How did TWO MEN AND A TRUCK start?

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK was conceived in the early 1980s by brothers Brig and Jon Sorber. Using a '66 Ford pickup truck, they embarked on a journey to earn extra money during their high school years. Their iconic “stick-men” logo was crafted by their mother, Mary Ellen Sheets. As the brothers transitioned to college, Sheets took the reins, formally establishing the business in 1985 by purchasing a 14-foot truck for $350.

In the pages of American entrepreneurial history, few stories are as riveting as those of Brig Sorber and Jon Sorber. These two brothers, teenagers at the time, originated the idea of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK in the early 1980s. Raised in Michigan, the Sorber brothers were born into a family that held hard work and dedication as paramount values. These ideals would form the foundation upon which they built one of the most recognised brands in the moving industry.

The Initial Idea Behind TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

The early 80s saw 'TWO MEN AND A TRUCK' begin. Brig and Jon Sorber, two Lansing, Michigan, high school brothers, wanted to make extra money for college. In summers, they used their mother, Mary Ellen Sheets' 14-foot truck, for a small moving business. The operation relied on the brothers' strength and the family's entrepreneurial spirit.

The brothers advertised a local, stress-free shifting service. They sought to fill a market gap where local moves were too small for large companies but too big for most individuals. Word-of-mouth and a growing reputation for dependability and professional service helped the company succeed slowly. They aimed to make moving easier for individuals and families by providing a quality, affordable solution.

Early Operations of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

The early days of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK were humble and challenging. The company was first operated from the family garage of the Sheets family, with the very first 'truck' simply a pickup truck. The initial services offered were lumping (loading and unloading items) and focusing on small, local moves within Lansing, Michigan. This phase was pivotal as it allowed the founders to understand the dynamics of the hauling industry.

Despite the simplicity of their setup, they soon instilled a spirit of ingenuity and customer focus that would become a hallmark of the company. Customer satisfaction was the ultimate priority. Feedback from these early customers helped sharpen their service delivery and business model. Guided by this customer-first approach, the company slowly but steadily began to gain traction and establish a reputation for dependable service in the local community. It was a beginning fueled by dedication, grit, and the pursuit of excellence in delivering moving services.

Key Factors in the Success of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

One significant factor underpinning the success of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is its commitment to excellent customer service. This is manifested in several ways, including a robust customer satisfaction program, ongoing training of staff, and a strong emphasis on punctuality and professionalism. The company has consistently demonstrated an understanding of the importance of listening to customers' needs and adjusting its services accordingly, a trait that has undoubtedly contributed to its reputation and trustworthiness in the industry.

Another crucial element to their triumph is the strategic franchising model adopted by the company. This not only allowed for a rapid expansion across various geographic locations but also helped in spreading the company's values and mission to a broader audience. Their unique franchise system encourages owner-operators to run their locations like small businesses, fostering a sense of responsibility, intimacy, and connection with local customers. This approach has allowed TWO MEN AND A TRUCK to expand without losing the personalised touch that makes its service unique.