Starting a Moving Company
Interview with Paul Wells
Paul Wells founded Get A Move On, a residential and business moving company in Wichita, Kansas. If you are considering starting a moving company, you will enjoy reading this entrepreneur interview.
Paul started his moving company in 1996 and now serves the Wichita and Kansas City market.
We were very pleased that he was able to be part of our entrepreneur interview series and tell us a little more about what he's doing.
Paul, tell me about your current business. What are you doing exactly?
Our core business at Get A Move On is local moving for houses and apartments within the Wichita and Kansas City area. We also have a long distance division that moves to and from points within a 600 mile radius of Wichita.
What were you doing before this, and is this your first business?
I was the sales manager of an agricultural electronics company. In college, I ran a custom hay hauling business.
Where did you get the start up money?
A $3,000.00 cash advance on a credit card for a truck and equipment.
Who are your main competitors? How do you compete against them?
Other local moving companies are my competitors. We don't really set out to compete against other moving companies. But, by delivering quality service we can ensure repeat business.
How has your experience in running the business been different from what you expected?
Our sales grew much quicker than I had anticipated and the profitability aspect of the business. It seems you spend as you sell.
Is there anything you wish you had done differently?
We have made mistakes along the way and corrected as we've gone along. I would have used more oversight with key people.
What have you done that has been very effective in helping to grow the business?
Branded the company and our consistency with advertising.
What advice would you give to somebody else who wanted to start a similar business?
Get a good accountant and a good lawyer to help you set up the business.
Those are great tips, Paul. Thank you for sharing your story with Gaebler.com.
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