TWO MEN AND A TRUCK For some franchises, the pandemic has been very difficult to navigate. But not so much for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. John Prittie, president and CEO of the franchise in Canada, explains that “2021 was a banner year with approximately 20 per cent year-over-year growth. Had there been a larger pool of employees, the growth could have easily been 30 per cent or more.”
That’s because so many Canadians decided to move during this time. “Countless families moved from the city to the suburbs or the suburbs to the country. As a result, demand for moving services went through the roof. Many customers decided to move from one province to another, resulting in longer moves and increased revenues.”
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is a full-service moving company offering packing and unpacking; local, regional, and long distance moving; and storage and junk removal services. It started in the early ’80s in the U.S. and is now the largest franchised moving and storage company in North America with close to 400 franchises in Canada, the U.S., and the United Kingdom. There are currently 30 locations in Canada with plans to expand to 40 in the coming years.
When the pandemic began, the company was declared an essential business and its top priority was ensuring the safety of franchisees, their employees, and customers. Masks are worn in the truck and on the job site. The brand now completes virtual on-site estimates to help save time and money.
One of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK’s biggest challenges during the pandemic was recruiting and retaining movers and drivers, so it initiated several changes to wage and benefit programs.
Supply chain issues have also exacerbated an ongoing issue in the industry with the acquisition of new trucks and equipment. Prittie also says there have been challenges to operating in Canada because of ‘fly by night’ operators taking advantage of unsuspecting customers. Still, he adds, “It’s a great industry to be involved in as Canadian families move on average every five to seven years. The company enjoys many referrals and repeat customers.”
Franchisees don’t need prior experience—they simply need the skill set, desire, and financial capacity to join the team. They receive three weeks of training in the U.S., Canada, and their franchise location.
Prittie says they’ve done well throughout the pandemic. “Franchisees are resourceful, have strong interpersonal skills, positive attitudes, and are highly motivated individuals.