News – Page 2 – TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®

August 27, 2018September 17, 2018 Movers Who Blog College Moving, News, Newsroom, Organizing, Tips and Tricks, Uncategorized

Tackling rising college costs with effective planning

-Written by Erik Sargent

Another summer is coming to a close and for many, the time to head off to college for the fall is quickly approaching.

For all of the fun and responsibilities that come with enrolling in college, there’s one unfortunate side-effect that comes with it – debt. The continued spike in college tuition has placed a large number of people – those who have completed their degree and otherwise – in a substantial amount of debt they are required to handle the minute they leave campus.

According to research completed by The College Board, reports released in 2015 and 2016 showed moderate increase in published tuition and fees ranging from 2.2 to 3.6%, with the continued increased fees of colleges and universities outpacing financial aid, family incomes, and the average prices of other goods and services.

“The reports document that, despite the moderate increases in average published prices, there were considerable increases in net tuition and fees over the past few years,” said co-author Jennifer Ma, policy research scientist at the College Board. “These increases, combined with stagnant incomes for many families, raise concerns about ensuring educational opportunities for low and moderate income students.”

Where does the cost come from?

“The demand for higher education has risen dramatically since 1985,” said Richard Vedder, an author and distinguished professor of economics emeritus at Ohio University in an interview with Business Insider. “Once demand goes up and nothing else happens, that will raise the prices.”

Everyone sees the hefty price tag attached to a college diploma, but where exactly is all of the money going?

A large chunk of this money is going straight into tuition. According to CollegeData.com, the moderate college budget for an in-state public college for the 2017-18 academic year averaged $25,290. A moderate budget at a private college averaged somewhere around $50,900.

Other fees that the research highlighted included:

-Room and board ranged from $10,800 at four-year public schools to $12,210 at private schools.

-The average cost for books and supplies for the 2017-2018 school year was $1,250 at public colleges and $1,220 at private colleges.

-The estimates for things colleges don’t bill you for – transportation, clothing, personal items, and entertainment – averaged $3,270 at public universities and $2,730 at private colleges.

The best ways to save

There’s always something that can be done to save money, especially for college students, and being conscious of where your money is going and what you’re spending can help you make the right decisions.

With the media coverage around these rising costs, students have taken notice and started to plan accordingly – both on their own, and with the help of their parents.

According to an article by the U.S. News Personal Finance section, some effective ways a student can save during their time in college include:

-Avoid additional loans at all costs

-Look for on-campus work to make extra spending money

-Master simple, low-cost foods for meals and snacks outside of meal plans. If living off campus, stay away from meal plans and use coupons and sales when grocery shopping for low-cost meals!

-Stick to being an authorized user on someone else’s credit card

-Utilize on-campus resources for entertainment and social connections

-Buy used textbooks or use textbook rental

-Check out the student discounts around your college town at restaurants, stores, gyms, etc.

Another useful and effective way to save money during college – and put you in line for work in the future – is through internships.

All around the country, companies offer internships to college students where they can earn a summer paycheck, and even college credit in some cases. These internships not only help students get adapted to the professional workplace, but also give them real-life experience in the fields they are working toward.

One company that offers an extensive learning opportunity through an annual internship program is the international moving company, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. Each summer, college students are given the opportunity to work in various departments at the Home Office location in Lansing, Mich., where they gain valuable experience performing hands-on, innovative tasks.

“Interns have access to a number of resources while they are interning here during the summer,” said Rocco Cironi, employee development manager for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK in an interview last year. “Our interns meet with each member of the executive team to get to know them better and ask questions about their experiences. They also meet with our directors through our ‘Lunch and Learn’ program. We want them to learn both professional skills and personal development skills while they are here, as this will help them become more well-rounded and prepare them for life after graduation.”

From marketing to finance, human resources, information technology, and sales, the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK interns aren’t just getting coffee for their supervisors – they‘re involved in real-life tasks, and get placed into the everyday working environment for the company, while still finding time for fun and new experiences.

“In addition to daily department responsibilities, our interns also take part in various educational sessions we host at our corporate office,” Cironi said. “Our hope is not only do our interns learn more in the areas they work in, but they also have a better understanding of other departments throughout our corporate office. Our goal is for them to go back to school with a better understanding of the culture and pace of a corporation.”

Start planning now

Although the tips above are best for saving money while in college, one of the best ways to cut back on the rising costs is to plan ahead with saving. Scholarships and financial aid are two of the most important ways you can help save money and get yourself on track to avoid massive debt.

“Scholarships can make all the difference in college affordability,” said Chicago Tribune Contract Reporter Terry Savage in an article last year. “Set aside some time in the holiday season to search for them. High school sophomores and juniors should search, too. Starting early to build credentials required for some of these scholarships – or practicing writing application essays – can pay off when it comes time to apply.”

Thankfully for anyone finding themselves on this path, the Internet has an abundance of resources to choose from to find scholarships that fit any background. Visit sites like Fastweb.com, Scholarships.com, TuitionFundingSources.com, and SallieMae.com to find out more about which scholarships you may be eligible for.

For information on financial aid you are eligible for, fill out your FAFSA form.

August 13, 2018September 10, 2018 Movers Who Blog Downsizing, Home Sweet Home, Moving, News, Organizing, Spring Cleaning, Tips and Tricks, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

Making sure your new home is toxin free

You’ve found the perfect home, packed up all your belongings, and you’re hitting the road! While it’s important to keep track of all your belongings to ensure they make it to your new place in one piece, it’s worthwhile to keep a few other concerns in mind. The house might be new to you, but there could be decades worth of bad decisions you could potentially have to deal with and should be on the lookout for.

Chipping paint

Peeling, cracking, and chipping paint may be more than just an eyesore. If your new home was built prior to 1978, the paint may contain lead. Toxic paint is still present in millions of homes across the United States, but has often been covered with layers of newer paint over the years. The paint is rarely an issue when it’s in good condition, but ingesting old paint chips or dust can eventually cause lead poisoning.

Lead accumulates in the body and is stored in the teeth and bones. Although anyone is susceptible to lead poisoning, children face an especially high risk.

Signs of lead poisoning include:

Anemia
Hypertension
Renal impairment
Damage to the reproductive organs
Impaired IQ and cognitive function in children, believed to be irreversible

It is impossible to determine if your paint contains lead just by looking at it, so it may be best to have your home inspected by a professional before doing any renovation work. There are two types of tests that can detect lead-containing paint – an inspection and a risk assessment. Completing the inspection can alert you to sources of potential lead exposure to assure the paint maintains good condition.

Detectors galore

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, tasteless, invisible gas released whenever fuel is burned. No one is immune to carbon monoxide poisoning and more than 400 Americans die each year from unintentional poisoning.

Common symptoms of CO poisoning include:

Headache
Dizziness
Weakness
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Chest pain
Confusion

Appliances should be serviced every year by a qualified professional to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. As an additional safeguard, install a battery-operated CO detector in your home and check the battery each spring and fall when you change the time on your clocks. The detector should be placed outside of the bedroom so it can wake you up if CO levels exceed safe limits, and needs to be replaced every five years.

Airborne issues

Americans spend 93 percent of their time indoors, so maintaining good indoor air quality is important. If your home was built between 1930 and 1980, there may have been asbestos used during its construction. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring, microscopic mineral able to resist heat and most chemical reactions. Due to those properties, it was used in a variety of items such as insulation, flooring, ceiling tiles, furnaces, broilers, and wallpaper. Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma cancer and has been outlawed in more than 60 countries.

Asbestos causes problems when materials and products containing it are damaged, allowing fibers to become airborne and possibly inhaled. If inhaled or ingested, the asbestos fibers may become embedded in the lining of the organs, including the lungs, heart or abdomen. In many cases, it can take 20 to 50 years for symptoms of an asbestos-related disease to manifest. Although mesothelioma is rare, its prognosis is poor.

If your home was built between the 1930s and 1970s, it is in your best interest to have an abatement professional inspect the space. If the asbestos-containing materials are in good condition, they can be monitored and encapsulated to prevent further problems from occurring. If the products are in poor condition, they may have to be completely removed. Removal is not cheap, but it pays dividends later on.

Damp disasters

Whether it’s on bread or in your bathroom, mold can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, heating and air conditioning systems. It can also be brought indoors on clothing, shoes, bags, and pets. Typically, mold will grow in places with heavy moisture due to leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, and paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products are all good conduits for growth. In other cases, mold can grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpeting, fabric, and upholstery.

If you find mold in your home it is important to not only address the growth, but fix the source of the moisture. Mold can be controlled through decreasing humidity levels, and promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes. Shower, laundry, and cooking areas should also have proper ventilation to discourage mold growth. Keep moisture in check to preserve your new home.

A safe start

A new home is a new adventure and arming yourself with facts can only help make the transition go more smoothly. Hire professionals to inspect your home prior to moving in and make sure you’re well aware of any secrets that could be hiding in your dream home. Address the issues and then set yourself up for a happy and healthy house!

July 30, 2018August 20, 2018 Movers Who Blog Hiring Professional Movers, Moving, News, Newsroom, Tips and Tricks, Uncategorized

Hydration and diet are key to staying safe while working in summer heat

-Written by Erik Sargent

The dog days of summer are officially upon us, as the weather is at season highs around most regions of the country.

The rising temperatures affect all of us in one way or another, but they particularly affect people who work labor-related jobs, particularly those spent exerting energy outdoors. Working in the elements provides a whole new list of challenges for workers, and brings an important factor into play – heat stress.

Heat stress can come in many different forms, from causing dehydration to cramps, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and so on.

“During the warm season, it’s important to understand that exposure to heat can cause serious illness or death,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. in an OSHA Press Release.

It’s important for people who are working in the summer heat to be educated on what they should and shouldn’t do in preparation, and to learn what methods can help protect their body from heat stress suffering

Be smart, be prepared

“I think people would be surprised how much they lose in sweat and how much body fluid they can lose, so they don’t drink as much as they need to,” said Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Specialist David Geier.

Geier – who is located in Charleston, S.C. – currently serves as the Communications Council Chair for the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine Board of Directors, and after spending eight years as the Director of MUSC Sports Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina, started his own medical practice. He primarily deals with athletics, and has a wealth of experience dealing with people who are exerting energy in the heat.

“[For those working], your goal should be to end your shift at the same weight you were at the beginning, so you have to drink that much water or sports drinks,” Geier said. “I think one important step is just making sure you drink enough during your shift, and drinking enough [fluid] throughout the day. It’s very important.”

It’s often something that can get overlooked or passed by as obvious, but Geier stressed how important proper hydration – both during work and before – can be to the health of someone trying to avoid heat stress.

Another major factor that can prevent heat illness? A proper diet.

“I would also recommend that when people are on a break, they try their hardest to eat healthy foods,” Geier said. “Fast foods tend to have a lot of salt, and that can make hydration more of a challenge. If possible, stick to fruits, vegetables, healthy proteins, things like that.”

Along with the proper diet, Geier recommended that people working in the heat wear light-colored, breathable clothing that allows them to cool off better while working. Other things like taking breaks when possible, avoiding direct sunlight when possible, and spending time in the shade are also encouraged.

But above all, one of the most important things people can do is be aware and in communication with those around you – don’t avoid speaking up if something isn’t right.

“The thing we see a lot is people not letting someone know they aren’t feeling good,” Geier said. “They don’t take breaks or go get in the shade, and at first it starts out as just sweating a lot, but it can very quickly turn into a dangerous situation. If someone is starting to seem dizzy or confused, pull them out of the heat and get them into a cool area.”

Staying cool while on the move

At TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, the dedicated movers and drivers that make up our 350-plus franchise locations are what drives our brand to reach new customers and make a difference.

With the summer months being the busiest time for moving, it’s inevitable that our movers will be spending long hours working in intense heat – from being in the back of moving trucks to moving up and down long flights of stairs, in old houses, and so on. Movers and drivers who are out on a home move are provided with the necessary refreshments and resources to ensure they’re able to stay in top shape as they work hard to move customers forward.

“We load up on refreshments and other items to recognize our guys working hard,” said Brooke Wilson, a multi-unit franchisee with locations in Georgia and North Carolina.

For Wilson and her TWO MEN AND A TRUCK moving teams, being located in the south means they are working in temperatures that can often exceed triple digits. It’s crucial for these movers to stay hydrated and stay cool.

“The busiest moving weeks [for us] typically fall on the hottest weeks in North Carolina and Georgia,” Wilson said. “So this year, we stocked up on cooling towels, refreshments, cool wipes, and water balloons. It’s all about keeping the teams hydrated and motivated.”

Don’t ignore the signs

As the “Movers Who Care®”, we want to help as many people as we can – and that includes those team members who work hard in the extreme heat!

We’ve created an informative graphic showing what people should be focused on while working in the heat. For more important information on tips and tricks to stay cool and safe, visit this page from OSHA.

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.

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 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!

April 16, 2018May 2, 2018 Movers Who Blog Giving Back, Hiring Professional Movers, Leadership, News, Our People, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

Ohio operations manager steps up for customer during move

-Written by Erik Sargent

What defines a “Move Hero” in the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® world can be described several different ways, but at the end of the day, the simplest definition is someone who goes above and beyond to make a difference for our customers.

This can be something small or big, but regardless of what the action is, it’s moments or actions from our outstanding team members that stand out and show that we truly are the “Movers Who Care®”. For Cameron Gaines – an operations manager for a TWO MEN AND A TRUCK location in Ohio – his actions during a recent move earned him the reputation of a “Move Hero” when he took it upon himself to provide personal protection for a customer.

“Our customer was going through a domestic abuse situation with her boyfriend, leading her to want out of the house,” said Gregg Higgins, the franchise manager. “You could tell that over the phone, she was scared to even book a move with us. On the day of her move she was visibly scared, so Cam stepped up and made sure she was safe and protected while the guys conducted the move.”

It was a simple but meaningful action from Gaines to provide this protection for the customer, and it was clear to everyone involved on the move that his actions helped bring peace-of-mind to the woman while she went through this extremely difficult process.

Gaines chose to do this on his own and without the request of anyone involved at the franchise, and typically keeps in touch with the customer service representatives at his locations to determine the type of moves they are about to experience so he can provide assistance.

“I was not asked to do this, but I have a great relationship with our CSR team, and they keep me in the loop on potentially sensitive moves at my request,” Gaines said. “It can turn into a sticky situation at any time, and I don’t want my team or the customer to be at risk, so that extra guy on the job to help keep an eye out while the team moves never hurts.”

Gaines kept it simple but effective while providing his protection to the customer throughout the move, sticking by her side, offering assistance as she moved and packed her belongings safely.

It’s a testament to the type of workers we hire at all of our TWO MEN AND A TRUCK locations across the country, and it shows how we have earned the reputation we have as a brand.

“It means everything to us as an organization,” said Clayton Huston, the business, development, and recruiting coordinator at multiple franchise locations in Ohio and Kentucky. “If we are putting our people first, our team will also put the same care and compassion into the customers. Compassion and empathy are vital for a healthy team, and not only do these character traits build internal relationships, but they establish new and meaningful customer relationships. Cam takes his role and responsibilities as an operations manager seriously, and his actions and decisions support his conviction.”

For Gaines, this was just another day on the job, but his actions prompted the customer to reach out and leave a touching review, thanking him and the rest of the steam for helping her out.

“My situation was a bit precarious,” the customer said in a written review. “The men of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK did so beautifully, I felt like my friends were helping me, and I had never met these men before. They brought an extra man [to] help me feel safe while they loaded the truck. The transition to the new location went smoothly, and I would recommend TWO MEN AND A TRUCK to anyone. Thanks for everything, guys.”

Gaines was glad to be of assistance, kept calm throughout the move, and tried his best to make sure the customer was happy.

“I was pretty calm throughout the ordeal, and the crew planned on me being there for extra support,” Gaines said. “[This showed] that we really are the ‘Movers Who Care’, and continue to show this by giving great customer service day in and day out. After the move, the customer hugged me and told me that she really appreciated what we did for her and her son.”

April 9, 2018April 30, 2018 Movers Who Blog News, Newsroom, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

Examining the national job landscape in 2018

-Written by Erik Sargent

With three months down in 2018, enough time has passed to gain an accurate assessment on the job market nationwide and find out what jobs are trending, declining, and what areas are most friendly for finding a new career.

The job market is always in a state of rapid change, and being able to pinpoint where to look for the best jobs, or what your next career path looks like, can be the difference between finding something you love, and finding something that makes you feel burnt out in a short period of time.

The team over at ZipRecruiter – an employment marketplace for job searches– shared their input and what their data has shown so far in 2018 to get a better understanding of the job landscape.

“Overall, it’s a great time to be looking for a job, across all industries,” said Janet Lamwatthananon, a career advisor at ZipRecruiter. “Unemployment is low, and the economy is creating jobs at an average pace of 250,000 a month. Two industries in particular that are growing are healthcare and manufacturing, which have plenty of openings and pay well.”

Where are the best job markets?

At first thought, it would seem big cities on the West and East coasts would have the most job opportunities, but so far in 2018, that’s no longer the case.

“The Midwest is hot right now,” Lamwatthananon said. “Jobs are on the upswing, which combined with a lower cost of living than on the coasts, makes the region an appealing destination for job seekers. That’s especially true for younger job seekers, who often have sizeable student loans to pay off and are looking for an affordable place to launch their careers.”

According to data by ZipRecruiter, the top 10 best job markets in 2018 include:

-Fargo, North Dakota

-Columbia, Missouri

-Oshkosh, Wisconsin

-Honolulu, Hawaii

-Ames, Iowa

-Lincoln, Nebraska

-Lewiston, Idaho

-Des Moines, Iowa

-Wausau, Wisconsin

-Minneapolis, Minnesota

ZipRecruiter based this information on a variety of factors that included the availability of jobs, industry diversity, unemployment, earnings, and community.

According to ZipRecruiter, today’s hiring landscape is a job seeker’s market. Unemployment is at an 18-year low, and in January, 200,000 new jobs were added to the marketplace. Additionally, wages grew at the fastest rate since 2008, making for an even better job seeker market.

“We aren’t seeing any declines in any fields,” Lamwatthananon said. “Right now, the economy is firing on all cylinders. It’s a great time to get out there and find a job, or if you have a job, to start looking for a new position that pays higher wages.”

The most searched job title keywords so far in 2018 include: warehouse, customer service, cashier, sales, part-time, customer service representative, healthcare, manager, administrative assistant, and electrician.

According to the data provided, warehouse employee is the hottest job of 2018. Job seekers have searched the keyword over 19 million times in just the first two months of the year, with people in this field typically working large warehouse settings that involve processing, fulfilling, and loading shipments.

With the top 10 cities mentioned in the section above, the top job categories for these cities included: physical therapy, sales, truck driving, real estate, software, construction, human resources, accounting, and nutrition.

“The top 10 most searched job industries include a wide-range of professions,” said ZipRecruiter in a press release. “Healthcare related searches took the top spot, with 77,844,317 total searchers, while the 10th most searched industry (government) had 10,804,357 searches. While retail, healthcare, and manufacturing industry searches align with top searches for title keywords and categories, other top searched industries were more surprising. Industries like science, government, and technology are typically associated with highly-educated, highly-skilled job seekers. The appearance of those industries on our list could be a clue that a wider variety of job seekers are considering switching companies or jobs than the other two lists suggest.”

A welcoming career path

For those looking for an opportunity that could potentially grow into a career, one company that should be highly considered is the moving company TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®.

For more than 30 years, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has established itself as a leader in the moving industry, providing a small-town feel across 350 locations in the United States. There is a strong emphasis on hiring people who work within the communities they operate, creating a sense of recognition for customers and a welcoming experience for new employees.

This past month, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK completed their sixth annual Career Move Month campaign, where the company set out to receive 15,000 job applications and make 1,500 hires throughout their system during the month-long period, goals they were able to surpass.

Although the campaign ended at the start of April, the company still has plenty of opportunity for new hires. From movers to drivers, managers to supervisors, and at their Home Office location in Lansing, Mich., they are seeking talented employees to continue to build their staffs.

“Every day, we get to meet new and interesting people out on our jobs,” said Traivonne Brown, a mover and driver with the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Dallas location. “The customers make every single day exciting.”

The same sentiment is echoed by employees throughout the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK frontline staff, and the framework of the job allows them to go out and make a difference in people’s lives.

“The atmosphere becomes like a family,” said Luis Vega, a mover and driver at the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Dallas location. “We work hard and enjoy getting to know each other and how to focus on our strengths as a team. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK also makes sure that you get rewarded for your hard work, and it’s a really fun company to work for.”

Click here to find out more about some of the current employment opportunities being offered by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.

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.”

January 22, 2018February 8, 2018 Movers Who Blog Giving Back, News, Organizing, Our People, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

Making a difference by giving back: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® fall-cause wrap up Part 2

-Written by Erik Sargent

Although we’re mainly known for providing excellent moving and packing services to customers across the U.S., and even internationally, a major focus for the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK brand each year is giving back to the communities we live and work in.

We’ve lived up to our motto – “Movers Who Care®” –for more than 30 years as we’ve worked to make a difference and an impact in the lives of those who need help the most. Our founder, Mary Ellen Sheets, made this a priority from day one, and ever since, we have gone on to start our own campaigns while also assisting other national organizations in their journey to make the world a better place.

A majority of these campaigns for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK take place during the fall months with our Movers for Military, Movers for meals, Movers for Mutts, and Truckload of Warmth programs. These are ran across our 350 plus franchise locations, where TWO MEN AND A TRUCK teams partner with local businesses, shelters, schools, nonprofits, and volunteer groups to assist them in initiatives they are running.

Each year, we like to highlight the outstanding work members of our franchises did with a fall campaign wrap up. Here’s Part 2 of our series featuring our Truckload of Warmth and Movers for Mutts programs. Be sure to check out Part 1, here.

Truckload of Warmth

Kara Berhow, marketing director/recruiter for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Des Moines, IA

Who did you work with?

“We worked with a local non-profit who runs the “Winter Warmth Drive”. They help to enlist students to organize and hold donation events within area schools. This year, there were more than 25 area schools that participated in collecting warm clothing. In addition, we partnered with Chick-Fil-A restaurants to host a “Fill the Truck” event that lasted two days.

How do you feel the event went overall?

“This campaign was incredibly successful, and it’s a joy to watch it grow each year. Of course, the need also grows with it, so we are thrilled to help as many of those in need that we can. Our teams are always thrilled to help with dropping off boxes, picking up donations, manning the “Fill the Truck” events, and ultimately delivering donations. The ability to give back is something we celebrate here, and it is a blessing to work for a company that puts so much emphasis on philanthropy.”

Alysha Tompkins, move consultant for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Folsom, Roseville, Sacramento, and Vacaville, CA

Why did you decide to run Truckload of Warmth?

“With how cold it gets in Sacramento and the unfortunate rise in homelessness, we felt it was important to help in any way we could, and Truckload of Warmth was the perfect way to ensure that our local shelter got the much needed items to provide for those people.”

How did the campaign go overall?

“For the first time ever running it, it went extremely well, as we were able to gather well over 5,000 items for those in need, and the community response was heartwarming. People were even donating after the official wrap up of the event.”

Movers for Mutts

Kayla Emond, marketing coordinator and customer service representative for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Portland, ME

Why Movers for Mutts?

“We decided to run Movers for Mutts as our campaign because not only do we love puppies, but there was a huge influx of dogs brought to Maine this fall. The dogs were sent here for a few reasons, one being that our shelter partner, Animal Refuge League, has success rate of 99 percent placing animals for adoption, and another reason being the terrible hurricanes in Texas and other regions. The need was there, and we thought it was important to do what we could to help ease this transition for the animals and the shelter.”

Why do you think the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK fall campaigns are so important?

“I think it’s important for us to participate in these programs because it helps build a sense of community. It shows our neighbors that we really are the “Movers Who Care”, and that we want our friends, our families, our veterans, and even our animals to know they have someone looking out for them and there is someone they can count on.”

Rachel Dickerson, customer service representative for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Colorado Springs, CO

Why did you choose Movers for Mutts?

“We have not done Movers for Mutts before. Colorado Springs is a very pet-friendly state, so we wanted to get on that campaign to see what we could deliver and see how successful it could be.”

How would you judge the success of your campaign?

“I feel it went great, although there is always room for improvement. The responses we received were amazing! A lot of people came together to make donations happen, and a lot of our partners reached out to their own customers to get more involvement.”

Patti Pula, sales team lead for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Bay City, Midland, and Saginaw, MI

Who did you work with to run Movers for Mutts?

“We collaborated with Tractor Supply for our event. Our franchisee, Ashley Anderson, talked with the manager at our local Tractor Supply and he was more than happy to work with us. They placed a shopping cart at the checkout with 75 percent off all items in the cart, and people were asked if they wanted to purchase an item to donate. Our donations went to the Humane Society of Bay County and the Salvation Army Pet Pantry.”

How would you judge the success of the program?

“I think the campaign went extremely well considering this was our first year doing the campaign this way and not having a bunch of drop off sites. We took donations if people wanted to drop them off at our offices, but we planned the event to coincide with Tractor Supply’s vaccination day, which brings in extra customers every Sunday.”

Kirk Fishel, marketing coordinator for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Appleton, Green Bay, and Oshkosh, WI

Why Movers for Mutts?

“We have many rescue organizations in our area that rely 100 percent on community support. If they do not receive support from the community, they must use their personal funds to help neglected, abused, and homeless animals. We felt this was an opportunity to help these animals and organizations by coordinating a Movers for Mutts campaign.”

Who did you work with during this process?

“We worked with the Unforgettable Underdog Rescue and the Neenah Animal Shelter. We contacted them and asked if they would like to be a beneficiary. They were ecstatic, and we collaborated with one another to promote the campaign in the community through public relations.”

Jessica Chapman, marketing specialist for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Akron, OH

Why Movers for Mutts?

“TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Akron has been running the Movers for Mutts program for the last three years in the fall. We partner with local businesses to collect items for One of a Kind Pet Rescue. We love working with them because they are the largest no-kill animal shelter in Summit County.”

How did you run the event?

“We kick off our month-long donation drive every year with a cardboard boat race the Sunday after Labor Day at Portage Lakes. Local businesses sponsor, build, and race their own boats made out of cardboard for a chance to win a puppy play date! This is a very unique and entertaining event.”