Monday, December 31, 2012

ADAPT


Far too many managers are “one-trick-ponies.” Early in their careers they had success with one management style and now use it regardless of the situation. The result: They fail to get the most out of their team because they simply lack the skills necessary to handle the complexities of managing people.
The best managers realize that to be truly effective they need to deploy a variety of management styles depending on who they're dealing with and what they're trying to accomplish. They know that a "one size fits all" approach to leadership just doesn't work.
Knowing the business is one thing, managing people is something totally different.

Sunday, December 30, 2012

THE YEAR WAS 1988

US PRESIDENT: Ronald Reagan & George H. W. Bush

 HEADLINES: US birth rate is highest since 1964 ~ Terrorist bomb causes Pan Am 747 crash over Lockerbie, Scotland ~ US Navy Warship Vincennes mistakenly shoots down commerical Iranian Airline 655 ~ More than 1/3 of Yellowstone National Park is destroyed by fires ~ Earthquake in Armenia kills 60,000

TIME MAGAZINE MAN OF THE YEAR: Endangered Earth

 POPULAR TV SHOWS: Roseanne ~ A Different World ~ Empty Nest ~ Dear John ~ ALF ~ L.A. Law ~ Matlock

SONGS: Bad Medicine ~ Dirty Diana ~ Every Rose Has Its Thorn ~ Got My Mind Set on You ~ Grovy Kind of Love ~ Hold Onto the Nights ~ Kokomo ~ Look Away ~ Love Bites

SPORTS: Champions include Los Angeles Dodgers (baseball), Washington Redskins (football) Edmonton Oilers (hockey), Steffi Graf and Stefan Edbery (singles at Wimbledon Tennis)

 COST OF LIVING: Granulated Sugar 1.09 per 5 LBS. ~ New Car $10,432 ~ Gasoline .91 per gallon ~ Eggs .69 per dozen ~ Bacon 1.85 per pound ~ Ground Hamburg 1.25 per pound ~ Fresh Bread 1.08 per loaf ~ Postage Stamp .25 ~ Average Rent $420 ~ Movie Ticket 3.50

 POPULAR MOVIES: Rain Man ~ Mississippi Burning ~ A Fish Called Wanda ~ Bull Durham ~ Biloxi Blues ~ Die Hard ~ Beetlejuice ~ Who Framed Roger Rabbit ~ Big ~ Great Outdoors ~ Crocodile Dundee II ~ Twins

Saturday, December 29, 2012

From a rookie driver...

From a newbee....a 20 year old learning the business..


I chose the moving business because of the driving opportunity. I drive in the military and wanted a job that I was able to do the same. 


-The most challenging move to date would be the move with the most damage. Knowing the customer was upset I did my best to keep them happy through out the unloading process. 


-So far the greatest challenges would be not snapping in bad situations. Like in the summer when guys were going off on each other or doing things that clearly shouldn't have happened. 

 

Friday, December 28, 2012

Why did I choose the Moving Business..

My story..
1)      Why did I choose the moving business?



I had a young family at the time, married 4 years, I was 28 with a two year old daughter. I was working for Honeywell dispatching their servicemen for all the major hospitals and schools in New England. Before that I managed a retail store when I was 21 for 3 years. I left retail when the "Blue Law" the Blue Law prevented retail store from opening up on Sunday, once that went away Sunday was just another day to work. Having a young family I believed in Sunday being a family day, I still do.
Honeywell was a very good job but I worked in East Providence and their main Headquarters was in Minnesota. All though my supervisors were very nice and they appreciated my work I felt like a number, like the people that truly make the decisions for promotions and who stay and who goes were in Minnesota. They did not know me, or my work ethic. I preferred to work for a family business, I do not mind working hard but I prefer that the owner at least knows me.
I saw a help want in the newspaper for Paul Arpin Van Lines, after I did some investigations they looked like what I was looking for, a major headquarters located in R.I. and family owned.
I interviewed with David Arpin and he was very sincere and said all the right things, that was back in 1985 and I have been there ever since.


    What has been my most challenging move to date? and

    What were the greatest challenges during the move and how did I overcome them?


A few years later it was Mother's Day and I was having breakfast with my wife and now two children when David Arpin called my house. He had said that a customer that was suppose to move the day before out of R.I. found his number and called him at home. The driver planned had mechanical problems and never showed up. Mind you this was well before cell phones and the Internet.
He asked if I could help, I asked for the customer's number and said that I would figure it out.
I knew the hotel that the drivers stayed at when they were in town and knew of a road driver that was there. I called the hotel and asked him if he would help. I then called a local driver and asked if he would help and if he had access to a truck. Both men were on board and even brought one other man to help. The four of us arrived at the residence with two hours and loaded the truck and brought it back to the warehouse. The customer was very appreciative and thankful as they had to be out before Monday. It was great to see people come together to help each other. As it turns out I would learn that is what the moving business is really all about.- People caring and helping each other.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Why I chose the Moving Business.....Cheri

From Cheri Childs, owner of Silicon Valley Moving in CA and past agent of the month...



I was introduced to the moving business by my husband Joe.  In 1990, Joe started Elite Moving with a old 1968 International straight truck.  His first truck was purchased from my father, who was President of our family owned trucking company, Pozas Bros Trucking.  During Elite’s infancy, I ran the office while attending college.  I used to make frequent box deliveries to our local customers, then learned the sales and estimating aspects of the business.  This is what I love!!  I enjoy meeting people, conversing about their family and connecting with them especially when moving is such a personal service.   As the company grew, we changed the business name to Silicon Valley Moving & Storage and became an Agent for Arpin Van Lines in 2002.

As an owner of a small business many hats are worn which means every day is different and can sometimes bring new challenges.  I have grown from the challenges and have learned to be pro-active and prepare for plan “B” to avoid any pitfalls. I recall an office move for one of our local Fortune 500 customers.  The plan was to move approximately 200 employees in three phases over a period of three months.  At the last minute, we were requested to move all employees within a single day and starting after 5 pm.  Given a single day’s notice, we were able to successfully accomplish this by pulling additional labor from different sources.  It was stressful pulling it all together but was able to do so from past experience and being creative.  The move went fantastic and our account was extremely happy.

Cheri Childs is co-owner of Silicon Valley Moving & Storage, a nationwide and International provider of moving and storage services located in San Jose, California. www.siliconvalleymoving.com

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Why did you choose the Moving Business..Maggie

From owner of Hirte's Transfer in Minnesota....Maggie Wood
Why did you choose the moving business?


Plain and simple…I didn’t.  The Moving Business chose me.

In October of 2005 my ex-brother in law called me and asked if I could come into his work and cover the phones for the day, he worked at Ace World Wide, an agent for Atlas Van Lines.  I was a bartender at the time and happened to have the day off.  I said “what the heck!”.  I had never heard of Ace World Wide or given any other moving company a passing thought.  That one day changed the course of my life.

I interviewed for the coordinator position having no idea what I was doing but sure that I really wanted to give it a whirl.  I was told that the job was offered to someone else with more experience.  That should have been the end of that.  Instead I called everyday for 2 weeks until the GM just wanted to get rid of me.  He put me through 4 interviews and finally hired me.  I had myself a CAREER! 

I fell in love.  Between the challenge, the chaos and the diversity, I was never board.  I spent every free minute I had trying to learn the “lingo” and the business.  More than one driver was subjected to me calling them “rubber ducky” and saying 10-4 after everything!

A few years and a lot of hard lessons later, the opportunity arose for me to purchase Hirte Transfer.  It was a dream come true.  All I miss is the paycheck!  I have been extremely lucky to have so much support and wonderful mentors. 


What has been your most challenging move to date? and

 What were the greatest challenges during the move and how did you overcome them?

Each move poses its own challenge, but I think the worst one was a 22,000 lbs shuttle.  WI-MN.  Should have been a walk in the park.  The driver at the time decided that he didn’t like the way the customer was looking at him (yes it was that ridiculous) and the customer called me and told me that he, plain and simple, did not like this driver.  Always willing to be on damage control, I thought I had the situation under control.  Apparently that was not the case and I received a call that the driver was sitting inside the truck, not willing to move.  I drove 2 hours out to the job site and there was the driver, sitting in the truck.  It was raining and miserable.  I spoke with the customer, told him we could replace the driver but it wouldn’t be until tomorrow and that was not an option for this guy.  Being the Momma Bear that I am, I doled out a nice balance of “shut-up-an-do-your-darn-job” and “aww, you poor thing!  You are right, this customer IS being unreasonable for wanting his belongings to arrive in one piece”.

Moral of the story…Drivers have bad days too!

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas and may God bless you and your family.

Take a few moments to tell someonr\e that you love that you love and appreciate them.

And remember our men and women in uniform.

ENJOY !

Monday, December 24, 2012

What happened

What happened and when?

Was it that long ago when America was like Little House on the Prairie?

Kids walked to the school house with their boxed lunch and listened to their teacher, learned and played with their neighbors and walked home, probably to do some chores before the family sat down to dinner.

Sounds crazy now huh? That sounds like it was thousands of years ago...it wasn't but it sure seams it.

The conversation today is should we have armed gunmen at our schools to protect our kids or should all teachers carry weapons.
Kids bus in or drive to school, most with music either blaring in their cars or in their ears with lyrics of fighting and rape and dominance.
Then they rush home to play Call to Duty or other video games that splatter blood all over the screen.

Today is Christmas eve it it always a good day to reflect on your life and of what is happening around you.
After all as I said in other postings rather you believe that Jesus was the son of God or not most every religion and history facts show that their was a man that was born thousands of years ago that walked the earth and spoke of peace. He preached in a time of total violence and said put down your weapons.

This time is not all about Santa and gifts it should be about the man that was born that preached peace.

Where are we and how did we get here?

Armed professionals in our schools with guns and teachers that need to carry weapons, kids that are lost and just want attention and direction.

Look around, do your part , no matter how small you think it may be. It does make a difference.
YOU make a difference.

This is the time of year for personal reflection.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Why did you choose the Moving Business?...Ken


Driver and past driver of the month and manger of Arpin of San Francisco, Canadian driver Ken Berry and his wife Becky.
Why did you choose the moving business?
- I admired the kenworth cabover my brother drove, all the places he had been, and the public HHG stories he used to tell me.

What was you most challenging move to date?
-A hot shipment of24000 lbs a full size car on a 48' trailer coming, out of a an agents dirt floor whse with no services, IE-electrical etc, with over a 120 degree's on the humidex. Agent had no labor on month end. Couldn't get access into the whse till 10 AM and it all had to be loaded that day, (Friday). 

What were the greatest challenges during the move and how did you overcome them?
-Putting up with the stagnant heat, dirt floors, giving my wife a concussion and almost knocked her out, late labor that fell asleep up rite, having the owner return into the late evening to pull lite out of other shipments so we could see in the whse, all stores were closed for food, as we had just run out in the truck, absolute filthy and exhausted when done and finishing up at almost 7 the next morning. Departed and locked up before anyone arrived.

Over came all these challenges because this husband/wife team really enjoyed and loved what we did. Therefore every shippers origin and destination was always an adventure, good or bad.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

From past driver of the Year- Brian Millard


From driver Brian Millard....

I have worked in the moving industry for around 24 years. When I started working for Arpin, it was with an agent in Charlotte NC. The owner closed his doors in 2001. David gave 5 drivers a shot from that agent. I worked hard then in 2006 I made Driver of the year. Then my eye's had gotten worse from my cerebral palsy in 2010. Arpin helped me find a job in Charlotte NC. I went to work on getting my government waiver. It tool almost two years to get that waiver. Then one day my phone rang it was David he wanted to know if I wanted my truck back, because someone was going to buy it, David stopped the sale and I came back! Arpin Van Lines is the best company in my 24 years proud to be back with them, they are like my family.

Friday, December 21, 2012

The Holidays

It does not matter what religion you believe in or faith you are the Holidays are a time to STOP and count your blessings.

 Take the time to tell the people around you that you care, STOP and listen and just catch up.

As James Taylor would say " Shower the people you love with love".

We are all just visiting and no one knows for how long so enjoy the moment.

The best gift that you can give or receive is a hug and a thank you.

Why did you choose the Moving Business? Elite Driver from CA...Dana Query


From our Elite driver and professional mover Dana Query....

1)      Why did you choose the moving business?

      Although I believe the moving business chose me, the process, much to my surprise, has been extremely satisfying. From the unique challenges, the personal relationships and the travel, this industry has fulfilled most of my career objectives.

       I began my career at the urging of my wife, Linda. When we started dating nearly 40 years ago she was working at the corporate level for a major van line.          The next several years she exposed me to the many facets of the industry, while I continued to work at my outside sales career. We developed numerous friends, from drivers to van line presidents, and I loved to hear the stories told by all.                                                   

      As an outside salesman I began a romance with big trucks. I received my CDL, and soon an opportunity appeared, I was asked to ride and help drive with a friend. His truck had unexpectedly broken down in Los Angeles and when repairs were finished, he had only two days to deliver a national account in Atlanta. He explained to me that professional drivers always deliver on time. We did  arrive on time, delivered the shipment and I hopped a plane home. That was all it took, left my sales job, bought a truck and went to work. 


     What has been your most challenging move to date? and

    What were the greatest challenges during the move and how did you overcome them?

      There was one event that had a profound impact on my career. When my father retired years ago, he and my mother decided to move to Northern California. Not being in a position to perform their move, they chose a nationally recognized carrier. The move didn't go well. Several days after the move, I had a chance to visit my parents new home and help them settle in. 

     The next few days my mother  pointed out the damage to her furniture,  packing breakage and rubs, marks and scratches on walls, floors and doors. She stated that all could be repaired or replaced, but what bothered her most was how impersonal the movers were and the emptiness she felt. 

     At that moment I realized that as a service provider, my services were of the most personal kind. I then made every effort to treat my customers better and became more kind, understanding and personable. 

      A professional mover today is challenged in a variety of ways, many the same as years past, but make no mistake, our biggest challenge is our customers. They have a much better understanding of our industry, have greater expectations and have the use of digital information at their fingertips.

      I remind myself each time I prepare to perform a move that I'm not only moving a customer's belongings, I'm moving them also. If it was easy I wouldn't have a job, they could move themselves. Just gotta love it.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Why did you choose the moving Business?...CJ

Why did you choose the Moving Business??...Driver of the month from East County Movers in CA...CJ Goodrich

1)      Why did you choose the moving business?


In my other life I was a SCUBA instructor trainer, I lived in Hawaii and last year in Fiji. When I returned to the United States I was staying with my friend Thomas McCarthy owner of East County Moving. He asked me if I wanted to work in sales or go on the road. I chose going on the road as it suited my idea of an enjoyable career. I had already been in sales in a few different industries. 

Over the next 5 months Thomas taught me how to drive a semi and I earned my class A drivers license. He also took the time to train me in packing, loading, paperwork and as much as was possible in a short 5 months. In a nutshell I guess the moving business chose me and I feel lucky that it did.

 
    What has been your most challenging move to date? and
 What were the greatest challenges during the move and how did you overcome them?


My most challenging move in my first year was a shipment I picked up from a warehouse in California and delivered to a residence in San Antonio, Texas. I was aware that I would need to shuttle the 10,000# shipment so I secured a shuttle truck and arranged for two helpers from the nearest Arpin agent. All proceeded smoothly. I was able to park near the U-Haul so I could walk over to pick up the shuttle truck, drive it the 3 blocks where I would complete the transfer. I began the transfer while waiting for my helpers. After an hour I began calling to see if my helpers were on the way. NO ANSWER after an hour of no response I began looking for alternative help. I continued the transfer and filled the shuttle truck with the first load. I was able to find help that would meet me at the residence. They turned out to be top notch movers that saved the day. I gladly paid them along with a nice bonus for helping turn a small disaster into a positive outcome. 


I guess the moral of this story is that it is only with the help of good people do we make the moves a seamless and positive experience for the shippers. No matter what job the person does, driver, helper, dispatcher, or other support staff, we are ALL important to the completed job.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

I choose life and I choose change

Commentary from four term Congressman and now host of morning Joe, Joe Scarborough.
The video is about 10 minutes long but it is worth watching.


"I knew that day that the ideologies of my past career were no longer relevant to the future that I want, that I demand for my children. Friday changed everything. It must change everything. We all must begin anew and demand that Washington's old way of doing business is no longer acceptable. Entertainment moguls don't have an absolute right to glorify murder while spreading mayhem in young minds across America. And our Bill of Rights does not guarantee gun manufacturers the absolute right to sell military-style, high-caliber, semi-automatic combat assault rifles with high-capacity magazines to whoever the hell they want.
It is time for Congress to put children before deadly dogmas. It's time for politicians to start focusing more on protecting our schoolyards than putting together their next fundraiser. It's time for Washington to stop trying to win endless wars overseas when we're losing the war at home ... For the sake of my four children and yours, I choose life and I choose change."


Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Why did you choose the Moving Business?..Bob..

From our owner operator-and past driver of the year- Bob Cordiero

Why did you choose the moving business?  

Growing up in the business with a father that drove for almost 38 years, making my first trip to California when I was 4 years old in 1968 kenworth single axle cabover pulling a 45' triple drop trailer (which was one of the biggest trailers back in the day).

What has been your most challenging move to date? and
What were the greatest challenges during the move and how did you overcome them?

The biggest move I ever did required 3 trailers, almost 65000 pounds including a BMW, a suburban, 3 motorcycles and a motorcycle trailer, the challenge was keeping the help straight (as in making sure everyone was occupied and working) and being only 25 years old @ the time, it was very difficult not losing my temper.. sharing the revenue with one other owner operator after all was said and done, we didn't make any money..



Monday, December 17, 2012

Why did you Choose the Moving Business?...Keith and Cathy..

This is from our husband and wife team that owns Arpin of Albuquerque in New Mexico, Keith and Cathy Glibert. Before they were owners they too ran the road...

Why did you choose the moving business?
KEITH..
Keith’s father started working for Mayflower in 1966.  Keith took trips with his dad, during summer break.   He went every year.  He caught the ‘bug’ of being a mover.  His goal was to buy his own truck someday.   This is how he got started.  Once he was old enough to legally work, he started at APACA M&S in Albuquerque.  He worked up to warehouseman and in 1986 his dad helped him purchase his first truck.  He bought his first brand new one in 1991.

CATHY...
I lived across from a grain terminal, growing up, in a town just north of Indianapolis.  I fell in love with the trucks.  I wanted to drive one, but in those days it was a mans occupation.  Girls that were drivers were considered to be women’s lib advocates or ‘bra burners’.  I had been out of high school for about a year, not happy with the job I had, when I saw an advertisement for an office clerk at Wheaton Van Lines.   I applied and got the job.  Once I got transferred to the dispatch department, I knew I had found my calling.  I loved the challenges of being an account co-ordinator but I was right at home dispatching.  I caught  the ‘bug’ too.  I love the diverse array of people we move.  I am a people person and this job is perfect.

 What has been your most challenging move to date? and
 What were the greatest challenges during the move and how did you overcome them?

Mrs.( Smerjack)?  Oh boy.  Her husband was being transferred from RI to TX.  This was during the real estate crunch in the NE,wn when realtors were doing anything to sell a house. 


We called the night before and advised our arrival time for the next morning.  We knocked on the door, for at least 5 minutes.  We could hear somebody running through the house so we knew somebody was home.   Finally Mrs. came to the door, out of breath, with her right ankle bandaged and limping.  She explained that she had just been on the phone, with her realtor, and the realtor had quit.  Knowing what we knew about the real estate problems, we assumed this customer was one tough cookie—I love a challenge.


We did the walk through and she explained that she had 2 daughters.  Neither of them wanted to move so we should be aware when they get home from school. 

We settled into packing.  I was in one of bedrooms and I kept hearing her say, “I don’t want that.  Oh, give me that.”  Finally I heard Keith tell her that he would let her sort through the closet and decide what she wanted to throw out.  She had been standing over him, as he packed.  She would let him get a carton, just about full, then reach over his shoulder and start taking stuff out, saying “I don’t want that.  Oh, give me that.”  Keith had her sort through. 


She would be limping, very noticeably, then she would take off running through the house.   A full run.  She would stop, sit down and complain about her ankle hurting.  This went on during the entire move. 


The girls came home from school.   The INSTANT they came in the door, their mother was yelling at them.  The oldest one came to me and the youngest went to visit with Keith.  They were SO excited about moving and we told them all about the new area they were moving to.  All the while, she was yelling at them to leave us alone.  We always get the kids involved in the move.  They helped us pack their toys and clothes.  I had them check all over the house for loose change.  Their mom was yelling at them, the whole time, but not caring where they were. 


We were saying good by and headed for the truck when the youngest daughter ran to Keith.  She was crying.  She grabbed hold of his leg and looked up at him with those huge crocodile tears, begging him to let her go with us.  This was first time I ever saw Keith tear up.  His heart was broken but he was also enraged that this little girl did not want to stay with her mother.  Her dad came over and got her.  Thank goodness the shipment went to storage.

We understood that the mother was the one who did not want to move and she had some obvious problems.  We simply kept the girls interested in what we were doing, reassured their mother that they were no bother-in fact they were good helpers.  We kept in mind that the mother was the way she was and we were not to change anything so we made everything as simple and pleasant as we could. 


We went to load a 6,000 shipment off of Santa Monica Blvd in Los Angeles.  The customer was not ready, at all.  Suppose to be a 100% PBO and she had not started packing.  She had a 5 year old boy---JOHNNIE.  Johnnie had a double gun holster and he shot everybody and everything.  Johnnie thought it was cute to stand between 2 parked cars, wait for a car to come by, jump in the road and shoot them.   After he did this the first time, I went to advise his mother.   She never raised her voice.  She simply said, in a quiet voice from ½ way in the house, “Johnnie , you know you should not do that.”  The child could not hear her because he was in the street, waiting for his next victim.  She repeated the same thing, in the same voice, each time she heard a car slam on their brakes.


After the 3rd car that slammed on their brakes and skidded to miss him, I went back inside.  I said, “We have been here, less than an hour.  During that time, Johnnie has just about been hit 3 times by cars because he jumping out in front of them.  If he does this one more time, we will be leaving.  We can not do our job because we are trying to get him to stop jumping in front of cars.”   She just said, “Well, he just won’t listen and I don’t know what to do.”  We told her to put him in his bedroom and let him play with this toys.  We would load that room last.  She did and he played just fine until we were ready for his room.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Why did you Choose the Moving Buisness ? ..Skip..

FROM OUR DRIVER AND PROFESSIONAL MOVER SKIP AUSTIN...
    


Why did you choose the moving business?

My start in the Moving business is just like most everyone out there....It started as a summertime job....That turned into 35+ years.....I was in college at the U of Arizona,needed to work for the summer and was found by a local agent in Tucson.....I worked two summers and started back to school in the fall and lost my father.He,and my mom,were living in Cornelia,Georgia,where she was a director of nursing for HCA(hospital corp of America),he was medically retired,had a bad heart....They had just bought a house,she could not afford alone,AND,as the oldest male,it was up to me to help out....

HELLO TO THE MOVING INDUSTRY!

Doing that job for the summers had given me a background,and I was pretty good at stacking sticks by then.....OFF the deep end and bought a truck....Been here ever since,funny thing is,one of my trucks helped get both my brother and sister their first degree,AND,both my kids theirs.....MOVING HAS BEEN BEERY,BERRY,GOOD TO ME....


 

    What has been your most challenging move to date?  and
  What were the greatest challenges during the move and how did you overcome them?


As to my most difficult job.....Thanks need to go out for that one to Jay......Who called me 3-4 years ago with a HUGE pack/shuttle and load out of Alabama.....40,000#s.....?I told him....I live in ALABAMA,there'ain't no house big enough to hold 40,000#'s....WAIT A MINUTE.....MIGHT BE TWO DOUBLEWIDES?Imagine my surprise,in Vestavia HEIGHTS(Al.)there are some houses as big as 9000 square feet...on a lake?I had no idea......Help was a major problem,had to bring good guys in from Atlanta,AND,there was a need for a second truck....On to Leroy,an employee driver with Arpin....LIFESAVER,Pulled my ass out of the fire all throughout this job,although he only got there on the fourth day...Two days we packed,two days we shuttled,got both of my trailers full,then the fifth day Leroy got 12,000 shuttled to his truck......Here's the final numbers.....I had 41,000#s on and Leroy got 12,000....Packed,shuttled and loaded in FIVE DAYS..It was interesting to say the least,88,000#'s gross,I can scale that,BUT,not on the interstate.Most of the states I had to go through would allow me the 88,I just had to stay on 2 lane roads all the way to Denver....It was a long trip.Leroy made it a pleasure,and that was the last time I've been able to run across with another driver...I've only seen him two times since then,be nice to be able to work with him again......And that's not the end of the story....


On to destination.....Shipper was WAY up in the food chain,CEO of a MAJOR national corporation,the new house was an ESTATE on 10 acres in DOWNTOWN,Denver,(mucho denero)....It had a driveway that was ½ a mile long,low,hanging tree's and yes...IT WAS ANOTHER SHUTTLE....Thanks need to got out here to the agent(who is no longer with us)and Leroy(again)who bent over backwards to make ANOTHER 4 DAY SHUTTLE/unload and unpack.....


ILOVEMYJOBILOVEMYJOB....My mantra......

Friday, December 14, 2012

Why did you choose the Moving Buisness? Wes..


From owner of Stewart's Moving in VA and once over the road driver Wes Stewart ....
1)      Why did you choose the moving business? 
 I was 16 when I started as a helper and honestly I liked the work and getting paid cash every day. It was fun to go out of town and see different cities and states. I stayed with it and kept taking the next step. It turned out to be a great career.

2)      What has been your most challenging move to date?
They all seem to be challenging these days. But if I had to choose the one that comes to mind was back in 1994. It was November and I was picking up an NFL player out of a mini storage in Pittsburgh PA.

3)      What were the greatest challenges during the move and how did you overcome them?
I left my Moms house in Canton OH and drove to Pittsburgh, I had my helper and nephew with me. By the time we got there the  snow had come down pretty good. I got stuck three times before I got to the origin. My nephew Jason and helper Keith used decking bars once, pallets the second time and I don’t remember how we got unstuck the third time. We picked up the shipment (2K) and made it back to OH. We were listening to the radio on the way back  and found out that PA had shut down the roads behind us. If I had to do that again knowing what I know now, I would have waited for better weather. I have lots more stories like this Like but this one came to mind.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

The Impossible Move

Found this article out there in cyber space and I liked it...


In the world of household goods moving, is there really anything that's 'impossible' to move? The short answer is no; if a customer wants it moved and is willing to pay the fees to have it transferred from one location to another, we van operators and movers will get the job done.

Moving household goods requires a huge amount of common sense. For example, loading a van — heavy on the bottom, lighter on top, square to the leading edge, fill to the rear and pad wrap anything not in a carton. Like I said, common sense.
And it applies when accomplishing the 'impossible' move too. So what does common sense have to do with managing your van operation in order to have a profit left at the end of each move?

Common sense will make your van operation successful so you have the money going to the house, making it all worthwhile.
With the cost of fuel, labor and taxes all increasing, along with stagnant rates and new or revised government regulations being applied, making a living in the moving business looks like it's 'impossible.'
But just like loading a truck, generating the necessary revenue, keeping costs down and having a profit at the end require using the same approach as you do when you're managing a move: common sense.
Let's do a few comparisons. While walking up to a house for the first time to move its occupants, you're forming a plan. Whether you're moving that family across the street or the nation, you must have a plan. And to have a successful van operation, you also must have a plan. Think about your business.
When you first enter the house, you tell the shipper you've brought everything with you that's necessary to protect the floors and walls from damage. Compare that with making sure you've got everything to keep your business from being damaged, from workman's comp and liability insurance to the shipment valuation coverage in case of damage.
Next we would do the "walk through" where the shipper would point out everything that didn't go. Each non-moved item would be tagged with an orange dot sticker so it was easily identified. Are you making things too complicated when doing your recordkeeping with too many expense categories and subcategories? All you really need is your laptop and a good book keeping program to track your revenue. Or if technology befuddles you a portable file should hold all the files and needed paper work paperwork needed for business bookkeeping.

The inventory always started in the room with the most difficult to load piece in the house. What's the most difficult thing about running your own business? The accounting, right? Get yourself a good program, like I mentioned above.
Each room's items were inventoried in a clockwise fashion, starting at the door and working along the walls, then working my way to the center of the room. Set your major goal, that of the money needed for the house each month, and make sure it includes your salary.
As I completed a room my crew would commence disassembling items as needed and wrapping all the items that wouldn't fit in cartons in pads. What expenses are you running up each month that you could easily cut out, to make a bigger profit?
By creating a step-by-step plan of execution for the move, we don't waste any action, we control damage, and nothing is left behind and we have developed a routine of tasks necessary to guarantee everything is completed.
Having a business management plan which lays out the routine, the steps you need to follow to insure success as a business is no different than the steps necessary to insure a quality move. This is more crucial today than ever before.
Make every move count.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

From householdmover Skip..


NEW RESPECT!

For my shippers,But,I'm getting way ahead of myself......


We all know when we get older,we start looking at downsizing everything...It's true with me,I traded houses with my oldest son(2700 feet,17 acres,down to 1500 feet and a quarter acre)AND BELIEVE ME,the moving was the smallest part.....EVERYTHING ELSE WAS A HASSLE...IF,I was paid by even Direct TV for my time,I'd be RICH...Movers special????YEAH-RIGHT?After 20 years with them,I still had to threaten to go to dish,FINALLY got the services swapped at no cost...Do all of you understand,our part is only 20% of their relocation?THEN,on to the phone company(they lost my internet order and just now got it up)AND,the power company,32 years of service and they want a DEPOSIT?????

#1.Could we possibly offer the WHOLE package,everything involved with their move,done by us?

#2...EVERYBODY involved in the moving process needs to understand just how hard the rest of the process is and at least respect what our shippers are going through...............

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Lincoln

At the heart of Abraham Lincoln's philosophy was this:

That no man has the right to live off the fruit of another's labor without the laborers permission.
Having grown up in what we would consider abject poverty, Lincoln believed that people that work hard should enjoy the success they have earned, not somebody wielding power over them against their choice. This fading view was once called THE AMERICAN DREAM.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Write things down

Even though we do mostly everything on the computer now I still think that it is good to write things down.

Have a note pad near the phone and during conversations write down notes to help you remember things. Just bullet point the important points that you may want to either address later or that you want to follow up on later.

Especially when the day gets hectic and you have another call waiting or email to catch up on, follow up is the key to success.
I also believe that when you write something down it helps you retain it.

Try it...write it down.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

WORKING CLASS HERO

As soon as you're born they make you feel small
By giving you no time instead of it all
Till the pain is so big you feel nothing at all
A working class hero is something to be

They hurt you at home and they hit you at school
They hate you if you're clever and they despise a fool
Till you're so crazy you can't follow their rules
A working class hero is something to be

When they've tortured and scared you for twenty odd years
Then they expect you to pick a career
When you can't really function you're so full of fe
A working class hero is something to be

Keep you doped with religion and sex and TV
And you think you're so clever and classless and free
But you're still peasants as far as I can see
A working class hero is something to be

There's room at the top they are telling you still
But first you must learn how to smile as you kill
If you want to be like the folks on the hill
A working class hero is something to be


If you want to be a hero, well, just follow me

More on Power

My moment of clarity.

Years ago I had a manager that was very intimidating, he was rude and angry and generally dis-respected mostly everybody he had contact with. As soon as a person left the room or was out of ear shot he would put them down and say disgusting things about them. You knew that he did the same when you left the room so you were always careful around him.
You worried about every day and your job because he had the title, the POWER.

I had a young family and needed the job and the money therefore I was nervous because I realized that no matter what I did in my job he would not fully support me. Another VP at the time saw me out of work and asked how work was and said as long as my boss LIKED me that I would be all set. I thought LIKE should not be a part of the equation , my work should speak for me. It should not be a popularity contest and I should not have to bend down to person with such low morals and disrespect for others.

I was reading a book at the time from my favorite author- Gerry Spence- and he devotes a whole chapter on POWER, I have referenced in past blogs. In it he talks about YOU having the POWER and having the choice to keep it or to give it away.
It was also around Easter and every Easter I listen to Jesus Christ Superstar. One part of the story Jesus is brought to Pilate and he will not give in to what Pilate wants him to say or do so Pilate has him whipped and flogged. Jesus is brought back in front of Pilate and Pilate says don't you realize that I have the POWER. And Jesus looks up to him bloodied and beat and says " YOU HAVE NO POWER" any power you have is from high above.

So at the same time I am allowing this person to work on my nerve's I read Gerry Spence's chapter on Power and I listened to the words of Jesus about Power and who truly holds it.

This is not meant to be a purely religious posting, I do think that most of the world does agree that there was a man that walked the Earth thousands of years ago and spoke of peace and his name was Jesus.
His words and example are as strong today as they were then.

That was a moment of clarity for ME and it gave me strength and help me through a difficult time.

POWER.......WHO TRULY HAS IT...

Friday, December 7, 2012

Intimidation

Do you ever feel intimidated?.. at home or at work or just out in a social environment?

Why is that?

Sometimes we may feel as if the other person has more POWER or more influence.
It also may have something to do with our past.
How or where we brought up, maybe how our family life was?
Sometimes without knowing it we transcend back to that time and automatically fall into the role of being powerless.

We all have the power.
 Rather you CHOOSE to give the other person the POWER is totally up to YOU.

First you need to identify it and realize that you in that situation.

Do not allow others to intimidate you. That does mean that you go looking for a fight or that you try to yell louder or be the tough guy. It just means that sometimes you need to look from the outside- in-and ask - why? Why do you feel the way you do? and why did you react the way you did?

It may not only be the other person's fault...it may be simply how you perceive him or her?
 Your insecurities.
Either way...you have a CHOICE.

 Stay in control. Keep the Power.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

POOR MEN

Poor men want to be rich....Rich men want to be king...

Ahh.... the pursuit of happiness... or at least what people perceive as happiness.

Unfortunately money becomes our barometer, or at least it does for most.
Without knowing it money becomes the driving force for most of your decisions at work as well as in your personal life.

It shouldn't...but it does.

You worry that you will not have enough to pay the bills or get what you want. Some let it even determine if they should have children and when. Again...it shouldn't but it does.

It puts some people in positions at work that they do not like but they say to them selves that they need to suck it up because they need the money or that promotion.
 Each time we make concessions or make decisions solely based on money we lose a little bit of ourselves. A little bit of our individuality.

I guess part of the answer is to simply want less.
 Try to stay true to yourself and make the right decisions and I keep help to believe that in the long run you will feel better about yourself and your life.

I know a person that once said that his whole purpose of life was to make as much money as humanly possible....really?
That is what you want your purpose of life to be?

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Surprised

I find it interesting that people are surprised when a process or plan fails when they have very little input or knowledge of the process. Or worse yet they have a half hearted attempt from the beginning then try to act surprised when it fails.

Most higher ups really do not want to get their hands dirty so they pass things along and delegate to the point where they really do not even know what it is that needs to be done.

That makes it awfully hard to lead.

And make no mistake, people need leadership. Given the choice most will skate or take the easy road.

Paul Arpin never rested until he knew the process and the plan.
Yes, he would delegate but he always followed up and asked questions before, during and after.

He actually did tell me to be sure that I did delegate and that it would be too much for me to take on all by myself. The higher up you go the responsibility you have. You find yourself involved in everything, that goes with the title.
But YOU still need to be sure that everyone is still looking at the details.
Paul would call me in his office and ask me about a particular job, be it a account job or a military move or a civilian move, he did not care. He looked at them all as his customer and wanted them all handled correctly and wanted everyone to care about each one.
There could be days that I just worked on twenty difficult moves and found a solution for each but he would call me on the carpet on one move out of South Florida going to Michigan that he saw was not assigned and we were in danger of not making our delivery dates and he would focus on that.
He never rested, therefore you could not rest.

If he asked you a question - you best of an answer or get back with one right quick.

If you are a leader or a boss and you are surprised- perhaps you are not doing YOUR job.

STAY INVOLVED-

Monday, December 3, 2012

Green

From our Road Warrior - Skip-
Do you want to talk about going “GREEN?”.Well?,I just had a job out of a “POD” container that got me to thinking.....3000 pounds in a 15 FOOT POD?Think about that,3 containers on a flatbed(that's all that fits)AND it takes 3 tractor trailers to haul what I normally get on my trailers....TALK ABOUT A HUGE CARBON FOOTPRINT?????Then there is the fact there was no PADS on anything and my shippers stuff,just from his residence to the warehouse was destroyed,on a SPRING RIDE TRAILER...Then on to U-haul....The same thing applies.....7-8,u-haul trucks just to get the weight I haul....That alone would remove MOST of California's issues......Peter Arpin would like this.....

RESPOND

" RESPOND; DON'T REACT.

 LISTEN; DON'T TALK.

 THINK; DON'T ASSUME."

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Bruuuuuuuuce



Lyrics from I'll wait for you......

We said we'd walk together baby come what may
That come the twilight should we lose our way
If as we're walking a hand should slip free
I'll wait for you
And should I fall behind
Wait for me

We swore we'd travel darlin' side by side
We'd help each other stay in stride
But each lover's steps fall so differently
But I'll wait for you
And if I should fall behind
Wait for me

Now everyone dreams of a love lasting and true
But you and I know what this world can do
So let's make our steps clear that the other may see
And I'll wait for you
If I should fall behind
Wait for me

Now there's a beautiful river in the valley ahead
There 'neath the oak's bough soon we will be wed
Should we lose each other in the shadow of the evening trees
I'll wait for you
And should I fall behind
Wait for me
Darlin' I'll wait for you
Should I fall behind
Wait for me

Saturday, December 1, 2012

We have the best workers in the world

I recently heard a politician say  " we have the best workers in the world"-

DO WE ?

I am not sure about that anymore. I think we have grown a whole new generation of people in the United States that try to find the easy way or spend their time trying to " game" the system.

Just to say we have the best workers in the world does not make it so.

There is a very good reason why a lot of manual labor jobs are going to Hispanics or to immigrants.
They are the ones that WANT to work.
They are the ones that do not mind sweating and working hard and breaking their back if need be.

I see it and hear it every day.

One of biggest issues in the moving business, especially for our over the road drivers, is labor.
Trying to find people that want to work on the trucks to load and unload is an adventure.
And if you look at some of poorer cities like DC or New Orleans those are the places that it is nearly impossible to find labor or people that you can pay for an honest days work.

I do think we have the capability to be the best and I also believe that we have the best schools and teachers and opportunity than anyone else in the world.
But we need to be honest with ourselves and with our youth.
No matter how smart you think you are you will still need to work hard and sacrifice.
Little is given, even to those with the best opportunities.

No matter how advanced we get and how technical we may get.
Nothing will replace working hard and learning business from the ground up.
Sweat Equity....
You need to appreciate what you get and you need to appreciate what others do and respect the process.

We have the best opportunity than anyone else in the world. What we do with it is up to us.