TWO MEN AND A TRUCK provides ideal business opportunities for veterans

November 12, 2021 / tmtfranchising / Leave a comment

With Veteran’s Day being celebrated yesterday, we as a brand like to pause and honor the sacrifices made by the brave men and women veterans of this country.

All year long, we strive give back to veterans through programs like our Movers for Military campaign, and we also work hard to be a destination for veterans with employment after their time in the service has ended. Throughout the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK family, you can find numerous veterans working in a variety of roles, including as franchisees of their own TWO MEN AND A TRUCK locations.

“Being a TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchisee was an easy transition for me coming from the military,” said Michael Sham, a TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchisee in Mississippi. “The job is similar in many ways. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK makes franchise ownership easy, and even gives veterans a military discount on the purchase of the location.”

Veterans are able to align well with the lifestyle at our franchise locations, and things like our company core values resonate with their military backgrounds.

“I think a lot of the same core values that are in the military align well with being a business owner, especially at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK in particular,” said Tim Lightner, a veteran multi-unit franchisee for the Racine, Janesville, New Berlin, Madison, Milwaukee, and Waukesha, Wisc. locations. “Values and techniques like discipline, hard work, putting the cause before yourself – those all fit well together, and there’s an overlap.”

The work we’ve put into our franchising model as a destination for veterans has been noticed on national level, as we’ve been recognized in publications like Military Times and Franchise Business Review as great opportunities for veterans.

It’s a testament to the people who have transitioned from life in the military to our brand finding success, and to the systems we’ve put in place to build a sustainable franchising model.

“I would tell not only veterans but anybody that if you really, firmly believe in customer service and are really willing to work hard, this is one of the best situations I’ve ever seen for starting a business,” said Bob Christensen, a multi-unit TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchisee with locations in Iowa and Illinois.

For veterans out there who are looking for the next step and who have interest in becoming a business owner, we encourage you to reach out to our Franchise Development team and learn more about the opportunity, or visit our Franchise Development 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.

14 years after emigrating from Ecuador, San Diego franchisee continues to find success as TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchisee

October 15, 2021 / tmtfranchising / Leave a comment

There’s no set path to business ownership, and each path to becoming a business owner is unique to the individual living it and setting out on the path to be their own boss.

For TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® franchisee Pedro Gallegos, he brings another unique chapter to the company’s vast franchisee network. His career with the company started in 2008, where he worked as a finance intern at the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Home Office location for a year. But his overall story started a year prior when he made a decision that would affect his entire world.

“My story is a little different. I am a first-generation Hispanic immigrant,” said Gallegos, who is the current franchisee for the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK San Diego franchise. “I emigrated here from Ecuador in 2007.”

As the world celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate people of Hispanic backgrounds, making a difference in communities across the country.. For Gallegos, though, this concept isn’t something he has been familiar with very long – but it’s something that comes with an immense amount of pride.

“I honestly didn’t know about Hispanic Heritage Month until a couple of years ago because I didn’t grow up with that,” Gallegos said. “However, I do feel proud of myself coming to United States 14 years ago with two bags and no family to now owning a business that employs 50 people.”

It’s been a long journey for Gallegos, but one filled with opportunity and the chance to make a difference in the lives of others.

He made the purchase of the San Diego franchise with his wife Alicia in the summer of 2012 after she encouraged the decision. It was a bold step for the couple, but one that was filled with a ton of support along the way.

“My wife Alicia had been working in the system her whole working career, as she is the daughter of one of the original ’stickmen‘, Brig Sorber,” Gallegos said. “So, our process was a little different than most. It was a little overwhelming at first because you’re getting fed so much information in a short amount of time, but that happens with any new business you start. Everyone at Home Office was so helpful at the time, and I continue to rely on them as much as I did nine years ago when we started.”

Coming from a background of finance and working in the consulting arm of a public account firm, the idea of independence and the flexibility of owning your own business appealed to Gallegos.

Paired with the idea of being able grow a business while being able to impact the lives of his employees and help move them along in their careers, he knew he was ready to jump at the chance of becoming a franchisee.

“Some of my favorite parts of the job are just being able to service a very distinctive need in the community,” Gallegos said. “Moving is not fun, so being able to assist customers with their moves provides a lot of satisfaction. I also enjoy creating and providing jobs and seeing my employees grow. Plus, the flexibility of being a franchisee allows me to spend time with my young daughter.”

Gallegos pointed to TWO MEN AND A TRUCK being a “tried and true business” when talking about why he would recommend the opportunity to others. Through recessions and pandemics, the business is still able to thrive, and the opportunities for growth continue to present themselves year after year.

The journey has been eventful, but worthwhile for Gallegos, and he’s proud of what he’s been able to achieve. He came here from Ecuador in 2007 unsure what to expect, and has worked his way to being a Hispanic business owner in his community – something he knows isn’t easy, but is obtainable.

“It means a lot. I feel proud that I’m an immigrant and have achieved my version of the American Dream now that I am a U.S. Citizen,” Gallegos said. “The “American Dream” is alive and well, despite what you might hear these days. America is a great place to move and live and raise a family once you compare it to many other places. I am a true testament that you can still come to the U.S. with nothing and make something out of yourself. It’s just a matter of putting in the hard work and effort into whatever you do.”

Learn all about TWO MEN AND A TRUCK mini-market opportunities with new virtual information sessions

October 1, 2021 / tmtfranchising / Leave a comment

In order to continue expanding our franchise network and growing the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK brand, we‘re offering new informational sessions on what the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchisee experience entails!

We’re thrilled to announce our virtual sessions will kick off in October – TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Franchising 101: All About Mini-Markets!

These sessions will help potential franchisees learn about our exciting mini-market model, which is a plan we developed in 2017 that allows franchisees to open TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchises in smaller markets for an investment that is less than our traditional franchise model.

Franchisees who have opened mini-markets with our brand have found success quickly, and that’s why we are looking to continue expanding this option while targeting additional markets across the country with a need for high-quality, professional moving services.

During our Franchising 101, you’ll learn all about franchising with our brand, hear from members of our Home Office Executive and Franchise Development teams, as well as other important details about starting a mini-market franchise, including startup costs, available territories, details about the business, and knowledge from experienced franchisees.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchisee success stories show the possibilities available with the brand

September 17, 2021 / tmtfranchising / Leave a comment

Since TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Founder Mary Ellen Sheets decided to grow TWO MEN AND A TRUCK into a franchising brand, welcoming new franchisees in to expand the family, it’s been a priority to continue improving our franchising model with new and improved innovations.

Throughout the last 35 years, we’ve taken feedback- both good and bad- to determine new ways to support our franchisees while giving customers additional service options.. And, with recent moves like the acquisition of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK by ServiceMaster Brands, we’re improving the resources we have available to continue pushing our brand new to heights.

However, at the end of the day, the success of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK can only be achieved with an outstanding franchisee network, and we have just that. With individuals from all types of business backgrounds, we have hard-working people representing the brand daily who are just a eager to see their franchises grow.

Take a look at a few of our TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchising success stories below!

Justin Tangeman – Multi-Unit Franchisee – Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico

Nick Roerig – Multi-Unit Franchisee – Georgia, Tennessee, Texas

Holly Stewart – Multi-Unit Franchisee – Georgia

Mike Reps – Multi-Unit Franchisee – Minnesota, North Dakota

Steve West – Multi-Unit Franchisee – Illinois, Maine, Missouri, South Dakota

To learn more about the franchising opportunities TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has to offer and to learn how you get started on your own franchising journey, visit our Franchise Development website.

Making your TWO MEN AND A TRUCK investment worth it

August 20, 2021August 19, 2021 / tmtfranchising / Leave a comment

For anyone who is planning to make an investment into franchising, there’s one question which stands out above the rest: How soon will I see a return on my investment?

It’s no secret a big goal when it comes to business ownership is seeing a return on your investment as you work to build a sustainable operation that can help you and your employees continue to move forward. For a franchising model like TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, this starts with building brand awareness, offering a variety of quality services, and proving you’re a brand customers can trust time and time again.

“We love the franchise model – you don’t have to reinvent the wheel,” said Bert Kolz, president of the Blackwolf Group, a multi-unit TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchise group. “TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is a well-respected brand, it’s a high-quality brand, and we don’t have to reinvent things. We can basically use the road map that TWO MEN AND A TRUCK gives to us, and then expand that into our local markets and make them successful.”

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has worked hard over the past 35 years to provide franchisees with all of the necessary resources to become successful franchise owners. Our bread and butter began with traditional home moving, and we have since built additional services around this – including long-distance moving, junk removal, storage, packing services, in-home delivery, in-home moving, and more.

We’re proud to boast a 96% customer referral rate, showing we’re a brand name people recognize as reliable. This goes a long way in maintaining our success, and given our recent acquisition by ServiceMaster, we’re working harder than ever to grow our brand even further.

“Franchising with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK gives you the ability to run a small business with the support of a very caring system,” said Josh Payne, a multi-unit franchisee with locations in Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, and Texas. “The revenue and profit potential in comparison to other franchising opportunities is incredible. When you add those things with the ability to truly help people and make a difference in the community, it is an opportunity everyone should look into.”

According to our franchising data, franchises that had been open for 12 months of operation saw an average gross sales of $682,402, while average annual expenses totaled $655,259. By year three of operations, a majority of our franchise were able to experience significant growth, with average gross sales of $1,176,579 and an average annual expense total of $951,321.

By year five of operation, the average annual gross sales were $2.2 million with an average profit of 11 percent, showing just how quickly you can start to see a return on that investment.

“I would definitely recommend franchising with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK,” said Jeremy McDuffie, a franchisee in Outer Banks, North Carolina. “The company’s reputation speaks for itself. It provides endless career opportunities and it provides the chance to give back and help in the community.”

If you’re interested in learning how you can become the next successful franchisee with our brand, visit our Franchise Development website to see available territories, learn about mini-market opportunities, and see what our company is all about!

New North Carolina franchisee used family as motivation to advance and grow his career

July 23, 2021 / tmtfranchising / Leave a comment

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Franchisee Jeremy McDuffie

Career growth is a priority at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK– from our movers and drivers up through our managers, we are proud to create opportunities our franchises can offer their frontline teams to advance their careers.

Many TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchisees began their journeys on the trucks as movers and drivers and for new franchisee Jeremy McDuffie, he is no different. McDuffie – along with co-franchisees Tim Kirian and Brian Churney – recently opened the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Outer Banks, N.C. franchise. This is not only a milestone achievement for our brand as we open a new location, but also for McDuffie, who was able to have years of hard work solidified as he transitions to the franchisee role.

He’s had quite the ride to get to this place, and those closest to him served as his biggest motivation as he worked toward this achievement.

“I initially started as a mover and I was eager to learn the business,” McDuffie said. “Shortly after beginning my career, I was blessed to learn that I had a daughter on the way and would soon be a father. I used that as motivation to be the best employee I could possibly be, and this determination led to me coming a driver, and eventually landing in management positions.”

With so many different roles prior to becoming a franchisee, McDuffie was able to see the workings of a TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchise from various positions, which he knows will help him out as a business owner.

There are still new challenges involved like there would be with any career change, and it’s something McDuffie is looking to take head on.

“The biggest challenge from this transition would be just handling the new responsibilities that are different from what I’m accustomed to in previous positions,” McDuffie said. “I’m working on developing the most effective schedule so I’m able to focus on each task, something I know is vital to being a franchisee.”

It’s not all hard, however, and he’s enjoyed some of the new responsibilities involved with this role..

“My favorite part about being a franchisee so far is just having the opportunity to show employees what can be accomplished when you combine hard work with our core values,” McDuffie said. “I am living proof that you can certainly move forward within TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.”

With being a new franchise and opening a brand new location, there is a never-ending list of tasks McDuffie and his co-franchisees will work on as they build their location and generate customer awareness in their area.

McDuffie is also really focused on the employee side of things as he works to get a team set in place at his location. He feels building relationships is one of his most important jobs as a franchisee.

“I believe everyone working together as a family is what keeps the business moving in a positive direction,” McDuffie said.

It’s the beginning of another franchising journey in the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK family, and another example of how much is possible with this company when hard work is put in. McDuffie is honored and ready for the new opportunity, and he would encourage anyone interested to go for it.

“I would definitely recommend franchising with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK,” McDuffie said. “The company’s reputation speaks for itself. It provides endless career opportunities and it provides the chance to give back and help in the community.”

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Interested in franchising with us or learning more about our franchise opportunities? Visit our Franchise Development website for more details or subscribe to this blog.

What a day in the life of a TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchisee looks like

July 9, 2021 / tmtfranchising / Leave a comment

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchisee on the phone

When it comes to being a a TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® franchisee, the only constant about day-to-day life is that there is no constant, and you’re continuously experiencing new things as you work to run your business.

A normal day in the life can be a lot of different things, and that’s what makes franchising with our brand so unique. While each franchisee might run their operation a little differently and the day-to-day responsibilities might vary by location, the goal for all of our franchisees is the same: moving customers and employees forward.

“The goal for us is always growth,” said Multi-unit Franchisee Nick Roerig. “We want to grow the business, grow people’s careers, and grow the positive impact we can have on the people around us. That’s what’s great about this company – it is a place where you can grow all of these things with like-minded people.”

How franchisees work to meet this goal depends on their style of business ownership, but there are a few common traits across the board to help summarize a normal day in the life for a TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchisee.

Keeping an eye on franchise culture and atmosphere to ensure there is a healthy work environment at each location
Making sure the franchise is in compliance with all regulations and guidelines from a corporate and state level
Creating a fair work environment that promotes accountability, communication, and team development
Using strategic business planning and tactics to help protect the brand, promote the brand, and drive success for the franchise
Building relationships with other business owners and organizations in the area to help with participating and giving back to the community

For more insight on what a typical day looks like for a TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchisee, we spoke with Multi-unit Franchisee Holly Stewart who owns multiple locations in Georgia!

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchisee Holly Stewart

What is the day-to-day like for you?

“It really can vary a lot from week to week, but it’s usually some mix of working with managers, putting face time in with front line staff to keep culture and accountability high, meetings with outside parties, and getting my work done.”

What is something people wouldn’t expect that comes with the job?

“It isn’t always the case, but there are times when you can have your cake and eat it, too. The business will reflect you over time and if you’re able to mold everything together, it can be a lot of fun.”

What should people know before becoming a TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchisee?

“Even though you own the business, it’s still a full-time job. Being a franchisee in a franchising system gives you access to outstanding tools and resources and access to a proven roadmap of success, but at the end of the day it’s still up to you to make everything come together. I find it helpful to remember that as the business owner, I have to drive the ship and make the tough choices.”

you’re interested in learning more about what a franchising opportunity with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK could look like for you, visit our franchise development website, here.

What to expect when starting your own business versus joining an established franchise brand

May 28, 2021June 24, 2021 / tmtfranchising / Leave a comment

Becoming a business owner is a dream many have as they look to establish themselves as professionals at the beginning of their working careers.

However, deciding how to get there is a complicated process and involves a lot of planning and decision making as you figure out how to invest your money. While the traditional route is starting your own business, franchising is another avenue to business ownership that could be strongly considered for those looking to be their own boss.

When it comes to starting your own business, you have to come up with an idea from scratch, build a product and following, and continue to innovate as you expand your business reach and customer network. With franchising, you are buying into a proven model of success where brand recognition is already prevalent as you open a new chapter of a business people already trust.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has allowed people to achieve their dream of business ownership for more than 35 years, and in turn, has built a diverse franchisee network full of experienced, hardworking individuals who come from all backgrounds.

“I became a franchisee for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK in December of 2014,” said Curtis Newman, who is a multi-unit franchisee with locations in Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, and Texas. “The process was very detailed and organized in the months leading up to everything. We were fortunate enough to be able to speak with the Home Office First Gear Team on a weekly basis, and they made sure we had everything in order to be successful.”

The TWO MEN AND A TRUCK brand is now open in 45 states across America – as well as Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom – and we’re looking to continue our expansion in these areas as time goes on. For three decades now, we’ve made a mark on the moving industry as being a reputable moving service with outstanding customer service.

It’s a brand people can trust, and that trust makes franchising an exciting opportunity for potential franchisees who are interested in joining the brand.

“I love being my own boss and being hands-on,” said Jim Frederickson, a multi-unit franchisee with locations in Arizona. “Having my own company in my hometown and providing a quality service to my network of friends, relatives, coworkers, classmates, and so on is just an awesome experience. I still say today that my mom is my biggest referral source.”

Dedicated support

A major selling point of the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchising experience is the support you get from our dedicated Home Office subject matter expert teams. All areas of business are covered here – marketing, sales, accounting, human resources, operations, risk and safety management, and more – to ensure your franchise is successful.

Working together with these Home Office teams, you’ll develop the best plans for your business while also gaining access to daily support and communication should you have questions.

Training

We are strong believers in extensive and ongoing training for everyone involved with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK so we can continue to improve at every level. From the moment you sign on as a franchisee with our brand, you are given access to a large resource of training options.

From our Gearing Up course for new franchisees to monthly webinars and our Stickmen University library, you’ll have every topic of the franchising world covered.

Growing service options

In order to have a successful franchise, you need successful service options, and that’s exactly what we have here at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. We’ve continued to evolve over the years from just local, home movers, and we now offer business moving, long-distance moving, storage options, packing options, and our newest service – junk removal.

These will help you become a one-stop-shop for all moving needs for your customers.

If you would like to learn more about franchising opportunities within TWO MEN AND A TRUCK or you’re interested in getting the process rolling to start your own, visit our Franchise Development website, here.

Get familiar with the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchising timeline

April 16, 2021June 24, 2021 / tmtfranchising / Leave a comment

For those exploring the world of business ownership, franchising is an avenue which should be considered if you’re someone who doesn’t want to start a business from scratch.

When you join a franchising system, you are buying into a brand with proven success as well as a recognizable name. You will also have the ability to run your franchise within the brand’s established perimeters as a franchise owner. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has been in the world of franchising for more than three decades now, and we’ve built a franchisee network of experienced business professionals covering 45 states in the U.S., as well as locations in Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is a brand name people recognize in their communities as movers they can trust, which is why new franchisees are able to quickly find success when they invest with us.

“There are very few brands that are as committed to franchisee support as TWO MEN AND A TRUCK,” said Nick Powills, CEO and founder of No Limit Agency. “From the depth of corporate departments to the depth of training at the corporate headquarters, franchisees can clearly see their royalties at work. This is a business focused on never being satisfied, which in turn, will continue to change the lives of those who are allowed to join this exclusive club.”

We’ve created a streamlined process to get people on the road to franchising, one that usually takes anywhere from four to six months to complete.

Follow our timeline below!

Step 1: Review (7-10 days)

This is the initial step in the process where we get to know the candidate to find out what they are looking for, what their expectations are, and walk them through important details such as financial requirements that are necessary to kick off the process.

Step 2: Application (7-10 days)

This is where you’ll fill out a request for consideration, giving you a chance to put into words why you think you’re a good fit with us. Where do you want to be in five years? How involved will you be? What are your goals as a franchisee? All of these questions come into play during this step.

Step 3: Acceptance (14-30 days)

The expectations for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchisees are presented with our Franchise Disclosure Document, and we also encourage potential franchisees to speak with current or former franchisees to ask questions about their time in the system to learn more about the role.

Step 4: Planning (30-60 days)

The longest stage of the process, we will provide the potential franchisee with a business plan template for them to fill out. Various team members from our Home Office departments are available to assist you with developing your plan and answering questions you might have about various parts of the operation.

Step 5: Discovery Day (14-30 days)

Come meet our team! This day is all about you as a new franchisee, and you’ll see all of the work involved with the franchising process starting to come together. You’ll learn who we are, what we do, and get a chance to meet various people throughout the business.

Step 6: Awarding (30-60 days)

Congrats – you’re a part of the team! Now, it’s time to get working. We’ll work with you to get your doors open and your business running, with operational experts helping you work through the transition of opening your first TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchise.

Franchisee success stories highlight how many meaningful franchising opportunities are available with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

April 2, 2021June 24, 2021 / tmtfranchising / Leave a comment

When TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Founder Mary Ellen Sheets decided to franchise the brand, she did so with the intention that all franchisees would play an integral part in the company’s mission to not only move people forward with outstanding moving services, but also make an impact locally by giving back to the community.

More than 35 years later, all of our franchisees have lived up to this vision, and as we’ve surpassed 8.5 million moves as a brand and opened locations in 45 states across America as well as Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, it’s clear that a strong franchisee network has helped continue our push to be the leaders of the moving industry.

The success of our franchisees is imperative to the success of our brand. This is why we put so much commitment into our franchising model and ensure our franchisees have the proper resources and support to see success at their franchises and expand their franchise network if they choose.

From our extensive training programs for new franchisees to numerous in-person events for networking, training, education, and recognition – we’ve built a culture of success for all of our franchisees.

Take a look below at some of the great TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchising success stories!