How One TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Franchisee’s Success and Passion For the Brand Convinced His Best Friend to Open His Own Location

All it took was a few years of encouragement from his pal Nathan Berns for Chris Raiber to sign on as a new owner with the nation’s largest moving franchise TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®. Raiber partnered with Berns, who is a current franchisee with the Michigan-based brand, to grow the 380-location company to Buffalo, New York. 

“Nathan and I have known each other for over 20 years, and since he’s been franchising with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® he’s constantly been encouraging me to get involved as well,” said Raiber. “As time went on, it became a more attractive opportunity, and now really felt like the right time.” 

Prior to becoming a franchisee with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, Raiber started his career as a high school teacher and wrestling coach in Iowa, where he and Berns began their friendship. He later shifted gears and worked in collections in different parts of the United States. After growing tired of the restrictions that come with working in corporate America, Raiber decided franchising with Berns might be the right idea. 

“Working in corporate America, there’s a lot of red tape and a lot of people telling you ‘no.’ Your hands are tied in a lot of scenarios, but there’s also the security of a paycheck,” said Raiber. “I was used to having that security blanket, and I don’t think I would have been ready to make the change without Nathan’s encouragement. It was understanding the passion that people have for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® that finally convinced me that this was a good leap, that it was the right thing to do.” 

But it wasn’t just seeing Berns’ passion for the brand — it was the drive and the happiness he saw at the Home Office in Michigan that sold Raiber on TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® once and for all. He says he was blown away by the support and resources the moving brand makes available to its franchisees.

“When you go into the Home Office and see the resources they provide their franchisees with and those that they share with the consumer, it’s so wildly different from what I experienced working in corporate America over the last 20 years,” said Raiber. “They have a vested interest in franchisees succeeding and pushing people forward; it’s refreshing to see. Working with this company feels like family — it wants to find a reason to tell you yes.” 

President of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Randy Shacka says he’s just as excited about this new partnership and opening in Buffalo as Raiber and Berns are. He’s looking forward to seeing Raiber’s past experience help move the brand forward. 

“These guys knew each other from the past, and Nathan’s been an amazing member of the team since he’s joined,” said Shacka. “When Chris came along, it was great; he’s just so energetic about the business. This is an inspiring time because they’re both so passionate about people, and we’ve been trying to enter the Buffalo market for years now.” 

Shacka also noted that this isn’t the first instance of friends encouraging friends to start working with the brand. He said over the last few years, referrals have been a notable source of how people have found out about, and signed on with, the brand. 

“There’s no greater validation than being referred by an existing owner,” said Shacka. “It’s a profitable business venture certainly, but it’s always nice to hear our franchisees are fulfilled in their business goals as well. When someone’s in that situation to make an emotional choice and invest in something and become a trusted advisor to others, that’s really validating.” 

Looking ahead to the future, Raiber says he and Berns are pleased to bring the business to Western New York, and hopes that once things are established he’ll be motivated to open another location. 

“First things first, I want to establish this location and provide the atmosphere and culture for employees that they deserve. Fueling a dynasty of people who do a great job and work hard will push me to open another location in the future,” said Raiber.

To learn more about franchising opportunities with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, visit www.franchise.twomenandatruck.com.