the power of baseball to work their campaign.

“This is the second year that we’ve partnered with the Akron Rubber Ducks (Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians) for The Battered Women’s Shelter Night at Canal Park,” Malacky said “The first 200 fans to bring a donation will receive a free ticket to the game. Truckie and the BWS president will also be throwing out the first pitch, and the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Akron and BWS teams will be there with games and prizes, as well as passing out info on the shelter.”

We’re proud of all the hard work that’s put in by our franchise locations to work with women’s shelters and help make Mother’s Day a positive one for moms who need it most. If you’re interested in partnering with us for the Movers for Mom campaign, reach out to your local TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchise to see how you can get involved.

In the meantime – be sure to check out this recap video from our 2017 Movers for Moms campaign!

June 14, 2017June 26, 2017 Movers Who Blog Giving Back, Mother's Day, Movers for Moms, Our People, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® lends a helping hand to mothers in need across America

*Movers for Moms®* from our **TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®** Charlotte location.

-Written by Erik Sargent

Giving back to the communities we work and live in is what drives the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® brand each and every day. Founder Mary Ellen Sheets donated her first $1,000 in profit directly to charities and since then, giving back to the community has been a top focus throughout our system.

Our franchises across the country participate in and run numerous charitable events throughout the year, but none compare to our annual Movers for Moms® campaign each spring. A campaign started in-house by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® 10 years ago, it aims to provide essential care items to women who are facing homelessness or domestic violence and living in shelters throughout the country.

These women aren’t able to receive the love and care that most mothers receive on Mother’s Day, and we make it a point to ensure they are appreciated by spending the spring months partnering with organizations and shelters to collect donation items. Each TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® franchise participates in Movers for Moms®, making sure our reach is felt from coast to coast.

“We take so much pride in community service events here at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, including our own Movers for Moms® program,” said TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® CEO Jeff Wesley. “We celebrated our 10^th year of giving back to mothers in need. It’s a blessing that our brand is in position to give back, and we thank all of our locations for the support and passion they put into this important program and the impact they have on communities. We are proud to move people forward and do our part to change lives.”

With each passing year, the Movers for Moms® word spreads, and the success of the campaign continues to grow. 2017 saw the most impress year of collections yet, and showed how much hard work is being put in by all participants.

More than 295,000 items were collected across the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® system, exceeding the 2016 collection total by 10,000. These collection items were able to provide support to more than 250 different shelters across the United States.

Even more exciting, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® locations were able to secure 810 franchise collection partners for the campaign, and with each location as a drop off location for the community to give donations, there were more than 1,000 collection sites spread across the country this year. Our Sacramento, Lansing, Charlotte, Nashville, Des Moines, Ann Arbor, Myrtle Beach, and Miami locations also stood out as some of this year’s go-getters. All collected 5,000 or more donations items in 2017.

“We were extremely happy with how our Movers for Moms® campaign went this year. Our donation box and special event hosts helped us collect over $1,200 in donations and over 10,000 items,” said TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Charlotte Marketing Manager Rosemary Hastings.

m4mplanetfitness — *Movers for Moms®* from the **TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®** Mesa location.

On the opposite side of the country, the same levels of success were also seen as TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® worked to help collect these donation items.

“We were very successful, and had a 20 percent increase in donations over last year,” said TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Mesa Marketing Coordinator Jennifer Merkel. “This is attributed to finding corporate partnerships where we were able to place collection boxes in businesses with multiple locations. We also held a few donation drives. These didn’t bring a lot of impromptu donations, but they gave us the opportunity to talk about the charity, and many people were excited to return to the locations with donations at a later date.”

To learn more about how you can be involved with Movers for Moms® in the future, visit our Movers for Moms® page, here.

April 3, 2017April 17, 2017 Movers Who Blog Giving Back, Leadership, Mother's Day, Movers for Moms, Moving, Our People, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

Movers making a difference for mothers in the community with annual Movers for Moms® program

-Written by Erik Sargent

Working with charities and giving back to the community is a high priority here at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, and one of our top campaigns, Movers for Moms®, is getting ready to kick off.

When Mary Ellen Sheets founded the company in 1985, one of the main goals she had was using her platform as a business owner to help others any way she could. The Movers for Moms® program focuses on helping mothers in need around the time of Mother’s Day by providing them with essential care items they need most. While most moms are being celebrated during Mother’s Day, many are living in shelters due to unfortunate circumstances in their lives. This campaign aims to make this day a little more enjoyable for them, and to show appreciation and compassion for all they do.

“From day one, Mary Ellen took care of charities, and the brand has raised the bar even further as we continue to drive our vision and achieve success,” said TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® CEO Jeff Wesley. “To have our own charity that is integrated within the brand and supporting moms in need is something to be so proud of. The hard work of every TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® location and team member, along with the impact they have, is just phenomenal. I am so proud of the Movers for Moms® program and all of the locations dedicated to moving moms forward.”

The program was created by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® in 2007 and is the most successful campaign the system sees throughout the year. Since the program’s creation, we have been able to collect over 800,000 items that have been donated.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® partners with local businesses, organizations, and schools, along with women’s, family, and homeless shelters in their communities to make this all possible, donating trucks and manpower to pick up and deliver charitable items that are donated to recipient shelters. Donation items vary from shelter to shelter, but often include things like soaps, hair styling products, shampoos, conditioners, pillows, blankets, slippers, and other clothing items.

2016 was the most successful year of Movers for Moms® to date, as we were able to collect more than 285,000 items! The program took place in 39 states, and each franchise location for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® participated last year. We were able to partner with more than 400 businesses, schools, and community centers across the country to make this all possible.

If you’re interested in supporting the program as a collection site, or would like to donate items locally, please email Movers4Moms@twomen.com.

May 23, 2016September 6, 2016 Movers Who Blog Giving Back, Mother's Day, Movers for Moms

Another successful Movers for Moms® has officially wrapped!

Written by Lindsay Dow

Movers For Moms efforts in Jackson, MS — A 2nd grade class at Ann Smith Elementary in Jackson, Miss., helped support moms in need through Movers for Moms®!

Just nine years ago, the Movers for Moms® campaign was born. The annual program, which began with the Michigan TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® locations who wanted to support local moms in need around the time of Mother’s Day, involves working with local businesses, schools, and organizations to collect essential care items for moms living in domestic abuse or homeless shelters. Today, our more than 300 locations across the country participate in the program and support local moms in their community.

The program has grown exponentially over the years and we’re proud to say we’ve collected more than 800,000 items for moms the past nine years. This year alone, our fantastic franchises collected more than 285,000 items for delivery to local shelters!

“Movers for Moms was extremely instrumental in providing a wonderful and meaningful Mother’s Day for the Shelter’s participants,” said Volunteer and Resource Coordinator Rebecca Grabau at The Shelter for Abused Women and Children in Naples, Fla. “Without community support like this, the Shelter would not be able to provide our life changing programs and services, and we certainly would not be able to create such a special day for all of our survivors.”

Movers for Moms® success is built on the generosity of local communities coming together to support at-risk moms. A BIG thank you to everyone who has generously donated to the cause, or the local community partners that acted as drop off locations for donations. Without the support of our communities around the country, we wouldn’t be where we are today in helping moms who need it most around the time they should feel most special- Mother’s Day!

We’re proud to live out our core value of giving back to the community, not just when running our annual Movers for Moms® program, but all year long.

To stay updated on all Movers for Moms® happenings, like us on Facebook! TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward!

March 21, 2016November 21, 2017 Movers Who Blog Giving Back, Mother's Day, Movers for Moms

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® works to support moms in need across the country

Written by Arika Ford

Movers For Moms® is a community program that is a spring tradition for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®. The program has been very successful and has spread to all TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® locations in 39 states with more than 300 participating franchises!

You may already know that three out of 10 women are victims of domestic violence. Movers For Moms® is committed to helping support women living in women’s or homeless shelters by providing essential care items for the past nine years. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® works closely with local community partners such as banks, stores, schools, and other organizations to collect items women need in their day-to-day life. Essential care items including soap, shampoo, toothpaste and deodorant are donated by the general public into boxes provided by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® and then delivered to the local shelter recipient just in time for Mother’s Day.

In 2015, more than 230,000 essential care items were collected by our local franchises and delivered to hundreds of shelters to offer hope and support to women across the country.

“Movers for Moms® was extremely instrumental in providing a wonderful and meaningful Mother’s Day for the Shelter’s participants,” says volunteer and resource coordinator of the Naples, Fla., Shelter for Abused Women & Children. “Without community support like this, the Shelter would not be able to provide our life changing programs and services, and we certainly would not be able to create such a special day for all of our survivors.”

This support extends its reach far beyond mothers in need. As we work to support mothers who are struggling, we in turn support others that depend on these women including their children, parents, and friends. An important part of the process to help build strong communities and families is doing our part to give back. Giving back is a core value that TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® employees embody and live by.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Chair Melanie Bergeron shares the importance of the program and coming together is reaching moms across the country.

Each year our numbers continue to grow and it brings us great joy to know we are helping to positively impact lives. If you would like to get involved with Movers For Moms® or learn more, please visit twomenandatruck.com/movers-for-moms and like us on Facebook to stay updated with current program happenings!

March 14, 2016March 14, 2016 Movers Who Blog Mother's Day, Women in Business

An interview with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®’s leading ladies, Mary Ellen Sheets and Melanie Bergeron

Written by Jessy Howe

March is Women’s History Month, so we’d like to take some time to celebrate our leading ladies: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®/International, Inc. Founder Mary Ellen Sheets and Chair Melanie Bergeron.

Mary Ellen Sheets

Founder Mary Ellen Sheets Brothers Brig Sorber and Jon Sorber began moving people in the Lansing, Mich., area using an old pickup truck as a way to make extra money. Their mom, Mary Ellen Sheets, drew up a logo for them and put an ad in the weekly community newspaper to help with their new found venture. The stickmen logo still rests on every truck, sign, and advertisement to this day.

Once the Sorber brothers left for college, Sheets found herself taking calls for moving services. She decided to continue booking local moves while working as a full-time data processor for the State of Michigan. In 1985, she decided to make things official and purchased a 14-foot truck for $350 and hiring a pair of movers to assist in the boys’ absence. This is the only capital Sheets has ever invested in the company.

After her first profitable year, Sheets generously donated her $1,000 profit to 10 different charities. It is this spirit that gives meaning to the company’s motto “Movers Who Care®” and led to the core value of “Giving Back to the Community.”

Melanie Bergeron

Chair Melanie Bergeron When a friend who shared a spot with Mary Ellen on the 1988 graduate business panel at Michigan State University recommend she franchise the business, she consulted with an attorney on the idea.

In 1989, Sheets awarded the first location outside of Michigan to her daughter, Melanie Bergeron, in Atlanta, Ga.

Melanie was living and working in Atlanta as a pharmaceutical sales representative before deciding to take on a franchise. She ran the business out of her apartment and as it turned out, the service was in demand and the company began to grow! In 1991 she became the vice president TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® and in 1994, she was named president of the company. She now serves as chair of the board and has been a member on the Board of Directors since 1996.

Helen Eberly

Helen Eberly, Grandma Eb Among the set of company’s core values is The Grandma Rule®, in honor of Mary Ellen’s mother Helen Eberly, or more commonly known as Grandma Eb. In the early years of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® when Mary Ellen was in need of a space to keep her trucks, Grandma Eb welcomed her to park the trucks in her backyard. She played an important role helping with various business duties and handling the move sheets and money movers would leave in a box on her back porch. Before long she was referred to as the “Yard Boss.”

As each of these amazing women has been honored with numerous awards and recognition through the years, they have never stopped learning and growing as individuals and businesswomen. We caught up with them in a Q&A interview!

How has working alongside one another strengthened your relationship? What have you learned from one another?

Mary Ellen: Melanie and I have almost been Velcroed together, not only as mother-daughter, but because of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®. We traveled together non-stop, visiting franchisees, conferences, and speaking engagements and have many, many shared memories … touching and hilarious. I had the determination to develop TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® in the beginning, but Mel had the drive that took it to a higher level. She is the ultimate professional.

Melanie: We did a lot with pure passion and survival instincts. We didn’t have money then for outside resources. My mom taught me to work hard, wear lots of hats, be optimistic and have fun in the process. She led me by example.

Founder Mary Ellen Sheets and Chair Melanie Bergeron, 1992 — Founder Mary Ellen Sheets and Chair Melanie Bergeron share a laugh at the company Annual Meeting in 1992.

Have you ever faced any gender-related roadblocks in your career?

Mary Ellen: The first gender related roadblock was more like the Alps! Moving was a man’s business, from beginning to end. None of the “good old boys” wanted some upstart women coming in and meddling in their field. They did everything they could to stop us – some very dirty tricks. We inched a long, chin held high, and never gave up. I decided early on it was more important to focus on our customers and put worries about the competition and what they were doing on a back burner.

Melanie: My mom never let the gender thing get to her. Focus on the customer. I have been exposed to many male business groups. I have learned so much by listening and learning from their best and worst practices. The key for all business people is to not just listen and learn but implement. I see a lot of analysis paralysis.

What advice would you share with young women preparing to begin their career?

Mary Ellen: I’ll leave this question to Mel. It was easier for me, I was 46 when TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® first began, single and my kids were grown and out of the nest. I didn’t have to contend with all of the young family issues.

Melanie: Get in the habit of taking care of yourself now. Chances are if you want that career you will work hard for it and get it. So … career will be time consuming, marriage, kids, life. It will be very important for you to find balance to have energy in all areas. For me, I got up very early to work out, pray, and have peaceful reflective time. It made be a better person all day.

Founder Mary Ellen Sheets and Chair Melanie Bergeron, 2006 — Founder Mary Ellen Sheets and Chair Melanie Bergeron split the cover of Greater Lansing Woman magazine in 2006.

What are your favorite things to do?

Mary Ellen: I’ll be 77 this year, so my entertainment is simple. I have always loved to read, watch movies, and boating (as a passenger!). My husband and I spend the winter in Florida. We enjoy visiting with friends and family.

Melanie: I find joy in my quiet morning time, praying and reflecting – everyday. I love to cook! I can’t think of anything more relaxing than chopping vegetables. I love to be with family. I love animals and little kids. I love to be active and doing anything outside. I’m pretty simple!

Final thoughts?

Mary Ellen: I am beyond blessed. I thank God every day for our success and am proud we have provided good jobs for so many, and of course, good moving services for our customers. I wish my parents could see. I loved them so much.

Melanie: God has blessed my family and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®. I’m so thankful. I’m thankful that God is the center of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® and it continues to bless others in quality service, job creation, career opportunity, and relationships.

Thank you to our leading ladies for your dedication and leadership! Without the determination and hard work of Mary Ellen and Melanie, and all those who have played a part in TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®’s growth, we would not be where we are today.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward!

May 10, 2015May 10, 2015 Movers Who Blog Holiday Fun, Mother's Day

A mother’s influence and never ending love

Written by Dawn Kroeger

In celebration of Mother’s Day and support of moms who work outside the home, I’ve come up with five simple tips to simplify and improve quality of life for you and your family.

Hire a cleaning person to keep your home in tip-top shape, but not one that requires you actually pick up the house before they come and clean
Hire a full-time nanny to help out, especially at dreaded bath and bed time
Have all food delivered by a grocery service and make sure it is healthy and balanced – NO TRANSFAT!
Sign up for one of those online style services that just sends you clothes that match your personality
Hire a trainer to come and shake you out of bed at 4:30 a.m. and drive you to the gym

Excellent. Once those items are complete, your life will be smooth sailing and stress-free. Oh, wait. What? You can’t afford all of that? You can’t find a trainer who makes wakeup calls? Yeah, me neither.

Like most women I have many roles in life – wife, sister, daughter, friend, team member, employee, 424959_10150520067426637_1617488211_n mentor, volunteer, and mother. While I am not defined by any single role, the most challenging and rewarding is that of mother. I don’t have a cleaning person, or a nanny. Laundry piles up and sometimes my kids end up on the bus accidently when they are supposed to be picked up from school. I try hard to plan the healthiest meals I can for my family but sometimes they eat Ramen noodles and McDonalds drive through.

Yet, I am a fantastic mom. I know this is boastful, but I am. I have been blessed to grow up both personally and professionally with extraordinary role models. I have learned so much by watching and understanding what makes a balanced, healthy, successful working mom.

My mo 400516_10151015465666637_198613670_n m: While my mom, Jo, worked my entire life, most of it full-time, it never felt like she wasn’t there. She was always present. She practiced lines for school musicals, was there for sporting events, field trips, class parties, and even after a full week of work, would plan fun weekend road trips to the beach, zoo, or to visit friends. We always had clean clothes (she was better at this than I am) and she balanced our lives with focus and fun. I recall several fish stick dinners on the run, but this was part of the fun! Her actions taught me not to feel guilty over a fish stick dinner here and there – these quick fix meals allowed us to embrace life and spend more time on family bike rides and playground adventures. In turn, I don’t feel bad when I ignore my messy house, or surprise my kids with ice cream for dinner on the way to the children’s garden after work. After all, spring is here – who needs clean socks? She must have been overwhelmed with balancing it all, at some point, like each mom is, but in true rock star mom fashion, we never knew if that was the case. We just knew she loved us, worked hard, and provided a fun and balanced life for us. My dad helped too, but this is not about dads today. You get your honor next month!

My grandmother: My grandma Mary worked full-time while raising six children. Let’s just say, maybe I am a great mom because I have two children. Most days three would push me over the edge into medium mom mode. But somehow, Mary got it done. She too, like my mom, worked full-time yet planned weekend trips to the beach for her brood each Sunday. I’ve seen pictures. The joy on the faces of the kids, the relaxed looks on Grandma and Grandpa. Clearly, she knew the importance of balance and it shows in the six hard-working children she raised.

Mother of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®: Mary Ellen Sheets, the founder of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, has led by example and been an important influence in my life and career. As a single mom, leaving her secure job with the State of Michigan, she invested $350 in an old truck and took over the business her two young sons started. Her drive, faith, and commitment to supporting her family through entrepreneurship is inspiring. Mary Ellen’s stories of the early days of working hard, not having much money at the time, but donating her first $1000 profit to charity is a remarkably generous and humbling act. Knowing Mary Ellen and understanding the deep love she has for her children, and seeing the pride on her face when she talks about how far the business has come, is humbling. It was not always easy. I can only imagine the stress and heartache as she worked hard, as a single mom, to grow the business and conversely, the joy of watching this labor of love become the family business which provides for her children and now grandchildren. It is an honor to know Mary Ellen and her commitment first and foremost to her children as she worked to make TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® what it is today is something all moms can both appreciate and use as a source of inspiration.

On Mother’s Day, I reflect on the many moms who have influenced my life and I aspire to be as positive of an influence in my daughters’ lives. My Mother’s Day wish for all moms is to be blessed with strong, encouraging, role models who teach the importance of balancing work and career so you, too, can boast being a fantastic mom. Oh, and I wish you all the ability to provide your children with clean socks, even if it means picking up an extra pack at the grocery store when time doesn’t permit doing a load of laundry.

May 5, 2014May 5, 2014 Movers Who Blog Mother's Day

Mother’s Day gifts from the heart

Written by Shelby Reno

Mother’s Day is an occasion which honors mothers and motherhood, as well as unique maternal bonds. It’s also a time to acknowledge the influence of mothers in our culture. How do we do this? With cards, flowers, gifts, and precious time. What will you do for the mother figure in your life this Mother’s Day? If you’re still searching for the perfect solution, read on.

New Moms

New moms are thrilled to begin celebrating this holiday for the first time as a parent. Consider first-time mommy gifts of the lasting kind, so they have something to cherish and wear for years to come. Sterling silver bracelets and pendants with new baby’s name or footprints will be received with joy – likely even a few happy tears. This takes additional planning, so keep in mind you’ll need a few weeks for production and possibly shipping time.

Photo collages are available for order online from a host of suppliers, are offered in a variety of sizes, and are generally inexpensive. Dads, use your smartphone and take a series of cute and funny pictures of you and your child; upload, order and watch for the mailman. Later, collages can be stored flat or be rolled up, depending on size, and stowed in your new child’s memory box if you’ve already started one (highly recommend!).

Single Moms

Whether newly single or not, all moms need to have a celebration on Mother’s Day. If you’re kids are smaller it may take some more organizing on your part, but it won’t be any less special. Take the kids shopping for gifts and make a day out of it! Visit stores both you and your kids will enjoy and let them pick out special gifts for you. Then treat your family to lunch at your favorite restaurant. This day will be special way spend time together and will be one to remember.

If shopping isn’t really your kids’ cup of tea, make it craft time. Get fun paints, glitter, and other supplies and let your kids create a present for you. Purchase a small wooden jewelry box at your local craft store and let you kids paint and decorate it. Each time you reach for a piece of jewelry you’ll remember the fun you all had decorating the keepsake.

Need some R&R after spending the day with the kids? Ask the grandparents or close friends if they wouldn’t mind watching them while you treat yourself to a special spa day.

If you have a friend who’s a single mom, think about sending her a card or little gift wishing her a happy Mother’s Day. This will be a marvelous, unexpected surprise that will surely bring a smile to her face.

Seasoned Moms

Sentimental gifts know no age. I asked a few mothers of teens and adults, and for those who enjoy jewelry, this was the primary preference. I’m not referring to just expensive jewelry—sterling silver applies—rather pieces which remind moms of significance of the day—and even year—and the doting child(ren) who gifted it.

Can a little peace and quiet be packaged up? This was also a list-topper for moms who have a love-hate relationship with the familiar noises of a busy household what feels like 24/7. While the holiday is about celebrating motherhood and the kids are an integral part of the equation, sending mom off to meet with a gal pal for a late afternoon pedicure or Pinot Noir (or both!) is just the mini escape to brighten her day – especially if any babysitting needs are seamlessly handled. Day spas also offer a variety of packages with one or multiple services. A gift certificate can be redeemed for later use.

Grandmoms

I met a grandmother in her 70s yesterday at the park, and we watched my daughter and her grandson expend more energy than we were from the bench onto which we settled. She said something so heartfelt and humble which made me realize how special it is for young kids to live near grandparents, “I’m happy that they always welcome me in their activities. While I can’t do much physically, it feels good to be included and to watch my grandchildren have a good time.”

Knowing the gift of time is the greatest gift to most grandparents, consider encouraging your child to design or color unique “coupons” for upcoming family outings, special activities and events. It adds an element of planning ahead and puts the treasure of time together front and center, which is arguably the single most important element to a grandparent.

Desire something more tangible and immediate? Most seniors have collected over the years the essentials, so focus on small the luxuries or items too heavy to purchase and lug home on their own. Her favorite exotic flower variety is a good choice. Could the entrance or front door use a pop of color? Cute tin flowers to hang onto the door or a large potted miniature tree make for an indulgent gift they may not buy themselves—especially on a fixed income.

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